Julian Nell wrote:
I have been looking to get a tripod in the future, but don't know what to get.
I have been looking at the Induro AT-213 but am starting to think it is going to be a bad choice.
It is important that it is $150 or less because I am poor, so if you have any suggestions that would be great. Thanks.
Julian
Interesting (not trying to hijack your thread, just adding a little discussion to it) ...I've been looking at that same Induro model as well. I know the purveying recommendations around here are to purchase a very expensive carbon fiber tripod. Although there is some practical wisdom to buying the best tripod for the long term...in the real word, it just doesn't fit everyone's budget. By that logic, no one should use anything less than the latest pro-level camera either.
I've been reading alot regarding Induro/Benro and I've gotten the impression that while the earlier tripods may have been deficient in design & manufacture, the latest/modern ones seem to be fairly well made. I'd like to see some replies from people who have purchased more recent copies of Induro and put them through moderately heavy use.
You've also got some good solid Manfrotto options in that price range, without Benro's dubious history. The 190 (lighter) and 055 (sturdier) series are reliable and effective.
I have the Benro A1691T + B0 head and have been very happy with it. It is light enough to strap to a backpack and is pretty solid. It's a bit short, but I don't mind stooping over a bit. I've seen reports of people using it successfully with a 5d body and 70-200 2.8 so it should be sufficient for most uses. Certainly if you are just using a wide angle lens there shouldn't be a problem. Great stability and portability for the price.
edl415 wrote:
Slik 700DX if you don't mind weight. Best $99 legs I've found.
I also have the Slik 700. I swapped the pan head for a used AS head (cost more than the whole Slik setup!). It is heavy, but quite solid. I also split the 2 piece center section and leave only one on the tripod so I am not tempted to overextend and get too wobbly!
I have an Induro 113, similar to the 213 but slightly smaller. I use a tripod quiet a bit-a habit from my film days I guess. This was the first Induro model that I have owned, previously I had a Bogen. I much prefer the twist-lock mechanisms for locking the legs in place on the Induro, over the levers on the Bogen (that is the part that broke on the Bogen). I have had the Induro for about 2-3 months and have used it quiet a bit this spring taking wildflower photos. So far I do not have any complaints. The tripod seems nicely made and everything functions as it should. I did buy the optional low-center post for ground-level work, something the Bogen comes equipped to handle. Overall I am happy with the Induro, the real test will be how long it last and how well it holds up (and if I can can get replacement parts/service if something gets broken). The tripod is fairly light weight, I couldn't see spending the extra money for a carbon-fiber model. The 113 is about the right size for what I bought it for, hiking around for nature/outdoor photography. I would probably go a liitle larger, such as the 213 or 313 if I wanted something for a studio or more eye-level work. The Induro also comes with a nice case, a set a spiked feet, and a couple small wrenchs to adjust/change the feet with.
The Induros are a Benro brand sold here in the US. Generally they're a bit more upscale than the Benros with more modern design and finish. Plenty of happy users for both Benro and Induro models. Amazon sell many of the previous generation models at discounted prices. The Benro A-157 M8 for example is an inexpensive (and previous generation version) that supports 13.2lbs and is 22" folded and weighs 3.2lbs. It costs $90. The current version of this tripod (A1570TB1) is selling out of mainland China on eBay as a kit for $235. Take the B1 ballhead out of that kit and the tripod is going for $190-200. The Amazon version is a pretty good value.
so if you have any suggestions that would be great. Thanks.
