tripod + ball head advice

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Nickyb21
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p.1 #1 · tripod + ball head advice

Hey guys, looking into purchasing a decent tripod and ball head and looking to stay around or below 200 smack-a-roo's. This is my first setup and I'm very new to the photography scene, I don't want to drop $500+ on a tripod setup just yet, nor do I want a 35 dollar special at Wal-mart. I use a D3100, biggest lens is a 55-200 zoom and will be upgrading to a d7000 in the future, or at least plan to. I'm 5'11" if that matters and I like to shoot landscape, portraits and just about anything. Manfrotto's look like the best bang for the buck IMO. Any input's would be awesome!!!!

Thanks
Nick

Oct 15, 2012 at 03:09 PM

vsg28
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p.1 #2 · tripod + ball head advice

If weight is not a big concern, go with aluminum tripods. Great value for money and you will get many more options. Manfrotto's aluminum tripod line is pretty good too.

Edit: I just saw you want to be under $200, not $500. In this case, you need to look for tripod kits.

Oct 15, 2012 at 03:22 PM

Nickyb21
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p.1 #3 · tripod + ball head advice

Thanks for the feedback, I should've added that weight doesn't really matter to me as long as it doesn't weigh 50 pounds lol

Oct 15, 2012 at 03:45 PM

runamuck
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p.1 #4 · tripod + ball head advice

http://reallybigcameras.com/Feisol/Tripods

Pretty much any tripod on that page will suit you.

If aluminum suits you:
http://www.amazon.com/Manfrotto-190XPROB-Section-Aluminum-Tripod/dp/B000N7VPRW/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1350315806&sr=8-2&keywords=manfrotto+tripod

A decent photoclam ballhead on this puts you in business.
http://reallybigcameras.com/PhotoClam/Photo%20Clam%20Table.htm Any ballhead 36 or higher wilolo be ploenty solid for you.

With any tripod, add 4 inches to the height for the ballhead, plus another 4 inches for the camera.

Edited on Oct 15, 2012 at 03:55 PM · View previous versions

Oct 15, 2012 at 03:50 PM

sjms
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p.1 #5 · tripod + ball head advice

well it will weigh in at about 7 lbs. you are asking a lot out of $200. here goes:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/843714-REG/Vanguard_ABEO_323AB_Abeo_283AB_Tripod_With.html

Edited on Oct 15, 2012 at 03:57 PM · View previous versions

Oct 15, 2012 at 03:54 PM

vsg28
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p.1 #6 · tripod + ball head advice

Ugh.. I had that same model once and I personally can't recommend it. YMMV though!

Edit: This was referring to the Vanguard model which was linked above but not anymore I see. The one listed presently I think is better, though I have no personal experience with it.

Oct 15, 2012 at 03:55 PM

sjms
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p.1 #7 · tripod + ball head advice

i'm trying in a price range here. i was at B&H last friday and gave it a look. its not bad for its pricing.

Edited on Oct 15, 2012 at 04:01 PM · View previous versions

Oct 15, 2012 at 03:58 PM

Kell
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p.1 #8 · tripod + ball head advice

I got a Manfrotto with quick release head at Best Buy for $179 that works nicely

Oct 15, 2012 at 03:59 PM

vsg28
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p.1 #9 · tripod + ball head advice

sjms wrote:
i'm trying in a price range here

Can't blame you. $200 is tough to get for good tripod kits.

Oct 15, 2012 at 04:00 PM

sjms
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p.1 #10 · tripod + ball head advice

Kell wrote:
I got a Manfrotto with quick release head at Best Buy for $179 that works nicely

the vanguard at least has a head that supports the arca swiss plate system. manfrotto does not. theirs is one to itself.

Oct 15, 2012 at 04:02 PM

vsg28
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p.1 #11 · tripod + ball head advice

I went ahead and suggested Benro to the OP as well. It is easier to find one and comes with better warranty.

Oct 15, 2012 at 04:05 PM

Poff Photo
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p.1 #12 · tripod + ball head advice

sjms wrote:
well it will weigh in at about 7 lbs. you are asking a lot out of $200. here goes:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/843714-REG/Vanguard_ABEO_323AB_Abeo_283AB_Tripod_With.html

I just bought this kit a few weeks ago... For $250; I'm pretty satisfied... It holds 22 pounds, has the flip leg releases which I like, and has a decent maximum height 'cause I'm tall! When I looked in the box I was pleased to find that they had thrown in an extra QR plate for nothing... It's not the $1200 RRS that I have on my wish list - but it will do for now...

Oct 15, 2012 at 04:32 PM

Lars Johnsson
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p.1 #13 · tripod + ball head advice

runamuck wrote:
http://reallybigcameras.com/Feisol/Tripods

Pretty much any tripod on that page will suit you.

If aluminum suits you:
http://www.amazon.com/Manfrotto-190XPROB-Section-Aluminum-Tripod/dp/B000N7VPRW/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1350315806&sr=8-2&keywords=manfrotto+tripod

A decent photoclam ballhead on this puts you in business.
http://reallybigcameras.com/PhotoClam/Photo%20Clam%20Table.htm Any ballhead 36 or higher wilolo be ploenty solid for you.

With any tripod, add 4 inches to the height for the ballhead, plus another 4 inches for the camera.

You are way over his $ 200 budget

Where does he get a Feisol tripod with Photoclam ballhead for $ 200 ?

Oct 15, 2012 at 04:38 PM

Nickyb21
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p.1 #14 · tripod + ball head advice

Thanks for the input guys, I will view all my options and go from there

Oct 16, 2012 at 02:19 PM

boingyman
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p.1 #15 · tripod + ball head advice

I would also consider a Benro as a great option for the price. Check ebay for the best prices. I believe you could get a A269? that comes with the B1 ballhead for ~$200.

Oct 16, 2012 at 03:35 PM

lukeb
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p.1 #16 · tripod + ball head advice

I'd go with RRS - and not have to never worry about buying another tripod.

Oct 16, 2012 at 03:43 PM

Lars Johnsson
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p.1 #17 · tripod + ball head advice

lukeb wrote:
I'd go with RRS - and not have to never worry about buying another tripod.

RRS tripod and head for $ 200

Oct 16, 2012 at 05:23 PM

ytsaelee
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p.1 #18 · tripod + ball head advice

I use a Manfrotto 055xprob with a 498rc2 ball head. Bought the legs used for $75 off craigslist & head new from BHphoto for just under $100. The Manfrotto 190xprob legs are a bit smaller, lighter and have shorter height but just as good.

The importance of it is that you must be willing to spend an amount of $$$ on a nice tripod rather than the repair cost of your most expensive camera setup combined. A friend of mine learned the hard way using a cheap ball head and is now spending $485 on repair for his 24-70 2.8L >.<

Oct 16, 2012 at 05:35 PM

dcains
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p.1 #19 · tripod + ball head advice

If $200 is a "hard" number, used is really the only way to go, and the above mentioned Manfrotto setup, or one very similar, is a good choice. I bought an 055XProB on Craigslist a few months back, in new condition for $100, and see similar deals on CL and here on FM fairly often. Keep your eyes open. Good used gear is better than new crap.

Oct 16, 2012 at 08:09 PM

peter_n
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p.1 #20 · tripod + ball head advice

dcains wrote: Keep your eyes open. Good used gear is better than new crap.

Good advice!

Oct 17, 2012 at 01:58 PM

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