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!!!!
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.
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.
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 11:32 AM
Lars Johnsson Offline • • • • • • • Upload & Sell: Off
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.
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 >.<
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.
Where does he get a Feisol tripod with Photoclam ballhead for $ 200 ?