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

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.

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

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.

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

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'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.

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

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

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

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.

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

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...

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 ?

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

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

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

RRS tripod and head 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.

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

Good advice!