Best tripod in the $200 range

[Poohbear5]

Any recommendations for a tripod in the $200 range?

[rossb]

I use this with a Nikon D90 and a D7000 and consumer Nikkor Zooms and I never felt the need for something more expensive:

http://www.jr.com/davis---sanford/pe/DAS_VOYAGERLTB/

http://www.amazon.com/Davis-Sanford-VOYAGERLTB-Voyager-Tripod/dp/B002W0N7VA/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/667187-REG/Davis_Sanford_VOYAGERLTB_Voyager_Lite_with_BHQ8.ht ml


It is a "grounder" that has legs that fold out, which allows it to sit nearly flat on the floor.

[ssanders79]

Check out the benro travel angels. They are great for travel and non windy days.

[C&B Young]

It depends on what you're looking for in a tripod. I've got a Velbon (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/589888-REG/Velbon_ULTRA_LUXI_L_Ultra_LUXi_L_Tripod_with.html) for travel which goes for about $175 (although I picked mine up for $8 :) ). I was also recently considering a Manfrotto M-Y which comes in aluminum (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/602425-REG/Manfrotto_7322YB_7322YB_M_Y_Aluminum_Tripod.html) for about $95 and carbon fiber (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/663224-REG/Manfrotto_732CY_732CY_M_Y_Carbon_Fiber.html) for $180. Ultimately I chose to stick with the Velbon for travel, and will end up getting a larger, heavy-duty CF tripod for studio work down the road.

[Gdad]

I am super happy with my Benro C-258EX- like $265 at KEH

http://www.keh.com/camera/Tripods-Tripods-Legs/1/sku-TR439991173170?r=FE

[tlcmommyx4]

I'm not sure if I got a lemon, but I got a Velbon, and the legs have collapsed on more than one occasion. I am also looking for a new tri-pod. I did like the fact that it would reach 72in. for fireworks at Disney. I hope to see somemore choices from everyone:thumbsup2.

[Groucho]

Darn, I was going to suggest the Slik Pro 713 CF II but apparently it's not available anymore! I love mine and it's right in the $200 range, and was the lightest/tallest/strongest CF tripod in the <$500 range when I bought. (Actually, I think it was the only one at any price to have the combination of height and weight that I wanted.) If you see one leftover, I would definitely recommend giving it consideration. Slik also gives you padding on all three legs, unlike some brands. ;)

[zackiedawg]

Not sure of your specific needs, but the Slik Sprint Pro EZ model can be had for a hair over $100, and is a fine all-purpose tripod. I use mine for travel, night shots, wildlife, long-lens support, panning, etc. It's compact for travel, fits in carryon and lockers, expands to a comfortable height, legs are independently adjustable, can lie flat on the floor, reversible center column, flip lock legs, and comes with a decent milled pan-tilt head. With the savings, you could buy a pretty nice head too if you wanted something like a ballhead or pistol-grip. And as Groucho mentioned, I like the leg padding (especially when it was 35 degrees at Epcot taking night shots on EMH night and I had no gloves).

[Poohbear5]

Thanks, I made a list of the suggestions made here to take with me to Hunts this afternoon and check out the various recommendations.

I would mainly use it for low light, landscapes shots.

I have a real cheapie from 30 years ago that is tough to set up and very heavy so it's mainly a corner ornament!

[MarkBarbieri]

Thanks, I made a list of the suggestions made here to take with me to Hunts this afternoon and check out the various recommendations.

I would mainly use it for low light, landscapes shots.

I have a real cheapie from 30 years ago that is tough to set up and very heavy so it's mainly a corner ornament!

Just be aware that lightweight, stable, and inexpensive all work against each other. The more you have of one, the less you are likely to have of the other two.

[Gdad]

lightweight, stable, and inexpensive

I would say you could pick any two of those features you wanted- just don't expect all three.

[Poohbear5]

I would say you could pick any two of those features you wanted- just don't expect all three.

Ahhh.. I ended up going with stable and inexpensive. Figured I would deal with the weight problem by putting the tripod in my husband's backpack!!

The carbon fiber tripods were very cool but way over my budget. I went with the Manfrotto 055XPROB with the 496 Ballhead. (Somewhere arounds 6lbs, total I think).

Maybe I'll upgrade to fiber carbon when my twins graduate college in two years!

Thanks for the input!

[Groucho]

Note that Amazon currently has 25% off a ton of photo accessories (http://www.amazon.com/gp/feature.html/ref=br_lf_m_1000643391_grlink_2?ie=UTF8&plgroup=2&docId=1000643391) including tripods... that's probably the best deal you'll find for a while.

[GrillMouster]

Remember to budget for a decent ball head (or whatever type of head you prefer). Getting a good tripod then cheaping out on the ball head is akin to putting a $10 "protective" filter on a $2500 lens.

[Marlton Mom]

I just purchased a Sunpak Platinum plus 6600PG tripod at best buy for around $59.99

It has a pistol grip type ball head :thumbsup2 :thumbsup2 :thumbsup2
Max Height 65.5"
min height 24.5
Load capacity 11 lbs
Product Width 4"
Product Weight 3.55 lbs.
Product Depth 4.5"
Leg Diameter 1"
Leg material Aluminum 'D' shape
Leg locks Flip lever
Feet Rubber tip/retractable spikes
Chassis: geared, folding crank, 3 axis bubble level plus a center bubble level on the leg platform
Quick release plate 620-749

This is a great price for a Pistol grip ball head with all of these features. This would definitely not be suitable for video as it couldn't really pan smoothly and the Chassis gears are plastic on plastic but I think it's a steal at this price for a PG type ball head.

The Ball head seems really solid and adjustments are easy. It locks into place with a death grip so ya gotta love that!

I have a pan head Slik U9000 that has served me well over the years but I was really craving a ball head and I feared that I would have to pay in the $200 range for one. I had a $15 dollar off best buy rewards zone coupon so I got the price down even further. :lmao:

This is a good entry level, pistol grip ball head tripod, perfect for someone who will not use $$$ worth of tripod in their lifetime. It's only .5 pounds heavier than my Slik U 9000 and around 4 inches taller. Plus the center pole where the 3 legs attach has a locking screw so it won't flop open in transit. :cheer2:

I figure I now have a $150 in my imaginary lens purchasing bank account towards my next lens!

Woo Hoo!

~ Marlton Mom