Need tripod recommendations - $100-$125 range.

[ChrisnSteph]

I have a gift certificate to BH Photo, and would like to buy a decent, lightweight tripod. I have a Nikon D50. Any recommendations?

 

[Gdad]

I got this one from B&H a few months ago and like it a lot. It is a bit more than you mentioned but I see they have a $25 rebate right now.

 

[mabas9395]

I got this one from B&H a few months ago and like it a lot. It is a bit more than you mentioned but I see they have a $25 rebate right now.

I would second that choice.

 

[TinksDH]

That looks like a real good deal. Pretty tough to find a good name-brand tripod AND ballhead AND quick-release for under $200.

 

[gokenin]

dont know what you are looking for in terms of weight but there are also the slik pro 500 and slik pro 700 which are close to your price range and i think the slik 500 weighs something like 5 lbs or so and the 700 i think tops out at around 8.5 pounds just as alternatives.

 

[Groucho]

There's a Velbon Maxi that's supposed to be very good for the price... just under $100 IIRC. I don't remember the details but I'm sure it should be easy to find.

 

[ChrisnSteph]

Thanks for the suggestions! I'm currently trying to decide between the Slik 700dx or the Bogen/Manfrotto 190XDB with the 486CR ball head.

 

[Experiment_626]

I got this one from B&H a few months ago and like it a lot. It is a bit more than you mentioned but I see they have a $25 rebate right now.

I'm looking for a good tripod as well. Several more months have passed since you wrote this -- do you still like it as much as you did? What are its pros and cons?

I've never had anything more than a $30 Vivitar tripod, but I've had to fix mine too many times and I no longer trust it. Also, getting the one I currently have into position to shoot a vertical shot is a real pain, and I take about 50/50 verticals and horizontals, so that's an important consideration. I'm just ready to move up, but price is still a real issue. I think I want the versatility of a ball-head -- do they stay nice and tight over time? Any other recommendations at around the same price?

SSB

 

[Jeff Fillmore]

I'm looking for a good tripod as well. Several more months have passed since you wrote this -- do you still like it as much as you did? What are its pros and cons?

I've never had anything more than a $30 Vivitar tripod, but I've had to fix mine too many times and I no longer trust it. Also, getting the one I currently have into position to shoot a vertical shot is a real pain, and I take about 50/50 verticals and horizontals, so that's an important consideration. I'm just ready to move up, but price is still a real issue. I think I want the versatility of a ball-head -- do they stay nice and tight over time? Any other recommendations at around the same price?

SSB

Yes I am still very very pleased with it.

 

[boBQuincy]

...Also, getting the one I currently have into position to shoot a vertical shot is a real pain, and I take about 50/50 verticals and horizontals, so that's an important consideration.

SSB

For rapid shifts from horizontal to vertical there is nothing like Really Right Stuff's "L" bracket. It also puts the weight of the camera in the right place. Expensive, yes, but the only good solution I have seen.

http://reallyrightstuff.com/rrs/Itemdesc.asp?ic=B450D-L&eq=&Tp=

 

[YesDear]

I use RRS stuff for my camera and it is one of those things that once you use it, you will not use anything else!

Of course Bob has great taste except in cameras!!! LOL

 

[boBQuincy]

I use RRS stuff for my camera and it is one of those things that once you use it, you will not use anything else!

Of course Bob has great taste except in cameras!!! LOL

Hey! I resemble that remark! LOL!

It's Chevy, Stags Leap wine, and Canon, (sometimes in that order). And RRS!

 

[jann1033]

a few yrs ago i bought a giottos...it is a little heavy in aluminum ( about the same as the bogen linked to here but really for the features unless you have lots more to spend it would be hard to find anything close that is lighter) but i love it for all the features it has( it won a bunch of awards which is why i took the chance on a name i didn't know although it seems like it's carried more places now), a panning head is built in, a nice center column that is adjustable so many ways for macro etc, legs adjust a bunch of different heights as well, spirit levels, sand resistant locks ect, spike and rubber shoes, (you can also get snow/sand shoes), a case and shoulder strap is included as well as a little repair/ adjustment kit, just lots more features than anything else i saw for even remotely close to the price...it was about 150ish when i bought it, not sure how much now but it was a good purchase and as usual i researched and researched...it holds something like 13lbs which was major for me since my little cheapy one had the legs slide out from under in with my camera on it..kind of scary!

 

[Experiment_626]

a few yrs ago i bought a giottos

Can you tell which model you have?

SSB