tripod recommendation

[tekoa]

Can anyone recommend a decent tripod under $150. I have been looking on line and it is a bit overwhelming. Thank you.

 

[fhirleighinn]

What height do you need? What Type of camera (weight of camera), do you think you want a removeable head?

 

[tekoa]

What height do you need? What Type of camera (weight of camera), do you think you want a removeable head?

I have a Canon XTi with the kit lens. (hope to get a longer lens in the not too distant future). What is the advantage of a removeable head? And, honestly I did not know they came in different heights, I would like to be able to take family group shots and run into the picture. I have an interest in taking shots of flowers and fireworks. Thanks for your help. I will be in Boothbay Harbor next week. We love it there.

GO RED SOX!!!!

 

[fhirleighinn]

Well there can be a lot of differences in materials, carbon fiber is more expensive, aluminum is cheaper but slightly heavier. a removeable head would allow to have a head for general photography and then another for say a video camera.
A trip to a store like Ritz camera or Hunts would allow you to look at some different ones, compare weights and whatnot.

Something like this would be an entry level tripod;
http://www.ritzcamera.com/product/2...ssories;citripods-supports;citripods-complete

Something like this is a set of separate legs, it give you more flexibility with heights and angles but it would need a separate head:
http://www.ritzcamera.com/product/2...ssories;citripods-supports;citripods-complete
This would be a good head (actaully exactly what i have):
http://www.ritzcamera.com/product/2...accessories;citripods-supports;citripod-heads

 

[Anewman]

Calumetphoto.com sells decent store brand tripods, not great but the prices are very low. They tend to be very sturdy, but heavy.


$79 with Head.

Product Specifications
Maximum height with column

* 67.5" (171.5cm)

Folded length

* 24.5"

Minimum height

* 10.75" (27.3cm)

Number of leg sections

* 4

Weight

* 5.75 lbs. 2.6kg)

Maximum load

* 11 lbs. (5kg)


$79 without head

Product Specifications
Max Height w/ Column

* 69"

Folded Length

* 25"

Minimum Height

* 9.6"

Number of Leg Sections

* 3

Weight

* 6.25 lbs

Maximum Load

* 13 lbs

 

[tekoa]

Thank you.

 

[boBQuincy]

If you want light weight Velbon's Maxi 347 series can hold a Rebel with a somewhat long lens. At 3 pounds it is not likely to be as steady as the Calumet but easier to carry.

Don't forget to pick up a remote release.

 

[dr_zero]

I have a older Velbon victory that has been all over the place and it keeps right on truckin.
One thing I really liked is the feet you can screw the ends out to be spikes for outdoors and just rubber feet for indoors. Some other models I have seen just have the rubber feet.

 

[DisneySuiteFreak]

If you want light weight Velbon's Maxi 347 series can hold a Rebel with a somewhat long lens. At 3 pounds it is not likely to be as steady as the Calumet but easier to carry.

Don't forget to pick up a remote release.

boBQuincy, can the pan head be swapped with a ball head or is it fixed?

 

[boBQuincy]

The pan head does unscrew and can be replaced with a ball head. I originally bought a Velbon ball head but the camera mounting interface was poor (as most are) so I replaced it with a Really Right Stuff clamp.

I have a Maxi 347 GB and it has a 1/4-20 mounting screw.
This photo was taken using the Velbon with a 200mm lens:

 

[DisneySuiteFreak]

The pan head does unscrew and can be replaced with a ball head. I originally bought a Velbon ball head but the camera mounting interface was poor (as most are) so I replaced it with a Really Right Stuff clamp.

I have a Maxi 347 GB and it has a 1/4-20 mounting screw.
This photo was taken using the Velbon with a 200mm lens:

Thanks Bob! I think I'm going to get this for a travel tripod and make my life a little easier!