Tripod recommendations?

[aggielawyer]

I have a 35mm SLR that I'm thinking about taking with me on my solo trip next month. I'll admit that it's sat in my closet since I got my digital camera several years ago, but I've taken it back out and am playing with it again. I WANT a Nikon D90, but that's just not in the budget right now.

So...I'd like a tripod that is compact, lightweight, and not too expensive (ideally less than $30). What should I look at?

 

[Frantasmic]

Well, Target, Wal-Mart, Best Buy, etc. all have several versions to look at in your price range. The less expensive ones aren't really distinguishable by portability. The ones I have in that price range are all pretty bulky and more than a few aren't very stable.

So, I'd suggest increasing your price range a bit and a visit to a local camera store if you have one. You can find something a little more stable and lighter if your upper price range is around $80.

For example, I'd suggest one with a pistol-grip. It allows more smooth panning/moving in my opinion and is more steady.

http://www.buy.com/retail/product.asp?sku=204049670&listingid=29751803

P.S. Go Red Raiders!

 

[YesDear]

I will preface this by saying that those that know me on this board, know that inexpensive tripods are a subject of great disdain and confusion for me. So take my comments with that in mind.

You may want to look at the SLR gorillapod. Inexpensive and some here really like them.

It always amazes me that you want a D90 but are willing to put your $1000 camera and then an lens on a tripod that costs less than $30. Tom Hogan of Nikon frame says go ahead and get a good tripod because you will spend about the same amount buying bad ones as you will on a good one once you realize that is the one you need.

Not that I am the authority on tripods or just like to spend money but my travel tripod and head are more expensive than a D40 kit. It weighs just over 3ibs with head and will hold over 13ibs which will properly support my D300 and 70-200 lens.

Spend some time and do research on an appropriate tripod for the camera.

 

[aggielawyer]

Frantasmic: Bless your heart, I think you meant Gig 'Em!

YesDear: the cheap tripod is for my old SLR, I don't have a D90 and if I ever get one I will definitely invest in a good tripod. I'm just hesitant to lay out a lot of cash right now because 1) I'm just getting back into photography as a hobby and 2) I don't have a lot of spare cash to spend on something until I have an idea if I'm really going to use it [hence, not owning a D90]. So I was looking for something that I could take to WDW with me to enhance some of my pics, but that I wouldn't regret purchasing if I didn't get back into the hobby as much as I think I will.

I had looked at the gorillapod and will keep that in mind.

 

[YesDear]

I knew you did not have the D90 yet. My suggestion then is to rent a decent tripod from your local camera shop. That would probably be in the $30 range. Then you have good protection for your SLR and you do not have to get rid of a cheap tripod should you get the D90.

 

[Groucho]

If you want to save bucks, you can probably pick up a used one. Check local stores or Craigslist - I see tripods listed quite often in the photo section.

If/when you do go DSLR, remember that you may be able to use your current lens(es) on it depending on what you have now and what you buy.

Depending on the weight of your lens, you can probably get away with one that's not TOO bulky. Velbon makes some relatively small/light ones that are nice and are under $100.

I use a Slik Pro 713 CF II, which is a carbon fiber one that costs slightly over $200. I am very happy with it. For a head, I use just a basic Bogen ballhead (~$50), which is fine but I could probably use a slightly bigger one for my gear...