Tripod suggestions

[Shyvioletisme]

Hi. I currently use a Canon t2i (handheld) and REALLY need a tripod, but I'm lost on what to get. I'm looking for something moderately priced (prefer under $100, but willing to go higher if that's what it takes) that is pretty sturdy and easy to use and that will hold my camera/lenses. I'm just an amateur photographer, so I don't need anything too fancy right now, just something I can trust won't easily fall over when taking portraits. Thanks so much for any recs you can give me!

 

[rdunative]

I think you'll be pleased with the Manfrotto line of products. I have the 055XPROB Pro and the 322RC2 Joystick Head. The fall under the mid-range tripod products.

 

[wbeem]

Under $100 doesn't equate with trusty. However, you can find some reasonably priced tripods. Manfrotto is a good product, but you may also want to look at the Oben tripods on bhphotovideo.com. There's even one there a nickel cheaper than $100.

 

[photo_chick]

Velbon and Slik both have some very solid models that come in well under $100. And they last. I've got one of each brand that I've had for a couple of decades now. They're not fancy but they will more than do the job. For portrait shooting you don't need a high end head really, you just need something to hold the camera solidly. I would stay away from the "lightweight" models in this price range as most of those won't be very sturdy.

Also... many of us sandbag our tripods in the studio for extra stability.