Tripods? - AR15.COM

Posted: 9/12/2010 9:19:49 PM EDT

Hi all, I am looking for a tripod to buy for my wife. She is really loving photography (currently experimenting w/ a D5000) and I want to find a decent quality tripod. All the ones I ever find are very flimsy. I am looking to spend around $100, maybe more if it is justifiable. I want one with the smoothest operation and sturdiest legs I can find around my price range. Thanks

Posted: 9/12/2010 10:16:07 PM EDT

[#1]

Slik 500DX Pro Tripod

This particular tripod is a really good bang for your buck. It has titanium alloy legs and all metal upper receiver. It is built like a tank and is rock solid, however the downside to it is that at 5.4lbs it is slightly on the heavy side. Just add a 3-Way Pan/Tilt Head, ball head, or a grip head of your choice and you are good to go.

Someone will be along shortly to recommend a Manfrotto equivalent.

Posted: 9/12/2010 10:22:25 PM EDT

[#2]

It is extremely doubtful that you will find anything of quality for $100. However, for $250 you can get one of these:
http://www.thkphoto.com/products/slik/slik-pro780dx-a.html
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/507991-REG/Slik_615_780_Pro_780DX_Tripod_with.html
Ball heads are available if that is your preference.
Mine easily supports my D200 and 70-200mm f/2.8.

Posted: 9/13/2010 4:20:24 AM EDT

[#3]

Check out ebay, there are a lot of very good deals on excellent tripods there. Bogen/Manfrotto,Benbo, Gitzo and a number of others. Just check out the specifications and new price first. I just bought a lightweight Bogen for hiking. My older Bogen is just too damn big and heavy now days.

Edited to add it was under $70.00 and came with the head.

Posted: 9/13/2010 9:15:59 AM EDT

[#4]

I've had a Bogen 3040 for over 30 years. It weighs 10 pounds, but is solid as a rock. There's one on ebay for $100. IIRC, I paid $135 in 1978.
The one I use these days for my telescope is a Slik w/ a Miller head.

http://cgi.ebay.com/NICE-BOGEN-Professional-Tripod-3040-w-Pan-Tilt-Head-/190441840842?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item2c5737e0ca

Posted: 9/14/2010 5:48:19 PM EDT

[#5]

As mentioned above, you're going to have a hard time with $100. On the upside, if you buy a nice one they last forever.

I run a Manfrotto tripod and ball head. Very solid and smooth with the ball head. The downside being a setup is $250-$300.

Posted: 9/14/2010 11:52:36 PM EDT

[#6]

Quoted:
Slik 500DX Pro Tripod

This particular tripod is a really good bang for your buck. It has titanium alloy legs and all metal upper receiver. It is built like a tank and is rock solid, however the downside to it is that at 5.4lbs it is slightly on the heavy side. Just add a 3-Way Pan/Tilt Head, ball head, or a grip head of your choice and you are good to go.

Someone will be along shortly to recommend a Manfrotto equivalent.

Heavy is good when you use Tripods IMO... less sway and less likely to be knocked over by wind

Posted: 9/15/2010 2:13:46 AM EDT

[#7]

Slik 700 Pro user here ....

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