Tripod recommendation for DSLR

[PeterGwee]

Hi folks, got a EOS 40D after much pondering and etc. Now, I need to know from you experience folks what kind of tripod do you guys use or recommend? Budget is around $500.

Regards,
Peter Gwee

[luenny]

I'm using Manfrotto. So far so good - the older model may be a bit on the heavy side but the newer ones are fine.

[PeterGwee]

Where did you get yours and the approximate damage and model? PM me if cannot quote figure openly.

Regards,
Peter Gwee

[benny]

I think besides tripod, you need to consider the head too. Ball head or 3 way pan head are the most common. For ball head, I would prefer something with a Arca Swiss type of plates.

As for tripod, it depends on your type of usage. Do you lug it all over the place or are you the type that throw it in your car, take it out during events and throw back into the car?

For your budget, both Slik and Manfroto have a good selection, even including heads. Alternatively, scout around for a used Carbon Fibre one for the lighter weight option.

Cheers,

[PeterGwee]

Benny, my budget includes the ball head as well. Not sure I can get good ones or maybe I should hold back and save up for better ones later on. (I prefer the ball head style tripod rather than the 3-way pan style type.)

Regards,
Peter Gwee

[benny]

How often do you need to use the tripod?

You can always borrow first to try different height and types. There are many of us here with tripods and can certain arrange for a loan for a week or so with no problems.

I would definitely agree on saving for a good tripod. It does not depreciate as fast and can be used for a long, long, long time without being obsolete.

Cheers,

[PeterGwee]

Ok, guess I'll wait longer and recover from my damages while I get familiar with the camera settings. Thanks Benny and Luenny!

Regards,
Peter Gwee

[mervin]

types or style of shooting should also be considered before buying a tripod.

i had a Manfroto 55 tripod before my lens went from a 100-400, 70-200 to a 500f4

[Simon]

For $500, you can get a manfrotto 55 or 190B with ballhead + a SLK GM for traveling

[juggler]

types or style of shooting should also be considered before buying a tripod.

i had a Manfroto 55 tripod before my lens went from a 100-400, 70-200 to a 500f4

I am not tall ~ 5'4". So I used the shorter Manfrotto 190 plus a 141RC head. The setup weighs 2.7kg (less than a M16 at 3.6kg) so it is fine for slinging and lugging around. Bought it 12 years ago and still happy with it since I do not have big heavy tele lenses. It cost 1/3 of your budget then.

You are free to try using mine or check out the various models at, say, Cathay Photo?

Cheers!

[zenscape]

Congrats! Peter. 40D is a fantastic camera. I am very tempted also

I think you need a sturdy tripod that hold at least 5kg and above. Coincidentally, I just bought a used tripod yesterday at S$80. Name is PPCP Pro Tripod V2, it comes with ball head and I save $ on this. Very nice looking tripod- http://www.perfectpixelcameraparts.c...d&productId=10

IMHO, you don't need to pay S$500 for a good tripod as there are a few good ones less than this price

[Shadow]

by the way what is ball head?

[zenscape]

by the way what is ball head?

For ease of rotation and a good one can provide good stability

[Freakin' Fraud]

Hi all,

I hope I will not be going out of topic here.

I am new to photography, and only recently, I also went through the phase of deciding on what tripod to buy. Being absolutely clueless in tripods, I cluelessly ended up buying a lightweight tripod for $8 (the aluminium el cheapo kind). After reading this thread, I am shocked to discover that tripods can be so expensive!!

Can anyone share the difference between a quality tripod as compared to the el cheapo kind? So that should I decide to upgrade my hobby in the future, I can be a tad more knowledgable...

[Shadow]

hahaha... me too , bought tripot from carefour for $30. I just want to use it for indoor, taking photo of my tank.

[hwchoy]

you can't put a big DSLR with big lens on those cheap tripod. it'll cost more when it topples and drop your expensive gear. even a good B+W filter cost close to $100.

[valice]

Most important is stability.
Some tripods are good with PNS camera. If you have a heavy camera with heavy lens with flash, you need a tripod that can take at least 10kg. A cheap aluminium will collapse under the weight or tilt over.

[hwchoy]

I now use my SLIK U900 for mounting my flash or hanging orchids from (for shooting)

[benetay]

If you travel around frequently, you really need to get a light tripod. As most people here suggested carbon fibre. Ball head are heavy, weighting around 1-1.2kg for some. thus the overall weight adds up resulting you to leave your tripod in the car or hotel room when you are overseas. I've heard too many a times when people rather leave their tripod at home than to lug it around. It's too heavy!

Since my tripod is resting for the time being, i don't mind loaning it to you. Tripod only weights 0.9kg. Interested? just send a pm

[trident]

I am getting a manfrotto from my brother, hope it's up to my expectation,
light and strong.