Looking to purchase a tripod.

Discussion in 'Bags, Tripods, and Accessories' started by steve_k, Apr 24, 2017.

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  1. steve_k

    steve_k New Member Site Supporter

    Joined:
    Apr 24, 2017
    Messages:
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    Location:
    Shelton, CT
    Hello Everyone,

    I have been taking photos for several months now and it is now time to upgrade the very inexpensive tripod that I purchased when I started. I have been looking at Manfrotto but they do not seem to have what I am looking for at a reasonable price. I am looking for a good tripod that can support a minimum of 10 lb.s and a minimum Maximum height of 64 to 70 " more is ok and a ball head. I also want a folded length of less than 24". During my search I started looking at some Benro tripods. Their prices seem pretty reasonable. Does anyone have any experience with Benro or any suggestion as to manufacturers and models I should be looking at. I would like to keep the price under $300.

    Thanks in advance.

    Steve
     

  2. johnsey

    johnsey Site Moderator Staff Member Site Supporter

    Joined:
    Apr 21, 2017
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    Location:
    Fargo, ND
    Equipment:
    5dMk4, 5dsR, 5dMk2, 20D, 70-200 2.8L IS, 100mm 2.8 Macro USM, 50mm 1.4, 85mm 1.8, 17-40mm 4.0L, TS-E 24mm 3.5L II, Rokinon 14mm 2.8; Pixma Pro-100
    Your on the right track, upgrading to carbon fiber will increase the strength to weight ratio and provide better vibration absorption. There are several reasonable priced options for that,Benro being one. ( I don't have experience with Benro)
    I really like the Induro 214 i purchased back on 2007, now it appears the new 200 series are models CLT203 & CLT 204 priced around 375-400; comparable to the Benro Mach 3 and other similar priced/spec models. Maybe you'll catch a sale if you are patient but a nice compact carbon fiber tripod will run about $400 and is worth every penny if you want to upgrade.
     
  3. steve_k

    steve_k New Member Site Supporter

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    Apr 24, 2017
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    Location:
    Shelton, CT
    Thanks Johnsey,

    I was looking at the Induro's. It's just the price. I don't know why $400 is an issue for a tripod. I have spent considerably more on glass. Maybe some therapy and I can convince myself to bite the bullet.

    Thanks for the response.
    Steve
     
  4. Ray-UK

    Ray-UK Member Site Supporter

    Joined:
    Apr 25, 2017
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    Location:
    Rochester, UK
    Equipment:
    Canon 7D Mk II, Canon 10-22, Canon 24-105 L Mk 1, Canon 24mm 2.8, Canon 55-250 STM, Canon 100mm usm macro, 3x Metz 58 AF1 & too many film cameras, mainly Pentax
    The Giottos range is worth looking at, good quality at a reasonable price.
     
  5. steve_k

    steve_k New Member Site Supporter

    Joined:
    Apr 24, 2017
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    Location:
    Shelton, CT
    Thank You Ray and Johnsey for your reply's. I ended up buying a Manfrotto MT190XPRO4 Aluminum with ball head $150.

    I just lost a bid on a Sigma 50-500 HSM on ebay. Almost immediately after the bidding I received my daily notification emails and wouldn't you know they had the tripod and a sigma 50-500 screw drive half of what the hsm model went for. It was sort of like the Godfather making me a deal i couldn't refuse. :). Needless to say I now own both and am very happy with aluminum and screw drive.
     
  6. Mike_1962

    Mike_1962 New Member Site Supporter

    Joined:
    Apr 27, 2017
    Messages:
    3
    Location:
    Oldham, Greater Manchester, UK
    Equipment:
    650D / 500D / Eos-m. Various lenses
    Pentax K5 11 / K200D/ Fuki X-10 / Nikon P 7700 / sony Rx100
    I have an earlier version of that tripod, along with a smaller manfrotto, and find the quality of the brand to be very high.
     

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