Toronto Photography Meetup Group

Hi, I'm fairly new to photography and I wanted get a tripod (the one I've been using isn't reliable). Any suggestions for a student on a budget? I'm using a four thirds camera (olympus ep1) , so it's not a huge camera.

Thanks!

Because a good tripod can last a long time, check out the buy and sell section. You can get some good heads and legs at much cheaper than retail.

what is your budget and what are your intended uses? do you intend to get a bigger (dSLR or film camera) in the future? do you intend to travel with it?

my advice is to stick with one of the larger manufacturers and save up and get a model that can be repaired (parts are modular)...

Manfrotta and Gitzo are excellent and if you travel, it shouldn't be difficult to find a retailer that can provide service/parts if you're in a jam...

I agree with Ken, I'd go with a Gitzo or Manfrotto (ideally) or another major manufacturer. But you also need to think about the tripod head as well which is an important part of the package..

I've owned both Gitzo and Manfrotto tripods by both and both worked great. The Manfrottos tend to be less expensive.

If your budget is tight, you will likely need to go with with aluminum (which isn't so bad because they are very durable etc.) I would go with a 3 section legs rather than 4 section legs (that additional segment really reduces rigidity).

Manfrotto has some nice entry level tirpods (and you can often find them used):

When checking out tripods I would look for:

a) Stability. Part of this is making sure the tripod will support the weight of whatever you put on it, and part of it is making sure it is really solid etc. You can test this by mounting your camera on the set-up and tapping/slapping the legs to see the extent to which there is any vibration that you feel on the camera. Less vibration is better. If it is wobbly, keep looking.

b) Height - Make sure the tripod is high enough for you (ideally without extending the center column if it comes with one as center columns increases vibration).

c) Flexibility- to what extent (and how easy is it) to adjust the tripod- not just by changing the length, but by changing the leg angles (most good tripods allow you to adjust the leg angles to the base). This is really important if you want to shoot subjects very low to the ground.

I've used tripods with and without center columns- I prefer tripods without them because they are a pain when you are getting low to the ground (though in many cases you can remove them) and they add vibration. They are nice to have when you need a bit of extra height though and don't want to adjust the leg length.

Here are a couple of links that might help you figure out what to look for or describe what is out there:

http://bythom.com/support.htm

http://reallyrightstuff.com/tripods/index.html

http://reallyrightstuff.com/tripods/02.html

http://reallyrightstuff.com/ballheads/05.html

The Really Right Stuff links should help you to figure out how to approach the matter- though the items they recommend may be more than you can afford.

Good luck!

When you get your budget for a tripod.. Double it and add $200.

If you buy a cheap tripod... all you get is a cheap tripod.

Strong or Light or inexpensive, pick one.

It costs far less to buy an expensive tripod once, than a cheap tripod 4 times.

Ergonomics... If it's not comfortable to use, then you are not going to use it.

Start working out before you even buy a tripod

http://www.morrisphoto.co.uk/morrispict ... hooser.pdf

This might also be helpful (shows different styles of tripod heads).

My advice that if you don't have a budget of over $280 and if you are not sure that photography will be a life long passion then you should consider a tripod that doesn't blow the budget.

Even at $280 you have to make some maybe serious compromises under that price there are very serious trade offs so ruggedness and stiffness should be your main concern. Without the stiffness a tripod is worthless at any cost.

I don't know what others have found but so far the lower end manfrotto's have not been very impressive in the stiffness department.

Try a Velbon Sherpa 200r or larger 550r they are stiff and reliable but not that light. The price is from $100 to $140 with a moderate discount. Mine is still going strong and it has been badly abused. Go to a place like Henrys or Downtown camera where you can set up several tripods from different manufacturers and you should be able to see the differences. Now if you have a budget of over $500 then your choices start to widen out.

I thought it was pick two. Either way, we want all three and that won't happen.

I've got this tripod last year:
http://www.feisol.net/feisol-threesection-tripod-ct3301-with-tripod-p-82.html
together with this ballhead:
http://www.feisol.net/feisol-ball-head-cb50d-with-release-plate-qp144750-p-9.html

I am very happy with both of them.

I'm very happy with my tripod -- the Manfrotto 055MF3 there is a newer version of the same pod... which is also mag/carbon fibre, but not inexpensive.

Yes, but I have yet to see a tripod that has both strong and light in the same unit. As much as carbon fiber can give some extra strength, to make it truly strong, it will never fall under what could be considered as light.

in absolute terms, maybe, however doesn't this all depend on what you consider 'truly strong' and 'light'?

absolute strength and weight isn't a relevant measure for tripods... a more reasonable standard would be adequacy...

relatively speaking - carbon fibre tubes are generally stronger than aluminum tubes at any given weight... and therefore it is possible to construct a lighter tripod from carbon fibre than from aluminum at equivalent weight...

Let's not jump the gun here, the OP did say they are a student on a budget and are just starting out. I agree that it is a tool that if bought best at first, it can outlast most of your gear ... but how long will photography be an interest to the OP?

I disagree with going best right now, and would advise you to focus on best that suits you and your budget. Once you establish a budget than you can see if you good used gear falls within reach. If not, then I would advise for new enthusiast gear. If you should stick with photography, your needs will evolve as your skill improves and your choice in type(s) becomes more obvious. After all, top lenses are great, but most people with limited funds don't start out with them.

My first tripod was a waste of money, I will admit that. Great for supporting load, but not great for vibration resistance of lugging around. My next tripod still had to be on a budget, but I had a much better idea of what to look for, and more importantly ... what would match my skill level. Sure I could've busted the bank to go tops, but I picked up other gear instead at the time. It was a Slik 330DX (legs and pan head) and it really has served me well. At the time, I picked it for $90 USD when Cdn dollar was above par a couple of years back. It still works perfectly, I'm not worried if I lose it or if it gets damaged ... and at times, it still serves my needs. Are there things that bug me about it? Absolutely, but that is only during specific times.

There is nothing wrong with looking at the $150 tax in for head and legs, just get out there and touch/feel them. Identify what you don't like about your tripod now, and don't get something that has the same annoyances. I will say avoid anything that has a ballhead under $200.

+1 Itsaphoto

Good information from everyone but the OP is asking for a tripod on a budget to use with a tiny ep1. Here is my recommendation - SLIK Sprint Pro II

I have the older model that doesn't have the quick release or padded legs but otherwise identical. I still use it when I want to travel light. I bought mine when it was on a sale at Blacks for $50 regular $100 - I'm sure you can find the new model on sale as well if you shop around. It's light, quick to set up, relatively stable, durable, etc.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/6 ... II_GM.html

difficult to know what to recommend to the OP, without knowing what the intended uses and budget are...