Suggest a new tripod for me...

[Cienja]

I have a Canon 40D. I'm slowly buying upgrades for the camera, but now it's time for a tripod. I'm not a pro, so please nothing too fancy, but not cheap-o either.

$60 - $80ish

Thanks

 

[snoturtle]

You can get this one for 40
http://cgi.ebay.com/NEW-Dolica-62-P...330?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item230e6b351a

Or they offer a carbon fiber one also that I have seen forsale for under 100

I have the first aluminum one and it works good
Think I may change the head though

 

[Kanalua]

Just bought one on Amazon (eBay store didn't offer free shipping to Hawaii).

 

[Cienja]

Thanks!

 

[PurdueRy]

I own the equivalent Dolica tripod as those in the PPs in Carbon fiber. Its a decent tripod for the money and the ballhead/QR is alright. I recently upgraded to a Benro 2680T Travel Angel Carbon Fiber tripod. It's about 9 inches shorter folded up than the Dolica and basically of equal height. I also bought a Photoclam Pro Gold II ballhead.

Now, obviously these are way out of the price range you set. But I do want to point out that the Dolica doesn't fold up that small and its ballhead is just ok(it droops with even smaller lenses which might annoy you, especially if you do macro work).

I sacrificed my Dolica to the Tripod Gods by putting it in the ocean in Hawaii. It served its purpose and got me some decent shots but its definitely a bit rustier than before. It'll now be my beater tripod if I think I'm going to be really being adventurous with its placement.

The Dolica fits in a larger suitcase, but it might be tough to fit in a carry on. The interchangeable spikes/rubber feat are kind of nice...except that sand and dirt gets in the screw part of those all the time...makes them quite scratchy to use.

Just thought I'd give you a run down. It's a good tripod, but it isn't particularly tall or the most stable.

If you wanted to stretch your budget if you anticipate the tripod being an important investment, the almost universally bought starter tripod legs are:

http://www.amazon.com/Manfrotto-055X...0680552&sr=1-1

From there you can add any sort of head/QR you want.

 

[Riverhound777]

I just got that Dolica as well. Works great so far. I didn't have any issues with it drooping, though my camera is smaller (D3100 with the kit lens). I had a cheapo tripod from amazon a while back that was like $15-20 and while it was lighter, this one is way easier to use and better built.

 

[BabaBooey]

You will regret that cheap tripod when your $800 camera is busted when the cheap thing breaks or a leg collapses due to cheap craftsmanship / parts.....my buddy had one of them $60 stands and a leg collapsed / broke and his 7D went for a spill.....D:

I just picked up a vanguard elite 4 and man what a awesome tripod,I was lucky and found someone trading it brand new in the box....:thumbsup:

 

[intogamer]

I own the equivalent Dolica tripod as those in the PPs in Carbon fiber. Its a decent tripod for the money and the ballhead/QR is alright. I recently upgraded to a Benro 2680T Travel Angel Carbon Fiber tripod. It's about 9 inches shorter folded up than the Dolica and basically of equal height. I also bought a Photoclam Pro Gold II ballhead.

Now, obviously these are way out of the price range you set. But I do want to point out that the Dolica doesn't fold up that small and its ballhead is just ok(it droops with even smaller lenses which might annoy you, especially if you do macro work).

I sacrificed my Dolica to the Tripod Gods by putting it in the ocean in Hawaii. It served its purpose and got me some decent shots but its definitely a bit rustier than before. It'll now be my beater tripod if I think I'm going to be really being adventurous with its placement.

The Dolica fits in a larger suitcase, but it might be tough to fit in a carry on. The interchangeable spikes/rubber feat are kind of nice...except that sand and dirt gets in the screw part of those all the time...makes them quite scratchy to use.

Just thought I'd give you a run down. It's a good tripod, but it isn't particularly tall or the most stable.

If you wanted to stretch your budget if you anticipate the tripod being an important investment, the almost universally bought starter tripod legs are:

http://www.amazon.com/Manfrotto-055X...0680552&sr=1-1

From there you can add any sort of head/QR you want.

I have this with the ball head attachment. Surprisingly, it's pretty light and not heavy at all. The CF one is only 1lbs lighter but significantly more expensive.

 

[Cienja]

Thanks for all of the suggestions. I haven't purchased yet, but will definitely use your inputs when I decide.

What is the purpose of a removable tripod head? Do you keep a head on each camera (if you have multiple cameras)? Or is it simply some are better than others?

 

[intogamer]

Thanks for all of the suggestions. I haven't purchased yet, but will definitely use your inputs when I decide.

What is the purpose of a removable tripod head? Do you keep a head on each camera (if you have multiple cameras)? Or is it simply some are better than others?

It gives you more angular reach. Think of it as your wrist. Without the ball-head attachment, imagine you're not allowed move your wrist. That's how you'll be shooting with just the tripod.

The ball-head attachment includes a plate that will screw in to your camera, so you can securely remove and attach using the quick-release locking mechanism.

I'm sure you can purchase additional plates for multiple cameras. It's really convenient.

See this picture: http://www.amazon.com/gp/customer-me...e=UTF8&index=0

What you'll get with the tripod is up to the metal end. The ball-head is the black piece that attaches to the tripod (metal end).

See ball-head: http://www.amazon.com/Manfrotto-496RC2-Release-Replaces-486RC2/dp/B002WN212I/ref=pd_sim_p_3

The plate screws in to your camera, and all you have to do is pull the lever to detach it. There's also a locking mechanism to prevent accidentally pulling it.