Tripod (DSLR, hobby, lens, camera)

[TN Tin Man]

Any suggestions on a good Tripod less than $150 . I see a number of Tripods you need to get a second mortgage to purchase them. Is that really necessary for a hobbyist week end photo shoot.... some thing that can be used out door plus indoor with either a P&S or DSLR with telephoto lens and does not weight 50 pounds to drag around.....and will accommodate a person six feet tall with out getting on your knees like the one I have now......

[Brill]

I have a promaster 6300 tripod. I paid about $70 for it last summer. Probably not the greatest tripod around, but it fits my hobbying needs. Gives me a steady shot, not too heavy to carry around, I've carried it around on hikes. I'm 6'2" and it just about accommodates my height. I have to hunch a tiny bit when looking through the view finder, but nothing too uncomfortable.

There are certaintly better tripods around if you have the money, but this one gives me steady shot when shooting with slow shutter speeds.

[Nomadicus]

Check into some of the Bogen models in aluminum painted green. Non shiny when in wildlife country. Weight bearable and a lot less expensive than light weight composites. Mine head and all was less than $200 and has served me well. Monopods are good investments too for wildlife action or sports action.

[RayinAK]

Originally Posted by Tinman313

Any suggestions on a good Tripod less than $150 . I see a number of Tripods you need to get a second mortgage to purchase them. Is that really necessary for a hobbyist week end photo shoot.... some thing that can be used out door plus indoor with either a P&S or DSLR with telephoto lens and does not weight 50 pounds to drag around.....and will accommodate a person six feet tall with out getting on your knees like the one I have now......

All depends on weight. For example, I don't have to walk far, and use Promaster that costs $149.00, plus $49.00 for the head. This is a very heavy tripod, probably around 8 pounds.

Another person may not like my heavy tripod when hiking or walking a distance. If that's the case, this person may want a very expensive tripod that is made of carbon fiber or some exotic material. I like Manfrotto tripods, but they can be quite expensive depending on what you want, and don't forget that the tripod needs an optional head
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/shop/5138/Still_Camera_Tripods_Support_Bogen_Manfrotto_Tripo d_Systems.html (broken link)

The first one inline comes with a head, plus a $25.00 refund (don't take my word on this refund, just check at B&H first)

[danameless]

I like Manfrotto tripods as well. Well made and reasonable priced imo.

However, you may want to consider the Slik 330DX model. The legs are made of titanium, so it is light (around 3.5lbs) and well made. It also has a height of about 63", which may still be a little short for your build, but may also be manageable. Plus, it comes with a pan head and will run you about $130.