First Tripod

[cre8ivehand]

Hi all,

I've just begun the photography course and I must say i'm really enjoying it!

I wanted to get anyone's opinion with regards to a tripod and what I should be looking for? I'm on a budget and I don't want it to be too heavy.

I saw this one on another forum a few days back any opinions???

http://www.calumetphoto.co.uk/item/CK7316/

Thanks all and I look forward to participating in the forum a lot more.

[mdonahoe1]

Hi there! I am also a student and welcome you to this forum. I bought a bargain tripod at Walmart and returned it the same day!! It wobbled and I felt it was just not stable enough. Then I went to Best Buy and had a sales guy walk me thru the various features of the models they sold. I was also on a budget as a new photographer, and I felt that at some point I will add new lenses, and other accessories. That said, the most important thing in a tripod for me, is the stability of it!! Go shop the photo stores and see what they tell you. Good luck with everything and don't forget to post your photos to the various forums for critique and to see what others post for inspiration and learning! Also, if you sign your name to a post, the members will call you by that name!

Marianne

[SJGordon]

Don't forget craigslist, evilBay, goodwill, salvation army, secondhand shops, etc.... I've seen some very nice tripods on/in each of these places for dirt cheap prices. Unless of course you need a shiny sparkling new one. So far none of my camera bodies have ever jumped off my old beat-up heavy tripod because they are embarrassed to be seen mounted on top of a 30+ year old "Tiltall" . Old and heavy, but sturdy. Last summer I ran across a almost new set of Manfrotto legs with a really nice ball head for less than $100 on Craigslist in my area.

Keep your eyes open and you can find some really good deals out there. If you take your time and can wait, you can score a good/great used tripod for the same price as a cheap, wobbly new one.

[cre8ivehand]

Thanks for the advice! I went to a car boot sale recently and picked up a 50mm lens for £25!

Tubz

[monkey]

it really depends on your needs. what is your longest lens? what do you plan on shooting that you need a tripod? are you hiking with it? you can pick 2 of the three following options ONLY on any tripod.
lightweight
sturdy
inexpensive

all three do not exist together.