Choose a tripod?

[apex]

Getting a tripod. Is there any different in a expansive and a below $50 tripod?

I believe i would use it too often so I don't think there is a need to spend too much on this.

What too look for when choose a tripod?

Thanks for the advice.

[ckiang]

The difference is the stability. A $50 tripod is very likely to be more flimsy than the better, more expensive ones. And won't last as long either. A tripod is one of the cheapest ways to get better pictures, so it's important that you don't scrimp on one. A good tripod to start off with would be the popular Manfrotto 190 series, which costs $100 plus without the head. Very well constructed, very steady, and can last you for years even if you bang it around. Now try that with a $35 tripod.

Regards
CK

[eug]

Hi,

If you want to talk about camera equipment, most of the time the more expensive the product the better it is! The higher the price of a tripod the better the stability, extended length and at an even higher price you get litter weighing tripods.

You mention that you will be using it often then shouldn't you be getting a good one (cost more) instead of getting a lousy one (cost less). You may want to let us know the heaviest lens and camera you are going to put on the tripod! Your budget too!

I personally use a $60 Slik U8000 tripod as that is all that I need and will only buy a better tripod if I buy big telephoto lens.

You should look out for:
1) Weight
2) Non Extended Length
3) Extended Length
4) Removable plate

[apex]

Thanks ckiang and eug for the reply

You should look out for:
1) Weight

Not too heavy. Not sure what it the weight I want

2) Non Extended Length

1.2M

3) Extended Length

1.6 - 1.7 (around this length)

4) Removable plate

New to this don't know what is this also. Can explain?

[eug]

Removable Plate, in short is a plate detachable from the tripod head and it is connected to the camera body. It saves you the hassle of screwing in the camera body to the tripod. If you are spending $60 and above, chances are you will have a tripod that has a removable plate! If you require 1.8m extended, I'm afraid you have to get the pro tripods like the Manfrotto 190 series or Slik higher end series cause those extends to 1.8m and above whereas the lower end tripod like mine extends out to less than 1.7m.

Why don't you let us know the camera and the lens you will be using so that we can advise further! No point getting a pro tripod if your camera is very light!

[apex]

Quote: Originally posted by eug Removable Plate, in short is a plate detachable from the tripod head and it is connected to the camera body. It saves you the hassle of screwing in the camera body to the tripod. If you are spending $60 and above, chances are you will have a tripod that has a removable plate! If you require 1.8m extended, I'm afraid you have to get the pro tripods like the Manfrotto 190 series or Slik higher end series cause those extends to 1.8m and above whereas the lower end tripod like mine extends out to less than 1.7m. Why don't you let us know the camera and the lens you will be using so that we can advise further! No point getting a pro tripod if your camera is very light!

Yah. After I enter 1.8M I find it funny. therefore I edit the post to 1.6 - 1.7.

My cam is should be a light one. C730Uz. I guess I wouldn't need a soild tripod.

As for the tripod that you are using. Where did you get it from at the price?

[eug]

I bought it at Cathay photo (Peninsula Plaza). By the way they are having a promotion for the:
SLIK SPRINT PRO GM
Max Height: 1.635m
Weight: 890gms
Folded Lenght: 0.46m
Free CRUMPLER digital camera case

Do consider this but I can't testify for this as I have not even seen it physically, bring down your camera to try it at Cathay!

[apex]

Thanks. For the tripod that you are using now still in market?

[ckiang]

Quote: Originally posted by apex Yah. After I enter 1.8M I find it funny. therefore I edit the post to 1.6 - 1.7. My cam is should be a light one. C730Uz. I guess I wouldn't need a soild tripod. As for the tripod that you are using. Where did you get it from at the price?

Don't get a light and flimsy tripod just because you are using a small digital camera (of coz don't get a big, heavy, and hefty one also) now. Chances are you'll eventually upgrade to a SLR or DSLR and you'll need to upgrade again. That path will actually cost you more. So, invest in a good tripod now. It will last you for a long time.

Regards
CK

[apex]

Quote: Originally posted by ckiang Don't get a light and flimsy tripod just because you are using a small digital camera (of coz don't get a big, heavy, and hefty one also) now. Chances are you'll eventually upgrade to a SLR or DSLR and you'll need to upgrade again. That path will actually cost you more. So, invest in a good tripod now. It will last you for a long time. Regards CK

Thanks for the advice

[eug]

It should still be available but then there is a U9000 that cost about the same (diffence is the end of the lag and there is a bubble meter (dunno the exact term) to tell you if the tripod is balance. I suggest you don't just barge in there and expect the tripod to be at $60. I'm not sure whether I got a discount back then. But shouldn't pay more than $60 for SLIK U8000. There has been a few postings in these forum for SLIK's price, you can do a seach for them!

I agree with ckiang but if you are definitely not the SLR type don't have to spend so much $$$ now, buy 1 and try it out, only then will you know what you really need! Even if you have a DSLR but not using heavy lens what's the point of an expensive tripod? Dun forget that you probably need to sink up to $3K for a DSLR setup! Go down to the stores to try out the tripods. No offence for my opinion just my point of view!

Don't listen and see, feel .... the force .... (from starwars)

[eug]

By the way, forgot to add that the SLIK U8000 is not light and flimpsy. It works well with my light setup! I have done 2minutes exposure on sheares bridge without any problems!

Quote: Originally posted by apex Getting a tripod. Is there any different in a expansive and a below $50 tripod? I believe i would use it too often so I don't think there is a need to spend too much on this.

apex, based on your needs as described in this thread, I would recommend that you get either the Slik U8000 or U9000 (both will cost about S$55 or thereabouts, with the latter being slightly more expensive). I've used a U8000 substantially in the past myself, and I can assure you that those two models are definitely as good as tripods get in that price category. As noted by other posters, however, they definitely cannot match up to their pricier counterparts, but you're right in that they should generally suffice for compact digicams like the Oly C-730UZ. It should also be noted that the Slik tripods are very light (around 1.5kg), so that will be an advantage if you don't want to lug lots of weight around. As the adage goes, the expensive heavy tripod that stays at home all the time isn't exactly going to help your photography very much.

CK has already given you plenty of excellent advice, so I don't have much to add, but one thing I would say is this: if you think you won't have much use for a tripod at this point in time, chances are that you're going to change your mind once you actually start using one. ;-) My advice therefore is to go ahead and get one of the Slik tripods as an entry-level means to get a better feel for your photographic needs, and then move up to better models later on once you begin to perceive limitations that the tripod is imposing on your photographic aims.

As with so many other things in photography, it's definitely great to get the best equipment right away if one has that kind of cash, but when one is on a tighter budget, it's best for one's equipment collection to grow in tandem with one's skills and aspirations.

[apex]

Quote: Originally posted by apex Getting a tripod. Is there any different in a expansive and a below $50++ tripod? I believe i would use it too often so I don't think there is a need to spend too much on this. What too look for when choose a tripod? Thanks for the advice.

[apex]

Thanks for the advice. Guess I have go out and talk a look. Now have a better idea liao.

[apex]

This question just comes into my mind...

Where would be a better place in getting/view the Slik U8000 or U9000.

I means does shop like AP carry this brand Or only CP have them?

[SniperD]

DO you think it's worth the money??

I bought a 2nd hand MANFROTTO 190B tripod with a 141RC head for S$170 from a friend... 3 years old...

[eug]

You refering to your case? or to spending so much on a tripod?

[apex]

Quote: Originally posted by SniperD DO you think it's worth the money?? I bought a 2nd hand MANFROTTO 190B tripod with a 141RC head for S$170 from a friend... 3 years old...

HUH? what u mean by worth the money?

[SniperD]

Opps... what I meant was if the price of a 2nd hand tripod as mentioned was too over-priced @ S$170?

WHat's the current resale or price for a 2nd hand Man tripod w. 141 RC head?