Confused about Tripods

[LostPackage]

Hi all

I'm a newb and need some help in getting a tripod.

My budget is around $100 ~ $150 and weight of tripod is not a problem. I am 1.75m tall, and so far, the tripods that I see online goes to 1.47m (manfrotto) the most, would that be sufficient?

Also, I wish to take panorama so I need ballhead, right? And that is not inclusive in standard tripod package, no? My camera is the humble FZ18 and have no plans to upgrade it for another 5 years, lol!

[WhipLash]

Originally Posted by LostPackage Hi all I'm a newb and need some help in getting a tripod. My budget is around $100 ~ $150 and weight of tripod is not a problem. I am 1.75m tall, and so far, the tripods that I see online goes to 1.47m (manfrotto) the most, would that be sufficient? Also, I wish to take panorama so I need ballhead, right? And that is not inclusive in standard tripod package, no? My camera is the humble FZ18 and have no plans to upgrade it for another 5 years, lol!

Guess you are looking at the 190CXProB? Don't forget to add 10cm of height for a ball head and another 10 cm for the camera. That will take it to 1.67m fully extended. A little short for you if you don't extend the centre column (which you should avoid).

Then again, Manfrotto is a very good brand and you won't go wrong with it (unless you want to upgrade to Gitzo )

If you are shooting panos, shouldn't you get a 3-way pan head instead?

[ortega]

the primary function of a tripod + head is to hold your equipment absolutely still for long exposures

what ever you choose, if it does not perform its primary function then that would be bad.

[jnet6]

For your budget you can consider slik tripods.

[Reportage]

Originally Posted by LostPackage Hi all I'm a newb and need some help in getting a tripod. My budget is around $100 ~ $150 and weight of tripod is not a problem. I am 1.75m tall, and so far, the tripods that I see online goes to 1.47m (manfrotto) the most, would that be sufficient? Also, I wish to take panorama so I need ballhead, right? And that is not inclusive in standard tripod package, no? My camera is the humble FZ18 and have no plans to upgrade it for another 5 years, lol!

for panorama actually any tripod will work as long the techniques are properly applied.

[catchlights]

this thread written denniskee
Basic guidelines on selection of tripod and tripod head

which is very helpful to people who want to know more about tripods.

for shooting panorama, if you are referring to taking a series of photos and stitch it together during the post, you can use pan and tilt tripod head or ball head, as long you can pan the camera from left to right, right to left with the tripod head.

hope this help.