Anybody can recommend a inexpensive yet solid tripod?

[michaelongcj]

I'm thinking of getting a inexpensive, solid and heavy tripod with a spirit level at either the legs, head or preferably both.

As said in the sticky, cheap, solid & heavy = hard to find.

These are my details:

- Budget < $130
- Load of at least 4kg
- Any height of at least 140cm including head.
- Folded length under 70cm
- Pan tilt head preferably, since I'm using a camcorder
- Weight: > 2kg, hopefully > 3kg

Weight isn't a problem, I'm well used to carrying heavy loads and I don't have much accessories to lug.

I looked up the various tripod reviews here, found the Slik U212 interesting, but not sure whether still on sale.

I also did look up the WTB / WTS section, though not sure on how trustable the rating system is.

Any recommendations?

Thanks.

 

[zac08]

Probably some of the older slik models... or you can see if anyone is selling off a old Manfrotto set cheap...

 

[Octarine]

Stay away from those pan tilt head tripods they offer for 80 bucks or so in the tourist shops. They might fit your budget but the head creaks at the slightest movement. Would give a terrible background sound... I have a Slik tripod with SH-705E head, works like a charm. But won't fit your budget if you get it new.

 

[eosandy]

"Fancier" type, bought locally for $88. Search this site for the reseller.

Ball head is good, however overall build is not perfect. If it lasts 12 months of travel & abuse, I will be happy.

 

[akagi07]

"Fancier" type, bought locally for $88. Search this site for the reseller.

Ball head is good, however overall build is not perfect. If it lasts 12 months of travel & abuse, I will be happy.

in case u need the site:
its tagotech.com
i had one from them, serving well

 

[warvial]

I got my 2nd hand Manfrotto 190Pro + head @ $150.
If you don't mind second hand, I believe it meets your requirements.

 

[MarkTan89]

My friend bought a Benro tripod which looks quite solid off the forums in clubsnap at $100. It's modelled after Gitzo tripods so that shouldn't be bad.

 

[yokechye]

Stay away from those pan tilt head tripods they offer for 80 bucks or so in the tourist shops. They might fit your budget but the head creaks at the slightest movement. Would give a terrible background sound... I have a Slik tripod with SH-705E head, works like a charm. But won't fit your budget if you get it new.

i think u referring to those crappy plastic head type ba :bsmilie:

 

[michaelongcj]

Wah, never thought that so many ppl online despite today being &#21021;&#20108;.....

Thanks for all the advice.

Anyone got experience with Bogen 3020? Heard that it was the old name for Manfrotto 055C before the company changed name. There's someone selling one on the WTS forum.

 

[nightwolf75]

Wah, never thought that so many ppl online despite today being &#21021;&#20108;.....

Thanks for all the advice.

Anyone got experience with Bogen 3020? Heard that it was the old name for Manfrotto 055C before the company changed name. There's someone selling one on the WTS forum.

erm.. i thot bogen is like the parent company or something like dat? :dunno:

manfrotto 055C is one big heavy stable tripod. for ur purposes, i think it is more than enuf. i used to have one when i was still using a MF camera. back-killer (literally) for me. ended up selling it to another CS to downgrade to a manfrotto 190.

 

[Reportage]

I'm thinking of getting a inexpensive, solid and heavy tripod with a spirit level at either the legs, head or preferably both.

As said in the sticky, cheap, solid & heavy = hard to find.

These are my details:

- Budget < $130
- Load of at least 4kg
- Any height of at least 140cm including head.
- Folded length under 70cm
- Pan tilt head preferably, since I'm using a camcorder
- Weight: > 2kg, hopefully > 3kg

Weight isn't a problem, I'm well used to carrying heavy loads and I don't have much accessories to lug.

I looked up the various tripod reviews here, found the Slik U212 interesting, but not sure whether still on sale.

I also did look up the WTB / WTS section, though not sure on how trustable the rating system is.

Any recommendations?

Thanks.

Call up Cathay Photo on wednesday, ask for Patrick and ask if the U212 tripod is still available.

 

[Duser]

Velbon Sherpa 750R!!!! Arnd $180 thereabout.

 

[synapseman]

Benro? They are pretty solid, and not too expensive.

And yes, look around at the 2nd hand market.

 

[michaelongcj]

Thanks for all the advice.

Wah....24 hours so many responses.

Is there any glue on bubble levels around that can be glued on to the tripod head? I noticed that most decent heads in my price range have no bubble levels....

 

[yokechye]

i think there is a kind of spirit level that is attached to the camera's hot shoe

 

[michaelongcj]

I know they exist, trouble is only 1 one of my cameras has a hotshoe. The rest are all like random P&S cameras lol........

 

[yokechye]

i think u can find them in diy/hardware shops, if u wan cheap can go simlim tower area find lo
u should be able to find then in all shapes and sizes

 

[dev2k8]

For ur info there's somebody selling slick/manfrotto/glottos tripod ranging from 90-150 only on ebay sg

 

[zac08]

For ur info there's somebody selling slick/manfrotto/glottos tripod ranging from 90-150 only on ebay sg

Yeah.. but you gotta be careful when buying over the net...

 

[dev2k8]

Just bought the Benro A200EX tripod with head and padded bag from MS color today @ $120. Was considering the 500EX but my setup very simple so no need the higher end model. Build quality seems very fine to me and tested with my 1000d with ext flash seems very stable. For your thoughts!