I need advice on getting a tripod!

[antarcticwind]

Dear all, I am quite new to photography and I own a D5000. After about a year I bought an 18-200 mm lens. My old tripod which came free with the camera can no longer sustain the weight of my camera with the new lens, hence I need a new tripod.

I've learnt from my first cheapo tripod that I want one with a ballhead, cos one with three screws just takes too long to set up.

I'm also currently a student, so I don't have a lot of money. Hence I am hoping for one that is bang for the buck.

Does anyone have any recommendations?

 

[cleonbus]

You did not state your 'budget' so the best bang for the buck would be a Gitzo legs and Markins ballhead:thumbsup:

 

[p0633318]

Fancier tripod

maybe u wan to consider this. quite worth the money.

 

[coolthought]

no budget???
We can recommend tripod that cost $20 to $1000 and each one of them can be "bang for the buck"

 

[ismokeweed79]

Bang for buck = get the best

 

[antarcticwind]

I'm looking at this:

Manfrotto 7302YB

What do you guys think?

 

[coolthought]

I'm looking at this:

Manfrotto 7302YB

What do you guys think?

check this out.
Just note that the head is "stuck" permanently to the centre column.

 

[MRSAMO]

The lower end manfrottos are not bad but flimsy and the head is quite weak. Got a mate that has one and he bought it for the brand name.

That fancier tripod looks alright though I don't really like the big serial number on the leg. I've got something similar (also made in China) which has solid legs, not too heavy and not too light.

 

[antarcticwind]

Oh, that tripod's head cannot be changed? I want one that can be changed, so that I could possibly upgrade in the future.

Also, my budget is about $200.

 

[cleonbus]

Oh, that tripod's head cannot be changed? I want one that can be changed, so that I could possibly upgrade in the future.

Also, my budget is about $200.

Sirui T1004x and G10 ballhead

 

[ant0800]

Sirui N1004 + K10X ballhead