Camera Labs

Hi i need help with picking out a good tripod for my canon 50d, i dont want to spend over $175 bucks. Thanks

Just my thoughts, but maybe something to consider. I'm pretty new to photography and thought I'd be spending about the same for a nice tripod. However, after going to the shop and holding and working with a few tripods I changed my mind.

A tripod is not something that has to be replaced every year, especially not if you buy something good. I've looked at several brands from the cheap to the expensive and for me nothing feels like the Gitzo I tried. Sure it's double my original budget, but I think it will be worth saving up for.

I fell in love with the expsnsive manfrotto's I tried in-store, and Gitzo is reported to be even better. that being said, I have a Velbon tripod (one on the more expensive side, but still cheap compared to manfrotto) and am very happy with it.

Just don't make the mistake of buying a cheap 40 dollar hama tripod, I tested those as well and they were extremely wobbly, defeating the purpose of a tripod.

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I take pictures so quickly, my highschool was "Continuous High".

Yes, Manfrotto has really good tripods. I think it should be possible to get a Manfrotto 190... or such with a decent head for around $175. (Haven't tried that range myself) Maybe even a Manfrotto 055... if you shop around. I tested the 055XProB in the shop and was impressed.

I've also seen a Slik 'Master Classic' at Amazon.com for around $130. I tested that one too and it's a really solid tripod. The reviews of it are generally positive and it's supposed to be able to take a lot of abuse. Not the lightest, but I have considered it myself, although I would like to do some travel photography so I decided weight is an issue to keep in mind.

Elaborating on Dutch's findings, I'd like to state that a heavier tripod is also more stable in most cases and less prone to gusts of wind

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I take pictures so quickly, my highschool was "Continuous High".

I've a similiar need, however China charges exessive import tax on forgien goods (irony?) so Manfrotto's are very pricy here. (I have been eying the 488/190 combination).

What are your opinions on Benro as an alternative?