Camera Labs

I'm looking for a new tripod to replace my old one. I'm not very familiar with tripods as because I'm new to them. I currently have a Sunpak compact tripod, and it's honestly not pleasing me. I'm looking for one of those tripods where the legs aren't physically attached to the mid-section except where the legs meet at the top of the tripod. I don't know what they're called though, but an example of the style of tripod I'm looking for are like the Bogen Manfrotto tripods.

Here are some that I'm really considering, but I need some feedback on these, if anyone own any of these tripods, I need to know how well they perform!

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/455876-REG/Impact_1018A_1018_3_Section_Tripod_with.html

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/455878-REG/Impact_1003_1003_3_Section_Tripod_with.html

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/431799-REG/Sunpak_620870_DigiPro_4B_Tripod_with.html

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/189278-REG/Impact_2603_3_Section_3_Way.html

Hi Brandon,

May I offer you a warm welcome to the CameraLabs forums.

While a deal of the discussion is about equipment at a rather higher budget you might find Thom Hogan's article Tripods and Ball Heads useful. If portability is a concern then you might also want to read this review of the Joby Gorillapod.

Bob.

_________________
OM-D E-M5 + ED 12-50mm, H-PS14042E, H-F007014E, L-RS014150E, M.ZUIKO DIGITAL 45mm 1:1.8.
Gitzo GT1541T, Arca-Swiss Z1 DP ball-head.
Astrophotography: TEC 140 'scope, FLI ML16803 camera, ASA DDM60 Pro mount.

Thanks Bob, that information was very helpful! My budget is really anything under $100(USD). In terms of portability, I'm not really concerned about that, I'm just looking for a good, sturdy tripod that can take a beating.

Hi Brandon, if you want a sturdy tripod - and after all, that's what we want them for - then I'd recommend seeing if your budget can stretch to a Manfrotto model. See if you can also check some different models out in a store and give them a good shake / wobble!

Gordon, I can only dream of owning a Manfrotto tripod!

But dreams are meant to be fulfilled aren't they? I had a quick browse through the Adorama listings and Bogen/Manfrotto doesn't seem so far out of reach. For example, how about the Bogen - Manfrotto 725B Digi-Tripod with Ball Head & Case - Black Finish at $113?

Please note that I am not recommending this particular model but it may be a contender at your price point and so might be worth Googling around for a review. I'm not sure if this is the style of tripod you are after and it's also worth pointing out that there are cheaper Bogen/Manfrotto models out there as well.

Both Adorama and B&H are CameraLabs affiliate stores so if you are tempted by one of their offerings and would like to help support the CameraLabs running costs would you consider starting your purchase by clicking the appropriate link on this page? Your choice, of course, but you pay the same price either way.

Bob.

_________________
OM-D E-M5 + ED 12-50mm, H-PS14042E, H-F007014E, L-RS014150E, M.ZUIKO DIGITAL 45mm 1:1.8.
Gitzo GT1541T, Arca-Swiss Z1 DP ball-head.
Astrophotography: TEC 140 'scope, FLI ML16803 camera, ASA DDM60 Pro mount.

I went ahead and gave first choice I had a chance and I am glad to say I'm pleased with it, thank you for all the help guys!

Cheers!

Was that this one? It would be great if you could take a couple of photographs of it (folded and extended perhaps) and share a few thoughts about using it as a "User Review", either in this or the User reviews forum. If you do have a link to the manufacturer's site (as opposed to one particular reseller) that would put the icing on the cake.

I'm glad you got a good result.

Bob.

_________________
OM-D E-M5 + ED 12-50mm, H-PS14042E, H-F007014E, L-RS014150E, M.ZUIKO DIGITAL 45mm 1:1.8.
Gitzo GT1541T, Arca-Swiss Z1 DP ball-head.
Astrophotography: TEC 140 'scope, FLI ML16803 camera, ASA DDM60 Pro mount.

Will do!