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I just go into photography b/c I love to hike out west (US) in the mountains. My little point and shoot just never captured the scene scapes, so I got a Nikon D80 and am learning how to take outdoor landscape photos.

I need a quality tripod that is collapsable and lightweight that I could attach to my camera backpack.

Recommendations? There are soooooo many out there. And I'm exhaused from camera research to start on tripods . Need to spend time with the manual and camera now.

Thanks for your help and noob support!!
John

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Noob
Nikon D80 18-135 Kit

Hi John,

You can see my own choice from my Signature. It might help others in their advice if you could give us a very rough idea of your budget.

Bob.

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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.

Hi Bob,

I was thinking around $100 with mount and everything. But as usual $100 ends up being $200..$250.. I'm sure you know what I'm talking about.

I prefer to cry once and have quality than buy junk 4-5 times. Now to me quality and price are not always synonomous but I am also a firm beliver if it's too good to be true, it probably is. Clear as bricks right?

I also wanted to ask what is a good height? I'm 6'4". So do I wan to get a giant tripod to be at least as tall as me at full extension?

I'm using a Nikon D80 with the stock kit lens which I would say is no more than 4 lbs. And my next lens will not add too much more to the total.. maybe 5lbs for the whole package.

Thanks again,
John

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Noob
Nikon D80 18-135 Kit

Well, Manofrotto tripods are very good, and very popular! Although they are quite pricey! I have a Velbon (see sig) tripod, which is brialliant for the price, also it is very well made, although it is the base model in its class! So i can recommend the Velbon Sherpa range! Also Velbon have a much better quick release syatem than Manofrotto
Hope that helped!

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Ed


Canon 40D + Grip | Sigma 10-20 EX | 17-85 | Sigma 70-200 f/2.8 EX II | 50 F/1.8 | 430 EX II + Other Stuff
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Would this be a good starting combo?

Bogen - Manfrotto 055XWNB Wilderness Tripod Legs w/Leg Protectors & Rubber/spike feet (Height 2.8 - 71.3", Maximum Load 15.4) $160 US

Bogen - Manfrotto Midi Ball Head with RC2 Rapid Connect - Supports 17.6 lbs $100 US

I looked at the carbon fiber versions but $400 for legs seems steep right now as I am assembling equipment.

I can upgrade later.

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Noob
Nikon D80 18-135 Kit

That looks great!

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Ed


Canon 40D + Grip | Sigma 10-20 EX | 17-85 | Sigma 70-200 f/2.8 EX II | 50 F/1.8 | 430 EX II + Other Stuff
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You'll enjoy Tom Hogan's article then.

I'm slightly taller than you but I find that bending down to frame landscapes isn't a huge issue even though with the center column extended the viewfinder is still a good foot below my normal eye height. If I want the best stability I frame with the center column up, then retract it and tweak slightly as needed to allow for any change in perspective. Having a very smooth and easily controllable ballhead helps a great deal.

Bob.

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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.

you're tall Bob....

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Jake O'Connell, 40D Crew
Canon EOS 40D | 28-135mm IS | 50mm f/1.8 |Vivitar DF 383 | Vivitar 285hv
My Flickr
my Blog
"Photography isn't so much about the results as it is the collective experience, your interactions with people and with the world"

I have a 30 year old Velbon tripod, and I must say the quality is excellent. It can still keep up with most tripods these days

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