I need to buy a tripod for my dSLR?

Question

i just got a nikon d80, but i don't know which brand of tripod to buy. Something nice and sturdy, but not too expensive would be nice. i'm not looking to spend more than $60-80.

Soo..Recommendations?

Answer 1

Something nice and sturdy will cost more in the range of $250 to $300.

You have a heavy camera and when a lens is added, it can weigh from 3 to 6 pounds.  You can look for a good used tripod on craigslist.  I found a nice Leitz Tiltall a few years ago for $50

Answer 2

Hi TS

Buy sturdy and look in eBay for better deals for better name brand tripods.  You don't want the tripod to fail or fall... and send your beautiful camera and lens to the ground!!!   AND it could with a $60-$80 dollar cheaply made tripod..... believe me.

Best namebrands to look for are Bogen/Manfrotto or Giottos.  These are even pretty expensive on eBay as sellers are listing many that are brand new.   Look for used in excellent condition and pump up the price to about $125.00.  Keep in mind some of these tripods with ball heads can sell for as much as $400 and worth every penny for camera security.... but you can find many good ones used and save alot of $$$.

Hope it was helpful.

Thanks for reading,

Answer 3

If you get something in the 60-80 range you will very soon regret it. You will have to get a good tripod and ball head to really have anything sturdy, this can soon become very expensive but worth it in the long run if you are in fact serious about photography. Read Thom Hogans article on tripods at http://www.bythom.com/support.htm.