DSLR Photography Forum

I have just bought what I think is a bargain, a tripod from Dollar Brokers on ebay (Austalia) for $38.00 plus postage $21.00. Its listed as 1.6m, Professional fluid motion tripod, 1.6m extended height, minimum op height 630mm, net weight 1.4kg, quick release plate, gear operated center column, 3 way panhead & durable carry case.

My son thought I was a fool, I took a punt, prepared to lose my money. Well it arrived this afternoon and I am impressed, just what I wanted, for those of you on a limited budget well worth a look, I think they still have a couple left.

Tripod is a great thing, essential piece of gear! Do you have a specific purpose in mind?

As long as it does the job (keeps your camera steady), and operates well, then good on you


I'm looking for one too, although it's probably a bit lower down on my priority list. My current tripod was ok for compact cameras, but with my DSLR, it's very bouncy and unstable... quite a pain to use actually, so I hardly take it around anymore.

Here's my $.02 from a guy that uses tripods a LOT. The problem with tripods is that they are hard to carry and cumbersome to use - but they work. So the secret is to make tripods easy to use and carry. Here are the things I like:

1. Rapid attach plates: Snap a camerea on snap it off - leave a plate in the bottom of your camera body and one on each large lens. No tedious screwing things (if you can imagine such a thing...)

2. A tripod sling. Throw the thing over your back with the camera attached - walk around like that - sling it on - sling it off - like a rifle on a sling

3. A fast action head that you can set to any angle in an instant - pistol grip style - no tedious adjusting angle with 2 separate screws. Grip - position in both planes - release! This is the kind of tripod head you want: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controll...Navigation

These 3 things will make your tripod experience a pleasure rather than a drag...

Just my $.02 as I said...

Hi Toad
Got all of that even little feet that swivel so it sits evenly on the ground. See pics





all for AUS $38,

Congratulations then. Good buy!!

Pat - Just what you need for a smaller camera - tripod is a must have.

Toad - I have that head you linked to - it really is very good.

I just bought that very head Toad, the Manfrotto grip release. Had it about a month and love it. It even holds the Rebel and the Bigma solid... a hefty 9.5 pounds and it is rock solid. IT's mounted on a 16lb rated set of Manfrotto legs.

Have fun with the new tripod Pat........it will open up some more options

My tri-pod is such a tank i never take it with me. I do have a monopd that really helps steady the shot though. Looks like you got a great deal.

Hi Pat, that looks almost exactly like a Gittios tripod I bought for $70 Canadian - $80-85AUS - on sale. If it's the same mechanism, you made an excellent choice. Mine's now living with my mother, who uses a light SLR, and doesn't want to carry too much weight.

Toad Wrote:Here's my $.02 from a guy that uses tripods a LOT. The problem with tripods is that they are hard to carry and cumbersome to use - but they work.

When I first went out with my group, I was SHOCKED by how frequently good photographers use tripods, even for exposures that I thought were easily hand-holdable. It's the easiest and cheapest way to improve composition and sharpness. Even a monopod, properly used, makes a big difference. I carry one or the other - and sometimes both - for every "serious" shoot I do. (Most of my photos are from more casual lunch-hour sessions, though, which is why my work's still substandard. :/)

Toad Wrote:1. Rapid attach plates.... 2. A tripod sling.... 3. A fast action head that you can set to any angle in an instant ....

I agree with all three, and will add to buy the heaviest and sturdiest one that will actually get used. Even a lightweight support will be better than the one that's left at home. Also, look for one that's fast and reliable to set up.

I have all three of your suggestions on my seven-pound monster, except that I use a geared head (with rapid-adjustment to five-degree detents) instead of the pistol-grip ballhead. Absolute luxury. Ballheads are useful for monopods, though, so that's where my simple Manfrotto went.

I also have this tripod head (of course). Good to see everybody else has come to this same conclusion. The tripod is your friend - but it needs care and feeding to thrive...

I Just Purchased A Davis And Sanford Tripod To Use With My Nikon D200. The Head Mount On The Tripod Doesnt Seem To Cut It. I Think The Lens And The Camera Are Too Much For The Tripod Mount Itself. Does Anyone Have Any Purchase Suggestions For A New Tripod Mount?
Kadurf

Kadurf,

Earlier in the thread (see Toad's post) is a suggestion for a tripod head which quite a few of us have.

Are the legs of your tripod stable enough?

Cheers,

Chris