need some basic info on tripods

[Corvus]

This friday I\'m going to receive payment for a couple of commission jobs, and I want to use the money to buy a tripod for my digital camera. Since I don\'t know a thing about those, I\'m looking for some basic info, for example, what does a decent tripod cost, are there different types of tripods (for example portable ones that can fit in a backpack, etc), things I must consider before buying one, etc

Thanks!

-Gerrie.

 

[Nomis]

I guess it is going to depend on what you want to use it for- if you want to just use it for minis you might want a heavier, more stable mount - if you want to take it around with you one of the colapsable lighter jobbies would probably be better.

I got a collapsible tripod for Xmas from my SO which is distinc improvement to balancing the camera on books! - I expect it will prove a bit fragil in the long run and I will need to upgrade.

 

[Corvus]

I will mainly use the tripod for mini photography, but I\'m also planning to take it on vacation this summer...

 

[airhead]

my local Wal-Marx has a decent tripod.

Some of the things I look for:

feet - spin out spikes for dirt or balls for floors.

Head - change all 3 axis and a removable plate to quick detach the camera from. (the later is not necessary, but sure handy)

If you are also planning on shooting video from it, you need a head that has fluid motions, not herky-jerky.

The one I have has 3 sections on the legs and goes from about a foot tall to over six foot tall with the adjustments all to the stops.

If you are looking for a travel piece, consider a monopod - this is fine for all but the very slow shutter settings. Most of the monopods collapse with a bungee in the middle of a interlink pole (like a blind cane) to about 6\" and fit in a pocket.

 

[Naukhel]

I\'ve got a miniature tri-pod, which I paid only $7 for, brand new. Its legs extend to about 1 foot in length, and it\'s perfect for a small work-space when it comes to taking pictures.
Any flaws in my photography are my own amateurish efforts, and not the fault of the tri-pod. It\'s stable enough to take some pretty good pictures, and it fits right in the camera case I bought with the camera for storage.
But, as has been said, if you\'re going to use it for more than minis, and/or you have enough space, something bigger might work for you better.

 

[Trevor]

They have three \"legs\", tri being 3 and pod being leg.

Sorry... I\'ll leave now.

 

[Legacy Account]

Depends what camera you\'re sticking on it, and where you want to use it. If it\'s a dinky digi indoors, then pretty much any tripod\'ll do you.

If you want a nails, \'last-forever\' jobbie, try a Manfrotto or what used to be called Benbo. Benbo\'s rock. But don\'t plan on carrying it very far

 

[Corvus]

just bought the Velbon CX440 tripod for 50 euro\'s

its maximum height is 144 cm, it weighs 1100 grams, has such a removable plate to attach to your camera and a carrying bag

thanks for your advice everyone

 

[marineboy]

tripods...?

Perhaps this could be of interest?

tripod link

Slightly off subject maybe but could be of use....