Tripod Help

Spammeh · 2 Oct 2009 at 10:39

Hi Guys,

I currently have an a200 with the standard lens kit and am finding myself a little limited with what I can do without a decent tripod. I am wanting to do a few pictures of a friend and just general practising.

I'm going to be looking at the cheapest tripods but likewise I don't want a crap one - has anybody got any advise? Is it best to look for 2nd hand, or are there half decent reasonably priced tripods around?

DoubleCheese · 2 Oct 2009 at 10:44

Have a look for a brand called RedSnapper. They do very good and inexpensive tripods and heads. I picked up a carbon fibre one (with bag) and ball head for about £140 delivered. Solid device and comparable to the big brands.

daven1986 · 2 Oct 2009 at 10:48

If you are super cheap like I am, then go for the Hama Star 63 off the jungle site. It isn't the best tripod ever, but remains fairly stable and is light and cheap

Spammeh · 2 Oct 2009 at 10:55

£140 is a lot more than I was willing to spend, I was looking at around £30-£50 if thats possible, if not I'll have to look at more expensive. That Hama Star looks very cheap, am I likely to get what I pay for there?

DoubleCheese · 2 Oct 2009 at 11:30

Redsnapper do an Alu one as well, but I wanted a light one so went for the Carbon one.
I recall the Alu one is dead cheap, should be within your budget and bit more for the head.
The cheapo ones are just that. Buy cheap, buy twice and all that. I had a cheapo Aldi one and it was fine with my Nikon D50 with kit lens, but it started to flex all over the place with my D200 and any reasonably heavy lens. Landscapes all need the horizon re-leveled etc etc...

daven1986 · 2 Oct 2009 at 15:25

Spammeh said:
£140 is a lot more than I was willing to spend, I was looking at around £30-£50 if thats possible, if not I'll have to look at more expensive. That Hama Star looks very cheap, am I likely to get what I pay for there?

It is cheap and sometimes does feel that way, but for £15 I don't think I did too badly. It is ok with my sony A200 and 70-300mm lens on it. Obviously the more you pay the better you get, but I am just starting out with photography and I didn't want to spend much.