Would like a nice inexpensive tripod

[nat_pelson]

<p>I'm looking for a nice tripod that doesn't break the bank ( say used $50-$80 ). I have one that works it's just getting old.<br>

I remember back in the day seeing some that could telescope all the way down to the ground ( nearly ) by letting the legs spread way out. The one I have now can go inverted but that's quite a hassle really.<br>

It should still be light enough to pack around under my Tamrac Pro12 gadget bag with a max height of 60 inches or so.</p>

<p>What would you recommend or NOT recommend. Was looking at Bogens naturally but there seems to be a dizzying selection.</p>

[paul_wheatland]

<p>My vote goes for a Marchioni Tiltall or later Tiltalls. They are virtually indestructible. Parts are still available on the 'net from independent supplier. Website is very informative with included price list. They are usually available for $50 to $90 USD.</p>

[luis_g]

<p>For that budget, another vote for the Tilt-All. Good enough for Ernst Haas, National Geographic, Helmut Newton, etc. It's probably good enough for you.</p>

<p> </p>

[Ed_Ingold]

<p>The Tilt-All is made well, if somewhat antiquated design. The legs have a fixed angle. Inverting the column is easy, but ineffective unless you are pointing straight down. Otherwise one leg is in the way of the either the finder or the lens. For under $150, the Slik 700DX is tall and sturdy, but on the heavy side. The legs have adjustable angles and there is a short column for working at ground level with the legs spread.</p>

[joseph_wisniewski]

<p>I don't think what you want exists. The Tilt-all isn't it...</p>

<blockquote>

<p>They are virtually indestructible.</p>

</blockquote>

<p>They are trash, with a cult appeal that I've never been able to understand. Bought a brand new one on the advice of one of the cult members, it went in for repair twice within 6 months (once, one of the extruded aluminum tube literally split, never seen anything built out of such poor materials before).</p>

[nat_pelson]

<blockquote>

<p><a href="../photodb/user?user_id=419409">Edward Ingold</a> <a href="../member-status-icons"><img title="Subscriber" src="../v3graphics/member-status-icons/sub9.gif" alt="" /><img title="Frequent poster" src="../v3graphics/member-status-icons/3rolls.gif" alt="" /></a>, Nov 26, 2010; 08:18 p.m.<br>

For under $150, the Slik 700DX is tall and sturdy, but on the heavy side. The legs have adjustable angles and there is a short column for working at ground level with the legs spread.</p>

</blockquote>

 

<p>I was actually looking at the Slik DX ( the 500 ) this afternoon, they get good reviews at Adorama.<br>

I will look into the Tilt-All and see what they are like</p>

[2Oceans]

<p>Nat, If you know what your buying you should go to the KEH.com web site and check out their used tripods. I am pretty partial to anything that has the name Gitzo. They currently have two well used Gitzo pods under $100 and another just over $150. You will not embarrass yourself with that brand. I have also owned a very well used Slik Grandmaster Sport pod that I have had 20 years but the company stopped supporting replacement of the rubber fittings 10 years ago even though their new tripods look very similar. Good hunting. Andy</p>

[jim_jones3]

<p>I used a second-hand Tiltall for about 35 years before losing it in a mishap. Based on such service, I bought another used one online for $60 plus postage. I do have several other tripods, large and small, but almost always use the Tiltall. New versions built overseas may not have the quality of the original American made ones marketed under Marchioni, Tiltall, Leitz, and Star D.</p>

[mukul_dube]

<p>A Tiltall by Marchioni or Leitz is an excellent choice. The ones made later with the same name have only a durable name.</p>

[joshroot]

<p>There's this:</p>

<p>http://www.photo.net/equipment/tripods/carbon-fiber/flashpoint-1128</p>

<p>Though some don't like the concept of a CF knock off, the quality was pretty good.</p>

[Spearhead]

<p>Plenty of good tripods turn up used on craigslist and ebay. The tripod I've used for years I found second hand online, I paid about 1/3 of its new cost (it was very expensive new) and it's been fine for over ten years. I would recommend looking for a used one, especially if you can find one locally.</p>

[nat_pelson]

<p>The Slik 500DX seems to be about what I'm looking for with good reviews but it's too new to have a "used" market. Is there an older Slik with the same features?<br>

I'd also like a geared column like my older pod, but that seems to be out of the budget range these days.</p>

<p>BTW, concerns about the new Tiltalls seems legit. I see LOTS of raves for "I've been using one for 20 years" but not so much for "I just bought one last week". The newer ones seem to be near crap and yet reviewers throw in opinions about the older ones as if they are relevant < shrugg ><br>

Thanks everybody, keep the posts coming!!</p>