Help to choose a tripod...

[fabriciomicheli]

<p>Hi buddies!<br />Im here to ask for an opinion. Im thinking in getting a tripod but Im not decided..<br>

I was looking at these ones:<br>

Manfrotto 7321yb (http://www.manfrotto.com/product/0/7321YB/_/M-Y_Mini_Tripod_with_3-Way_Head)<br /> Velbon Df-60 (http://www.velbon.co.uk/newvelbon/pages/DF-60.html)<br>

I a Nikon D60 user and my heaviest lens is maybe around 2 lbs (a micro nikkor 105), and including my SB600 i dont think that the equipment will be over 5 lbs...<br>

I know that Manfrotto is like an insignia brand talking about tripods but Ive heard good things about the english Velbons taking into account the relation between price/quality.<br>

I would like to hear some advices about tripods cause Im a newbie in this matter and I really dont know what to choose, something good and affordable.<br>

Many thanks in advance guys!<br />I'll appreciate your help.<br /><br />Greetings.</p>

[JDMvW]

<p>There may be no more <em>personal</em> choice in photography than a tripod.<br>

The number of variables involved is many, and there is no "best" tripod in general, only ones that are better or worse for specific purposes.</p>

<p>If you mean to hike with the tripod, weight is one of the most important variables.</p>

<p>If you are tall, height becomes very important -- I'm just average, but most tripods are definitely too short for me.</p>

<p>If you're using the tripod in a studio, then a massive, solid tripod is good.</p>

<p>Some people like me prefer flip lever locks on the legs, others prefer twist.</p>

<p>Some people like ball heads, others pan heads, etc.</p>

[walt_z]

<p>Maybe it's just me, but I don't like the one-sided hinge design of the Manfrotto. It just seems inherently less stable. I'd also stay away from tripods that have spreaders like the Velbon, unless you expect to only use it on flat surfaces.</p>

<p>When looking for tripods, both the weight of your equipment and the maximum focal length of lens you expect to use need to be considered. A 600mm lens needs a much, much more stable platform than a 28mm lens. Also, tripod manufacturers are known to fudge their "Load Capacity" numbers...just because a tripod will support a certain weight without tipping over, that doesn't mean it will be stable. A good rule of thumb is to get a tripod that says it supports twice the weight you expect to put on it.</p>

<p>So...given that you've got a 105mm lens and about 5lbs of equipment, and trying to stay close to the price of the tripods you mentioned, the <a href="http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/717672-REG/Manfrotto__190XDB_Tripod_Kit_with.html">Manfrotto 190XDB</a> or <a href="http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/738020-REG/Benro_A0680TBH00_A_0680_Travel_Angel_Aluminum.html">Benro A-0680 Travel Angel</a> look like better choices to me.</p>

[jim_jones3]

<p>Shop carefully. A photographer may upgrade to many cameras, but a good tripod lasts a lifetime. My secondhand Tiltall gave over 30 years of good service with view cameras up to 5x7 as well as with long lenses on 35mm before I lost it. Its replacement is another ancient Tiltall. The best of new tripods might be even better, and priced accordingly. The one Velbon I briefly used was certainly not in the Tiltall class, but was lighter. Quick detach plates may be convenient for some, but introduce another possibility of instability. A standard tripod screw is better for my variety of cameras.</p>