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MichelleRae
PeaNut
PeaNut 14,744
April 2001
Posts: 115
Layouts: 19
 |  Posted: 2/16/2013 12:02:04 PM
Looking for a good tripod for my Nikon D5100. Would love recommendations for those that like theirs.
Thank you!
Michelle Rae | |
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voltagain
OklaPhoma
PeaNut 18,334
July 2001
Posts: 35,153
Layouts: 15
Loc: State of cultural confusion. Yeehaw and Aloha have collided!
 |  Posted: 2/16/2013 5:02:30 PM
Tripods are a "you get what you pay for" item. The cheaper the tripod the more plastic it has. Plastic wears, and breaks, much faster than metal parts do.
Online descriptions aren't always (well, almost never) complete enough. It may say "made of aluminum" But that means the legs. It doesn't tell you the head that holds the camera is 100% plastic and won't hold the camera steady.
Good companies are Manfrotto, Bogan, Slik, Giotto. You can buy a set or you can buy legs and heads separately. Just make sure both legs and head are rated for 1.5 times the heaviest weight you intend to put on it.
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lbfritts
Can you hear me now???
PeaNut 26,273
December 2001
Posts: 7,806
Layouts: 180
Loc: North Carolina
| Posted: 2/17/2013 4:48:56 PM
I have a Manfrotto that I bought used.... it is heavy and nice. Good quality and feels like it is going to last. Even though it is older, it still feels like it will last.
I have an OBEN monopod that I like enough that I would try it as a tripod- especially for the price. I got it on a recommendation on Scott Kelby show.
I don't use either one a lot and hated to spend too much on them - so the used Manfrotto fit the bill for me - good quality without high cost - but I might upgrade the head soon.
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Angela2932
PeaAddict
PeaNut 279,168
October 2006
Posts: 1,203
Layouts: 30
Loc: ND
 | Posted: 2/17/2013 5:18:30 PM
I have a Feisol tripod. It's wonderful! I bought it after researching it a great deal, especially at nikonians.org.
It's a carbon fiber tripod (lightweight, strong) and much less the cost than the top of the line tripods. . . . but equivalent quality. It's still not inexpensive, but you're not likely to get frustrated and replace it either. I have a travel tripod that also included the ballhead, with a quick release plate.
Here's a link: http://www.feisol.net/
Oh, and excellent customer service as well. |
Angela
Nikon D300S; Nikon 35mm 2.0; Nikon 16-85 f/3.5-5.6; Nikon 85 mm 1.8; Nikon 105mm 2.8; Nikon 50 mm 1.4; Tamron 28-75 mm 2.8; Nikon 70-300mm 4.5-5.6; Nikon 55-300 4.5-5.6; Nikon SB800 Speedlight
MyPixelatedOasis (POTD)
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gardencat
PeaAddict
PeaNut 495,307
January 2011
Posts: 1,412
Layouts: 135
 | Posted: 2/17/2013 5:55:47 PM
I just bought a Manfrotto tripod. It is one of their lighter ones but it has the advantage that you can adapt it to use with a black rapid strap. I love my camera strap but because of the way it attached to the camera it made switching to a tripod a pain. This tripod works with my strap and is light weight for travel.
It is however not really heavy duty enough for use with my biggest heaviest lens, for that, I'm still using and old Slik tripod I inherited from my dad...it's showing signs of wear though (it's over 30 years old!) so at some point it will need to be replaced...maybe after I win the lottery.
Does anyone have experience with a Gitzo tripod? That's what the guy at the camera store was talking up last time I was there. | |
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Skellinton
Ancient Ancestor of Pea
PeaNut 83,570
April 2003
Posts: 5,051
Layouts: 49
Loc: Halloweentown
 | Posted: 2/18/2013 12:11:33 AM
Manfrotto here and I love it. |
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memories5
PeaAddict
PeaNut 272,462
August 2006
Posts: 1,834
Layouts: 348
Loc: Indiana
| Posted: 2/18/2013 7:41:47 AM
I am hard on tripods I have been through several like maybe 5 it seems like... I am getting ready to buy a new one I saw in a magazine... I thought it looked amazing... I have bought 3 for under a $100 from cord camera and they just don't hold up very long...
Check out vanguardworld.com...
manfrotto is a good one too and I might lean towards that |
Photography by Jennifer
NIKON D 600
Nikon 28 mm F2.8
Nikon 50mm F 1.4
Nikon 85mm F 1.8
NIkon 105 mm F 2.8
Nikon 70-300 F 4.5
It is my desire to learn more about photography everyday.
I think a photography class should be a requirement in all educational programs because it makes you see the world rather than just look at it. | |
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2LuvPeasLife
StuckOnPeas
PeaNut 394,173
October 2008
Posts: 2,824
Layouts: 34
Loc: Vancouver, BC CANADA
 |  Posted: 2/19/2013 10:43:01 AM
I was lucky to find my Manfroto 055C tripod with 222 Joystick head on Craigslist for $90.
I know it is a few years old but it's in terrific condition.
When it was brand new it retailed for over $300.
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Don't cry because it's over. Smile because it happened.
-- Dr. Seuss
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yellow5
PeaNut
PeaNut 491,305
December 2010
Posts: 490
Layouts: 0
| Posted: 2/20/2013 11:26:30 AM
I have a Manfrotto 190CXPRO3. Yes, it's pricey but it's carbon fiber (a godsend when traveling with it!) and solid. You have to buy the ballhead separately.
My advice -- do NOT cheap out on a tripod. Buy it once and be done with it. Or else, you'll spend money on cheapy tripod after cheapy tripod. | |
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memories5
PeaAddict
PeaNut 272,462
August 2006
Posts: 1,834
Layouts: 348
Loc: Indiana
| Posted: 3/13/2013 8:14:26 AM
My advice -- do NOT cheap out on a tripod. Buy it once and be done with it. Or else, you'll spend money on cheapy tripod after cheapy tripod.
DITTO |
Photography by Jennifer
NIKON D 600
Nikon 28 mm F2.8
Nikon 50mm F 1.4
Nikon 85mm F 1.8
NIkon 105 mm F 2.8
Nikon 70-300 F 4.5
It is my desire to learn more about photography everyday.
I think a photography class should be a requirement in all educational programs because it makes you see the world rather than just look at it. | |
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