Good deal on Manfrotto Tripod Legs on Amazon - $95 (originally $140)

[TROLL]

Just passing this along from a post I saw on SlickDeals n case any of the TST photographers have been looking for a solid tripod setup. Note that you will need to add a head to this (which is the norm for quality tripods).

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Amazon currently has the Manfrotto 055XPROB for $119. Price has been around $140 for last few weeks.

Combine that with the Manfrotto $25 rebate and you have a great deal on a great tripod. Looks like Amazon might be treating the rebate as instant maybe?

Tripod: http://www.amazon.com/Manfrotto-055XPROB-Tripod-Legs-Black/dp/B000UMX7FI/

Rebate:http://www.manfrotto.us/News+%26+Events/Promotions/Up+to+%2440+Rebate+on+Selected+Manfrotto+Models/13114586

I haven't been watching the carbon fiber version or 190pro but they seem to be at good prices also ( $317, $99 before rebate respectively) Carbon fiber is lighter, 190 is a little shorter.

055CXPRO3 ($40 rebate): http://www.amazon.com/Manfrotto-055CXPRO3-Section-Magnesium-Castings/dp/B001GIPR5S/
190XPRO ($25 rebate- no guarantee of rebate though because rebate is for tripods prices at $100 or more):http://www.amazon.com/Manfrotto-190XPROB-Section-Aluminum-Tripod/dp/B000N7VPRW/[/QUOTE]

[davin]

I was looking at the Manfrotto $50 version. What do you have experience with/ Would you recommend the cheapest one for entry level? I just need something that functions.

[PAFirefighter11]

Davin I would not go cheap. If you use a tripod go with something sturdy. Spend the extra cash or your photos may suffer. Even the one Troll posted is great. I have it and love it. Though I paid a lot more several years ago lol :(

[davin]

I was looking at this: http://www.manfrotto.us/product/8374.398.83535.0.0/MKC3-H01/_/Compact_5_Section_Aluminum_PhotoVideo_Kit_with_QR

I mean, it is name brand and not a Walmart brand. Any thoughts?

[PAFirefighter11]

I was looking at this: http://www.manfrotto.us/product/8374.398.83535.0.0/MKC3-H01/_/Compact_5_Section_Aluminum_PhotoVideo_Kit_with_QR

I mean, it is name brand and not a Walmart brand. Any thoughts?

Too thin IMO. Look at the leg diameter. What camera are you using? If you have a P&S that'll be fine. If you have a DSLR, look at a better tripod model (same brand). I'm telling ya, just wait one more paycheck if you have to. It will pay off in the long run. A truly great tripod is going to run you between $500-$1000. But, since that's obviously not in most hobbyist budgets, consider spending between $100-$400 on a tripod & head.

My camera weighs approx 3 lbs. With a flash and lens it obviously weighs more. My tripod has a capacity of 12.8 lbs. The tripod you listed can only handle 3.3 lbs.

[TROLL]

I agree with what was said above... I think you can get a quality tripod for under $200 though so don't be too scared of prices.

The issue with the tripod you posted above is that it is designed to be 'ultra compact / ultra portable' which is what it says it is, but it is going to be less stable. Its good if you're in a bind or you're taking a trip and need to travel light, but I wouldn't recommend it for full time use. The more sections a tripod has in its legs, the less stable it will be, also the thinner the legs and the lighter it is usually mean it is less stable as well.

If you have a DSLR and hope to continue with photography then I would recommend something like what I linked here. Your camera gear will change and evolve, but you should be able to keep the same tripod. This is still a fairly inexpensive setup but will be stable for almost anything you put on it.

[davin]

I have a Nikon D5000 with an 18-200mm lens. I mainly use the camera for when I fly with the Civil Air Patrol since it have geotagging. However, I use it for portraits and what not. Though, I am looking at your links :-)

[davin]

Now I see what you are saying. Oh man, thank you guys for the heads up!

[TROLL]

Sure, if you have any more questions let us know.

One other thing is that if you are looking at a tripod, look at the height with the center column down. For stability, it is ideal to not raise your center column when shooting. If you have to you have to, but I would say I almost never do (but I also have a full size tripod so it goes up fairly high even without it).

[davin]

Sure, if you have any more questions let us know.

One other thing is that if you are looking at a tripod, look at the height with the center column down. For stability, it is ideal to not raise your center column when shooting. If you have to you have to, but I would say I almost never do (but I also have a full size tripod so it goes up fairly high even without it).

Right on. My girl is finishing her degree at the Art Institute and I guess I should go all out in case she wants to borrow my stuff. I am thinking of the 190CX3 like you recommended. What head would you recommend?

[TROLL]

Ha, now you're jumping into the carbon stuff? Its nice but definitely not necessary. Its a bit lighter, not a lot... and unless you're hiking a lot with it then a bit of weight doesn't matter. I think the best bang for the buck is their standard 055 stuff like the one linked above.

For a ballhead I'd go with one of these:
http://www.amazon.com/Manfrotto-496RC2-Release-Replaces-486RC2/dp/B002WN212I/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1317412607&sr=1-1

http://www.amazon.com/Manfrotto-498RC4-Release-Replaces-488RC4/dp/B002PWDUC6/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1317412674&sr=1-1

The first is a little smaller and lighter, and should be fine for this setup as well as most other setups. The second is a little beefier and should hold even large pro DSLR cameras and lenses.

[PAFirefighter11]

I love my 486RC2 :)

Since we're doing Amazon here: http://www.amazon.com/Manfrotto-486RC2-Compact-Connect-System/dp/B00009R6MQ/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1317416177&sr=1-1

It'll be odd at first using a ball head but the more you use it the more you will really enjoy all the options that it provides to you.

[davin]

So I was looking at these:

http://www.amazon.com/Manfrotto-391RC2-Junior-Head-Replaces/dp/B001TK3ELC/ref=cm_cmu_pg__header

http://www.amazon.com/Manfrotto-190XPROB-Section-Aluminum-Tripod/dp/B000N7VPRW/ref=pd_cp_p_3

Thoughts?

[McVicker]

damn it, wish I saw this earlier I want this tripod, would have been nice to get it cheaper.