I have been quite happy with my Manfrotto Compact Action tripod. My only issue so far is that I wish it were a little taller for when I need to shoot something up high like the stars or something. But otherwise it’s been great. Super light and sturdy for 70/80 bucks.
Manfrotto Compact Action Aluminum 5-Section Tripod Kit with Hybrid Head, Black (MKCOMPACTACN-BK) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00L6F16L0/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glc_fabc_9YM0FbTENXSN2
I use a 70D and Ive used several types of moderately priced tripods from Amazon, because they will get you by. However, I recently purchased a Manfrotto Compact Action at BestBuy for $76, and I absolutely love it. It's actually only $60 if you're an Amazon Prime member. I've wanted a full sized Manfrotto for a long time, but I've always been too cheap to dish out the money.
Don't let the name compact fool you. At full height it stands at about 61". It's got a 360 degree multi axis ball head with an ergonomic handle grip. The handle grip has a dial wheel built into it. You lock or loosen the ball head by dialing up or down with your thumb. It's pretty nifty and very sturdy. I use it for video and for stills, and it attaches to my pack so that I can take it anywhere. It also comes with a nice case. The legs are not plastic. They're aluminum I believe. So, it's light, but it's durable. If you're only shooting portraits, landscapes, or stationary video, and you don't want to spend $140 on a higher end tripod, I highly recommend it.
It’s the cheapest one I could find. Got it in 2016 iirc
I wk in video production and I'll tell you that any tripod that has a fluid head is probably over kill to use with just a flashlight. This would probably me more than enough for your needs. https://www.amazon.com/Manfrotto-MKCOMPACTACN-BK-Compact-Action-Tripod/dp/B00L6F16L0/ref=sr\_1\_2?c=ts&dchild=1&keywords=Camera+Tripods+%26+Monopods&qid=1631900527&refinements=p\_89%3AManfrotto&s=photo&sr=1-2&ts\_id=499306
I use this tripod and this laptop plate for my BenQ W1070 and haven't had any issues. Manfrotto makes good stuff, you could get one of their heavier units if this setup is going to get a lot of use
I'm buying my first camera soon, and I also want to buy a tripod. Right now these are my two options. I can get either one for about the same price. The Vanguard one seems like it is a higher-tier tripod (original price is $200 but getting it for ~$50 as part of a bundle with my lens) but from a less popular brand, while the Manfrotto seems like a lower-tier tripod ($60 straight from Amazon) but from a brand that I keep seeing recommended a lot. Any thoughts? Does it even matter? I feel like Adorama may just be trying to get rid of the Vanguard tripods by bundling them which kinda makes me a bit skeptical of it. The camera/lens setup I'll be using is about 3.3 lbs. This tripod will mostly be used for traveling (in the city, hiking, etc.) and probably family photos at some point. Is there possibly something better than both around the same price? Appreciate any input!
Vanguard:
https://www.adorama.com/vgapro264tbh.html
Manfrotto:
https://www.amazon.com/Manfrotto-MKCOMPACTACN-BK-Compact-Action-Tripod/dp/B00L6F16L0
I use these Manfrotto products…
Manfrotto Compact Action Aluminum 5-Section Tripod Kit with Hybrid Head, Black (MKCOMPACTACN-BK) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00L6F16L0/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_i_QBQG9NYFXQX4T320TWV0?psc=1
Manfrotto PIXI Mini Tripod, Black (MTPIXI-B) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00D76RNLS/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_i_28JNXMCB7PTBKQKEE9BK
Great tripod. I love the grip and the quick release. Here it is on Amazon:
Manfrotto Compact Action Aluminum 5-Section Tripod Kit with Hybrid Head, Black (MKCOMPACTACN-BK) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00L6F16L0/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_aIfoDb0SPA60H
I have a very cheap one by Manfrotto. Not exactly sure this is what you mean by fluid head but thought I would send a link just in case. Sorry...link is to Amazon U.S. but surely you could find it from this info: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00L6F16L0?tag=amz-mkt-chr-us-20&ascsubtag=1ba00-01000-yop01-mac00-other-nomod-us000-pcomp-feature-rscomp-wm-5&ref=aa_rscomp_rsrdg2
I am looking for a nice entry-level tripod since I can't afford the more expensive ones right now. I stumbled on this Manfrotto which is $50 with a a payload capacity of 3.3lbs. Do you think it is a good choice? I have a t3i for now and am planning to get the 15-85mm in the next year so my payload would be around 2.5lbs. What worries me is that if I want to upgrade my body in the next 2-3 years, I probably will need to upgrade the tripod as well.
The link is: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00L6F16L0/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&psc=1
The other choice in my budget is: https://www.amazon.com/Dolica-GX600B200-Proline-60-Inch-Aluminum/dp/B004XC3GWU/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1RKQNFYMXFAK3&keywords=dolica+gx600b200+proline+gx&qid=1576255144&s=electronics&sprefix=dolica+gx%2Celectronics%2C184&sr=1-1
Thanks for the feedback, what would you recommend as a starting point?
This looks to be fairly reasonable. Thoughts?
Tripods: portability vs. stability?
I just got as a gift a Manfroto Compact Action Tripod while on Amazon Prime Day I ordered the Amazon Basics Tripod
Basically my question is, we're going out west for a trip to the national parks in Utah. The Manfroto is noticeably smaller & lighter, but the last segment on its legs seem flimsy, but with my camera on it (Canon T2i) it seems stable. The Amazon Basics, is heavier and bigger, but more stable.
My goal for these are for landscape and star shooting. Realistically its probable, I'll only use them for the stars and not bring them on our day hikes. I'd appreciate any comments or opinions on one vs. the other. Thanks.
^That's ^why ^I'm ^here, ^I ^don't ^judge ^you. ^PM ^/u/xl0 ^if ^I'm ^causing ^any ^trouble. ^WUT?
No experience with that tripod, but I have the samecamera and use a Manfroto one,
http://www.amazon.com/Manfrotto-MKCOMPACTACN-BK-Compact-Action-Tripod/dp/B00L6F16L0
It works well so I'm sure the be free one will do the job