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Tripods for under $100...?

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raymondcabral
Posts: 747 - Karma: 1,094
Hey ns,
I'm wondering if you guys know of any good tripods that'll take a beating, and still perform smoothly? In other words, I want a legit tripod, maybe a manfrotto or a gitzo, hopefully with a ball head, for under a 100$?? Just thought I would seek advice from you guys, lemme know if you're selling one, I would be a happy skier!

Thanks!
Nov 15 2013 9:54PM
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buttrapinpirate
Posts: 497 - Karma: 225
You're spot on with the brands, just be patient and find one used somewhere. Sounds lame but often the weight of one is enough to tell you about the quality, which has its pros and cons. If you're filming then great, if you're hiking somewhere remote to get a few long exposures, you'll usually be able to live with a lighter one haha. But since you'll be filming, heavier is better. A fluid head I'm not too sure how much you'll be able to get one with a nice tripod for that cheap though, but good luck!
Nov 15 2013 10:33PM
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Tikayt
Posts: 1031 - Karma: 1,543
What is gonna be its main use? I'm sure on amazon you can find something for 60$ instead of 150$, with a ball head, it's not a fancy feature, fluids are, just bought one yesterday... But yeah, it's an investment I can't regret since I work in this field.
Nov 16 2013 5:38AM
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Laurent.
Posts: 10054 - Karma: 25,277
I have had the same tripod for twelve years. A Manfrotto 144B with 141RC head.
Yes it's a bit on the heavy side, but it's made of aluminium so thick I can easily crack some polarbear skulls with it and it wouldn't sustain any damage. Only downside is the slower operation of the knobs to extend the legs but with a bit of practice you can become quite quick at it and they will not loosen over time unlike some clip systems.




Also it extends from -5cm to +180cm (rough estimate)




They can quite often be found for little money on second hand sites.








Click for larger image
Nov 16 2013 6:33AM
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raymondcabral
Posts: 747 - Karma: 1,094
Thank you dude!! I found that exact setup on eBay for 100$ plus 14$ shipping, is that a good deal? Or should I search for a better deal?
Nov 16 2013 10:49AM
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Laurent.
Posts: 10054 - Karma: 25,277
Could be, I see them go for 170 and for 40, just depends if people are looking for them.
For the price you are getting a very sturdy albeit heavy tripod.

(I do actually have the black version, a friend of mine has the bare aluminium version and on the slopes that thing can give off some deadly glare.)
Nov 16 2013 11:21AM
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raymondcabral
Posts: 747 - Karma: 1,094
I'll look around a little bit more, that was like a five minute search, thanks!
Nov 17 2013 6:42PM
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