best tripod under $200

[Willy wombat]

Its my birthday next week and I have decided to get a decent tripod. Im thinking of the Manfrotto 714B Digi, but i think i can do better.

Anyone care to share some advice?

Cheers
WW

[Willy wombat]

http://photonotes.org/reviews/manfrotto-digi/ Fairly negative review on this site.

Perhaps the Manfrotto Tripod 190CLB (with an additional head) would be a better way to go.

[aloysius]

In that price point its hard to chose..i know this as Ihave just done the exact same thing. In the end i went with the Slik Sprint Pro...which was around $130 everywhere I looked untill I checked here http://centre.net.au/Slik_Sprint_Pro_GM ... 007XJ.html

having just looked through thier site again just then to find that link I notice there is a few other slik tripods under your $200 threshold.

I like my sprint. at full extension its not as rigid as the more expensive tripods..but for the price its a ripper.

[Vodka]

I haven't heard any good comments about the Digi range either.

I'm sure others will chime in, but I really think it depends on where you are heading.

When I was looking around a few months ago (with the same budget as you), my priority was something well-made (i.e. none of the cheap Velbons), but also light enough that I won't mind carrying around on trips. I don't have any or plan to buy any big pro-grade zooms (can always dream though), so something that will support 2-3kg is sufficient for me.

I ended up with the Slik Pro 340DX, and so far I've been very happy with it (a couple of members here also have this). It's lighter than the Manfrotto 190 range, but it still feels solid and well made. $160 from centre.net.au (+ another $15 for overnight shipping from Mel to Syd).

The 3-way quick release head that came with the Slik was ok, not great or anything, but I've since added a Manfrotto ballhead to it for convenience.

Ben

[stubbsy]

Steve

Have you looked at the benro 228 - currently $156 incl freight on eBay. I bought on of these from this mob for my NAZ trip in Feb (my Gitzo 1325 being too big for my bag) and couldn't have been happier with it. Compact, light but a reasonable height when extended.

[Trieu]

I am selling this if your interested?

Manfrotto 724B - $140


http://www.dslrusers.net/viewtopic.php?t=25733

[Kris]

Another vote for Slik 340DX with 488RC2 head

[MarkW]

Have a Velbon CX440 but his just wont handle the 80-400VR, wobbles all over the place even with mirror lockup. Biggest lens on that tripod would be my 24-120 and I would still have to use a remote.

Currently in the post is my 550PROB Manfrotto with a 488RC4 head. Yes its expensive and heavy but at least I can use the 80-400VR lens.

As with most pieces of gear, everything has its own purpose and there is nothing that will suit every situation all the time.

I would suggest you read the Thom Hogan article on Tripods

http://www.bythom.com/support.htm

Mark

[asaroha]

At that price, the standard choice will usually end up to be 190D+804RC combo, 199 from vanbar. Many have reported it to be plenty stable enough, but the head obviously lacks the speed of ballheads.