Tripod: Sunpak DigiPro Compact S

[XLNC]

Hello,
I have a Sony P150, and plan to use it for portraits, macro shots and the occasional landscape shots when I start to travel. I need an inexpensive tripod and I'm seeing this as a good deal for $60.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=366413&is=REG

This is pretty much the tripod I've been looking for. I like the individually adjustable legs, since I know I will be using it on uneven surfaces and inclines. I am noticing that not many people emphasize this feature, but to me it seems like a huge factor in buying a tripod. Anything I should know in this regard?

I was hoping to spend under $50 but will spend the $60 on this tripod as long as I know it's worth it. I've read previous threads here and many people in my budget are told to spend much more for a quality tripod. However, I'm a college student with a hobby I really can't afford. I want to make sure this isn't one of those "avoid at all costs" tripods. Any help or wisdom you folks could throw my way would be much appreciated. Thanks.

-XLNC

[D70FAN]

Hello,
I have a Sony P150, and plan to use it for portraits, macro shots and the occasional landscape shots when I start to travel. I need an inexpensive tripod and I'm seeing this as a good deal for $60.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=366413&is=REG

This is pretty much the tripod I've been looking for. I like the individually adjustable legs, since I know I will be using it on uneven surfaces and inclines. I am noticing that not many people emphasize this feature, but to me it seems like a huge factor in buying a tripod. Anything I should know in this regard?

I was hoping to spend under $50 but will spend the $60 on this tripod as long as I know it's worth it. I've read previous threads here and many people in my budget are told to spend much more for a quality tripod. However, I'm a college student with a hobby I really can't afford. I want to make sure this isn't one of those "avoid at all costs" tripods. Any help or wisdom you folks could throw my way would be much appreciated. Thanks.

-XLNC

Hey, I still use my old lightweight Vivitar that I bought at Wal-Mart for $25. Not a great tripod, but it is light and small. As long as the wind isn't too strong it works fine. I also have a low cost ($50) Quantaray 9001UT (made by Sunpak) that works pretty well when it's breezy, and has all of the features you will need including a bubble level.

I have been more prone to use a Manfrotto monopod in the past year, as it doubles as a hiking staff. BUT I still need a tripod for long exposures.

The Sunpack from B&H looks as good as any, but with 5 sections might be a little tedious. Just for giggles, you might want to go to a Wolf or Ritz (stand-alone, not mall) store and try a few out first. I know that the one near here (Chandler, AZ) even carries Bogen-Manfrotto ($$), as well as in-house models.

There are some really nice, lightweight, very sturdy carbon-fibre tripods out there from Manfrotto, Slik, and others but they are out of my price range.

[XLNC]

George, thank you for your response. I actually did goto Ritz camera after reading one of your earlier responses here. (Yeah, I actually searched :) )

I saw that model in the store and I pretty much was ready to buy, but wanted to do some research on it. I asked the salesman for the model number and he suspiciously avoided answering me multiple times. There were no tags on it and couldn't find one boxed. It seemed shady so I figured I will ask here.

You mentioned long exposures. I do plan on taking some long exposure pictures as well, will this one suffice on a non-breezy day?

Thanks,
-XLNC

[speaklightly]

Please stay away from Sunpak tripods!

I have two broken Sunpak tripods. Both broke in less than 6 uses. Instead take a look at Walmart. I have used their $(US) 18.00 model and their $(US) 29.00 model. Both are sturdy and excellent in the field.

Sarah Joyce

[Rhys]

I have a tripod by some maker I've never heard of that I bought in Target. Haukuma or something like that. It's got a plastic head which, surprisingly, is quite good and which has a bubble level.

[XLNC]

I think I will stay away from Sunpak as I can't afford to take any chances. I will give Walmart and Target a try first, that way even if it breaks, I won't be losing much.

Thanks for all of your suggestions.

-XLNC

[TheObiJuan]

I have a amvona dynatran at-12t and love it. I got it for 65 or so dollars. I can be found on ebay for cheaper. I saw one go for 22 dollars new! They are a bit heavy, but build quality is superb. No plastic on this set of legs, anywhere. It will need a head, I recommend the bogen/manfrotto 486 or 488 series.

I also have a cheap sunpak, but it sways in the wind even with the camera bag on the bottom hook. It is very light weight, but cheap build quality. I now use it with my 420ex mounted for better lighting.

[Rhys]

Ok. My tripod is a Haukuba S-4500 with a plastic pan/tilt head with a quick-release mount. I've used it for video and for my camera, both with complete sucess. It's the lightest rigid tripod I've ever used. It has a spirit level on the base of the head which is quite handy. Best of all, it cost me $30 in Target near Kiawah.

In Britain I have a Cobra CT-30 tripod with a Manfrotto 3D Junior head, which I also quite like.

In Britain also, I have my pocket tripod. Heaven alone knows how I managed to leave that behind when I came here. I'll have to get all my cameras etc when I next visit Britain.