Upgrading gear, need best tripod I can get for under $500.

5 years 5 months ago #615392 by Barbara Fite
Hello me again.  I hope there isn't a limit to number of questions that can be asked here. 

Anyway, I'm getting reading to go full time as wedding photography.  I'm so excited!  I have a very old Manfrotto aluminum tripod that I have owned for 8 years and I want to make a big upgrade to something that is lighter and around 60" tall.  I want to stay under $500 too. 

Can you help me out with some suggestions? 

Thank you.

Barbara.  


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5 years 5 months ago #615555 by Scuba Mike
Induro Tripod CLT 303 No. 3 


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5 years 5 months ago #615585 by Ian Stone
Tons of options:

Check out tripods from manfrotto, 3 legged, sirui, induro, benro and vanguard


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5 years 5 months ago #615594 by Barbara Fite
Thank you, now what is your opinion between lever leg locks vs twist locks? Is there one that is preferred over the other?  


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5 years 5 months ago #616225 by garyrhook

Barbara Fite wrote: Thank you, now what is your opinion between lever leg locks vs twist locks? Is there one that is preferred over the other?  


I'm not a shill, but I'm a fan of 3 Legged Thing. I love my Albert.

That said: twist locks can have their inserts replaced (at least on 3LT), effectively refreshing them. I'm not sure a lever lock has that option. If you ever have to deal with locks that won't grip, you'll know immediately that the tripod is destined for the bin.

If you have a local store, to check tripods out in person. You'll get a feel for what is decent.

And yes, quality costs. Although after a certain point I'm not sure that price differentials are justified. But that's just me.


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