what tripods work with a canon rebel EOS XT camera that you can find at best buy?

Question

I would take any but preferably a cheap and sturdy tripod would be better

Answer 1

fhotoace is correct. There are no tripods that 'match' any particular camera. Your best bet would to bring your camera along and try it on several different modlels.

Things to look for:

1. Lock on - lock off. (with apologies to Mr. Miyagi)
Avoid the legs that lock with a twisting collar. Look for flip-levers instead. The collar styles tend to slip, throwing your camera to the ground! They also take the longest to adjust and setup. The lever styles are secure and quick. That's all I've used for the last several years.

2. A tilting head.
Look for a tripod with a handy tilt head. Not all shot are composed in landscape mode and you want a tripod that will easily flip your camera sideways and still maintain a good balance.

3. Braces (no, not from the orthodontist)
Bracing between the three legs help stability. The braces also help the legs to open and close quickly when you're moving from location to location.

4. Quick-release.
Quick-release plates mount to the bottom of your camera on the better models. Then, with a flip of a locking lever, you can remove your camera for handheld shots. If you keep the plate mounted on your camera, then securing it to the tripod is quick easy, and stable.

5. Sure-footing.
Adjustable rubber feet help on harder surfaces like floors or concrete. Look for rubber feet that rotate upward to reveal spikes. The spikes help the tripod get a secure purchase when you've on grass or soft ground.

6. Handle or strap.
A tripod with a carrying handle or strap makes life much easier when you need to carry it. After all, you'll have your camerabag and your camera to carry already.

7. Size matters.
Look for a tripod that's large enough for stability, but not so large as to be left at home. Personally, I have 3 different tripods and 3 different monopods and choose what suits my assignment or mood.

8. Maybe 1 instead of 3?
Consider a monopod. They really help stability (your legs are the other two legs of the tripod) and can be used when sitting as well. I use one when shooting NBA & WNBA games. Monopods are so light and compact, there's rarely a reason to leave one behind.

9. Watch out for the Best Buy extended warranty vultures. They make extra $$ off of it and will suggest it until you say, "no, thanks".

I hope this is helpful for you.

Answer 2

So you want to put an expensive camera on a cheap tripod?Sounds foolish to me. Listen to fhotoace and go for the name brands. I'll add Slik and Velbon to his list.

To what George Y said I'll add "Get a fluid tilt/pan head with actual handles for the vertical and horizontal movements". A thumbscrew is fine for loosening and tightening for panning.