What's a versatile and practical Camera tripod or monopod?

Question

I'm looking for a tripod or monopod that is versatile and practical. Any suggestion is appreciated. In order of importance:

Easy to set up shots.
Stable and secure
Easy to carry.
A good height.
Not expensive.

Thanks.

Answer 1

Well, the not expensive part really makes your choices much simpler!

Okay, I recommend the Velbon Ultra-Maxi series, especially the versions with a ball head.

Link:
http://www.velbon-tripod.com/ultra_maxi.htm

Depending upon the weight of your camera, it's easy to set up, use and it's stable. The height is good, extended it's about chest height on an adult--a good height for things like photographing people (it's more flattering at chest height than eye level).

Easy to carry--definitely. In fact, it's small enough to be taken as a carry-on on an airplane. And when hiking, it won't weigh you down, so you won't leave the tripod behind.

Cost: about $130. That's not expensive in the tripod world.

Answer 2

First, you're asking about 2 very different things.

A tripod has 3 legs and therefore is stable and can be left unattended if you want to be in the photo.

A monopod is one leg and is useful to help steady your camera.

You can't go wrong by checking them out at your local real camera store. Bogen, Velbon, Slik, Manfrotto are all good quality tripods and they offer monopods too. Do NOT waste your money on some "bargain" no-name tripod at Wal-Mart or Target, etc.

The tripod should "fit" you - if you're 6' tall and it only opens to 5' then you'll have a sore back from stooping over to use it. I know, I know - the center column extends. This is a big no-no because if you extend the center column all the way you effectively negate the advantages of a tripod. Why? Because it creates what is called a "moment arm". Think of a heavy door on stiff hinges. The farther away from the hinges you are the easier it is to push the door open; the closer to them, the harder it becomes. The closer the head and camera are to the top of the tripod the more stable it becomes.

Check what heads are available for the tripod and monopod you like best. Some swear by the ball head, others by the fluid head. Both should have a "quick release" mount so you can quickly remove your camera if needed. You decide which best suits you.

Plan to pay a couple hundred dollars for a quality tripod and head. I'd shudder at sitting a $2,000 camera and lens on the cheapest tripod available. Actually, there are tripod heads that cost a couple of hundred dollars or more and you still have to buy the legs.

Answer 3

The "not expensive" just ruled out any decent tripods :) Easy to carry ruled out even more because carbon fiber is even more expensive. A Bogen-Manfrotto 3021 is a great first tripod but it is neither cheap nor light. It has good height and is extremely stable. I lucked out and bought one on the Bay that carried the European designation of 055. I got it for $60 with a pan and tilt head. It was a steal because nobody else in the know saw it.
A ball head is the next purchase. They are often more expensive than the legs. An Arca Swiss is about $300 used, but it's worth it if you want the quality and performance. A Bogen 3055 is usable and you can get them for about $40 if you're patient and search selectively. It, of course, adds more weight.
If you buy a cheap tripod now, you'll have thrown your money away if you get halfway serious about photography. You'll have to buy a "real" one once you see how troublesome they are. You have only so many mornings and evenings with the good light to really shoot. Make them productive and don't cheap out and wonder why your shots weren't sharp due to an errant breeze.