Help! Daughter wants a tripod for her camera for Christmas...

[cynatnite]

We want to get her a tripod for Christmas. She's been wanting one for some time now. I don't have the first clue what to look for in a tripod. She has a Nikon camera. Money is an issue and I hope we can get a decent quality one without spending a small fortune.

Can anyone give us an idea on what to look for in a tripod?

[MrScorpio]

1. how big is this camera? nt

[cynatnite]

2. It's a Nikon D40...

I don't know much about cameras so I can't say how big it is.

[Call Me Wesley]

3. Here's a very nice one, and a great price,

perfect for the D-40:

http://www.daydeal.com/product.php?productid=12569&cat=3677

[cynatnite]

8. That is PERFECT!

Excellent price and seems to be an ideal one for her.

Thanks so much!

[Capn Sunshine]

10. I have that exact tripod

It's fucking GREAT! Five stars. Highly recommend.

[cynatnite]

11. That's exactly what I got her!

Damn, I love the holidays. She's going to scream when she sees it. LOL

[yawnmaster]

4. Tripods and cameras generally use a standard mount...

So, most likely, whatever tripod you purchase will fit the camera.
Now just think about stability, workmanship and specs (height, adjustability, etc) for the tripod.
Does she want a small one so that she can put the camera on a table (only 12 inches high or so)?
Or a full sized one?

[cynatnite]

6. She wants a full sized one.n/t

[quakerboy]

16. Shame.

Dollar tree sells the tabletop ones. I am sure they are top quality.

[Hell Hath No Fury]

5. Look for a tripod --

where the three legs are attached to the center post, just don't fold out -- it makes for a much more stable tripod. Will go and find an image for you.

This:




Not this:




A tripod with a level in the body is also good. I always prefer the tripod legs that lock with a clasp, not by tightening/turning.

[XemaSab]

7. How expensive is the camera?

Will she be using it indoors or outdoors? Is she going to carry it around a lot?

I have a $250 Bogen Manfrotto. It's built like a brick house and it's almost as heavy. :P

[kentauros]

12. I have a Manfrotto, too.

Just not that high in price ;)
Eventually, I'll probably get one of the better models. Mine's the 728B. It's the bet tripod I've ever owned and highly recommend their products :D

[Schema Thing]

9. be careful not to go *too* cheap

a crappy tripod, while it will kinda sorta do the job, is unlikely to be used very much because things are always breaking on them and the various tightening/locking mechanisms on them seldom work very well.


I came across a value brand that uses carbon fiber (stiff and very light) for the legs. I'll see if I can find it again. It was a knock-off of some of the more expensive tripods.


ps... a quick release mechanism, either built in or added to the package, is very nice too. Again, it makes it just that much more likely that the person will actually use the tripod, if they can get the camera on and off quickly.

[Catshrink]

13. I have a Tiltall

It's a rock.



http://www.amazon.com/Tiltall-Tripod-Black/dp/B0000AB4NQ/ref=pd_cp_p_2

[rateyes]

14. Make sure that it has

3 legs. (Else, it wouldn't be a tripod.) :evilgrin:

[GreenPartyVoter]

15. My husband hates plastic ones. They feel cheap and breakable to him.