Tripod choice for $300 budget

[Lovin]

Hi everyone,

I'm happy to post again here, and hoping that in next couple of weeks I'll upload some images for critique and not only.
Is almost a year since I stop taking pictures, and I just can't wait to start learning again.
I want to buy a tripod, but my budget is around $300.
I see that Manfrotto 190XPROB is $299 with head included at Lens and Shutter, but I was wondering if you know any deal or other tripod that could be better than this one.
I was thinking at Benro as well, but I have to look for some deals, because they are more expensive, the carbon fiber ones.

Thank you !
Lovin

[JAS_Photo]

A few of us here have that tripod, Lovin, and its a good all round choice.

[Lovin]

Thanks JAS.
I don't think I'll use the tripod for macro, just for landscapes, portraits and other types of photography. So should be more than enough for me.

[Lovin]

Ok, I need some help here with this 2 choices :

Benro: Benro A-1690 Travel Angel Alum. Tripod W/BH-0 A1690TBH0 B&H $179(USD)
short description :

A-1690 Travel Angel Alum. Tripod W/BH-0 Ballhead

Supports 8.8 lbs (4 kg)
Extends to 4.93' (1.50 m)
Folds Down to 15.55" (39.5 cm)
Weighs 3.5 lb (1.58 kg)
5 Leg Sections
180° Folding Mechanism
Small, Lightweight Ball Head Included
Dual Locking, Snap-In QR System


or

Manfrotto: Manfrotto 190XPROB Pro Aluminum Tripod Kit B&H Photo Video $199(USD)

Manfrotto 190XPROB

Maximum Height 57.5" (146.0 cm)
Maximum Height w/o Column Extended 48" (121.9 cm)
Minimum Height 3.3" (8.5 cm) [w/center column in horizontal position]
Folded Length 22.5" (57.0 cm)
Load Capacity 11 lbs (5 kg)
Leg Sections 3
Leg Lock Type Flip levers
Independent Leg Spread Yes
Center Column Sections 1
Center Column Type Rapid sliding


I like more Benro, and has more good reviews on BH then Manfrotto, but I need an advice from you guys, as well, if you can clear my thoughts.

Thank you, again !

[Lovin]

Well, as you can read from previous message, my mind was already set, so I bought the Benro. Last year somebody on this site made me desire a Benro, and since than...
On Aug 12, I'll pick up from Point Roberts, US. Yuuhuu!
I just can't wait.

[Marko]

Hi Lovin,

Tripods are something that you really must try for yourself and the HEIGHT of the tripod relative to your height is a very important factor.
There is NO best tripod but there are plenty of great ones..... given this fact - I hope you can return this tripod if it does not suit your requirements.

Great photographer A can recommend great tripod A, but if he's 6"4 and I'm 5"7 - VERY good chance that tripod will SUCK for my height....and that I'll constantly need to adjust it....as opposed to buying the perfect tripod and head for my height so that when legs are extended they are perfect for my height.
(Just in case u want to listen to it - I did a podcast on this very topic in April...though I spent over double on my tripod... Tripods for photography | Photography podcast blog and forum - Photography.ca )

[Andrew]

I'd put in a good word for the Manfrotto myself. The biggest thing is the number of leg extensions. Each represents a point to induce vibration and 3 as compared to 5 make a strong argument. The height of both is too short for me an I could never use either one for long but that's a personal thing. Manfrotto also doesn't lock the legs at set places. I can't say regarding this model but seems to me some of the Benro's have stages where they lock. You can still move them to whatever position you want but I'd check how loose the positions are at the hinges when not locked. Before you buy, so it's not an impulse thing, take your gear, visit a store and set them up. Opinions are nice but it's always better to test things yourself.

I know it's always nice to buy new but have you checked the local sources for used gear? For less money could end up with a much better tripod with just a few scratches to contend with.

[Lovin]

Thanks Marko, thanks Andrew for the tips.
If the tripod doesn't work for me, I can return it. So far, I heard good things about this tripod. Very sturdy, no vibration, light and can hold 4 kg, and my camera with my lens is 1.3 kg. If I'll ever use a 70-200 still will not go over 2 kg.
The only think I never thought about is the height. I am 6.2' (1.92m) and the tripod is 4.93' (1.5m), so I'll see how this works.

[Andrew]

At your height try Manfrotto's 055 series.

Just PS..I do a lot of looking and find prices in Canada at select stores for the most part are cheaper than most locations in the US. For some reason Manfrotto is one of the exceptions commanding a %50 premium in Canada. Whether it be volume, middleman or taxes it is one of the products to buy south if you happen to be there.