Sub $150 head and legs combo?

[dbinaz]

Ok, I am n00b with all this still. I have a Sony A100 with the standard lens. I plan on getting other lenses, but not for a while. I like to take landscape photographs. http://dbinaz.smugmug.com
I would like to get a decent head/legs combo for <$150. Money is kinda tight right now, so I just wanna get something that would be better than hand holding. Even if used, as long as it is in excellent condition.

I read lots of threads on here, but I haven't seen anyone looking for something within this budget.

Hope you can help?

Thanks,
Derek

[aktse]

Keep in mind that the gear for this price isn't the best at your price point, but you can get a decent stuff that's better than the stuff you can get at your general brick and mortar store (i.e. best buy)

Check out Amvona (http://www.amvona.com/?page=shop/subcat&level=2&category_id=87855a631cd821672fca73f0be0b9ad8) or Giotto.

I think there are one or two reviews on dgrin. I do know that Amvona has a ebay store/actions and you can get some heads for pretty cheap, even with shipping.

[Eric&Susan]

I got my amvona off of ebay for way less than $150 and I love it. It is sturdy and solid.

I got one just like this brand new:

http://cgi.ebay.com/Dynatran-Professional-Tripod-AT-858_W0QQitemZ330147195304QQihZ014QQcategoryZ30095QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem#ebayphotohosting


Eric

[dbinaz]

Thanks!

The Amvona's look like a deal, at least till I get more cash for something better.
D

[hgernhardtjr]

The Amvona's look like a deal, at least till I get more cash for something better.
D

If you bid on eBay for the Amvona tripods and heads, you will get them at far less than their list. I followed others' advice and got my AT828BL (http://www.amvona.com/?page=shop/flypage&view=1&product_id=1838) for under $80 delivered by bidding late at night at the last second. Buy it now price is around $200 with a steep delivery cost.

It is built like the proverbial brick outhouse, is heavy, and very well made. Their products are very competitive with name brands but, perhaps, overly beefy and their method of purchase (pay full price or else play the eBay game and get it for 1/3 price or less + heavy shipping charges) is a bit of a put-off.

Nonetheless, for a limited budget their products provide excellent value.

[claudermilk]

First, the obligatory link to Thom's article: http://www.bythom.com/support.htm :deal

Generally, decent + <$150 doesn't exist. The price for the budget-minded ballhead most recommended (Bogen/Manfrotto 488) is about $89 at B&H.

From the overwhelming quantity of recommendations I've seen from many photographers, a good starting point might be something like the Bogen 488 + Bogen 3001BN. Total at B&H ~$185 (damn, closer to your budget than I thought!) The Giottos MT-9242 is about the same price; I am quite happy with my Giottos legs so far (MT-7261).

[UT Scott]

From the overwhelming quantity of recommendations I've seen from many photographers, a good starting point might be something like the Bogen 488 + Bogen 3001BN. Total at B&H ~$185 (damn, closer to your budget than I thought!) The Giottos MT-9242 is about the same price; I am quite happy with my Giottos legs so far (MT-7261).

I have the Bogen 3001BN legs and love them. I originally didn't think they would be tall enough for me but now I rarely have the legs extended all the way and the center column more or less stays put. When I bought it I got the 3001 legs with a 3029 pan tilt head as a BH kit and it came out to just over $150 less a $25ish mail in rebate. I love the set-up and it's really sturdy, but it doesn't look like BH is offering that kit anymore (I don't know for sure but it looks like Bogen may have discontinued the 3001 legs).

[claudermilk]

Having done the pan-tilt on a cheapie tripod like so many of us have, now that I have gone to a proper ballhead, I would strongly suggest spending the little bit extra. There is a reason ballheads are so popular for general still photography. I know I won't be going back to pan-tilt.

Looking some more, instead of the popular 488, a 486 could be used instead for a $26 savings. However, it's a smaller head with less capacity, so if a bigger lens is added later, an upgrade would be needed.

[rpcrowe]

Make sure it is equipped with the RC2 quick release. That will make your life much easier.

Additionally the RC2 has an optional camera plate called an Architectural Plate. This plate has a lip at the front which prevents the camera from rotating around the mounting screw due to lens torque when you are in portrait mode.

The architectural plate is often available of eBay for just a few bucks.

[Seymore]

I just picked up (locally) a Bogen 3001 set of legs with a 3047 head and QR for all of $75. Other than a few cobwebs (from "storage", per the seller), after cleanup it works great. I still have to field test... but for 75 bones, I'm happy.

You may also want to watch Craigslist in your area: http://phoenix.craigslist.org/ There are a few pod, but nothing I'd currently suggest.