What tripod options make sense for a Nikon D5100 if my budget is under $30?
Asked 9/12/2011
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I’m looking for a very inexpensive tripod for a Nikon D5100 with the 18-55mm and 55-300mm lenses. My budget is under $30. I’d mainly use it indoors, with occasional outdoor use in light wind. I’d prefer something compact and easy to store, and quick camera attachment/removal is important. I’ve looked at brands/models like Revelli, Vista Explorer, and Sunpak. Is there any tripod in this price range that’s actually worth buying, or should I consider a different type of support?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
14y ago
2 Answers
18
My answer is that no, I cannot recommend an under-$30 tripod. The point of a tripod is to provide camera stabilization in order to improve image quality and the super-cheap tripods don't reliably provide this function.
Tripods which are that cheap are going to seriously compromise on materials and the tradeoff will be a lack of stability and a lack of durability. A tripod without stability is pointless; a tripod without durability is very risky (I once had a buddy lose around $1400 of gear as his cheap tripod blew over and broke in the wind).
Answers on the question about sub-$100 tripods are filled with caveats and cautions; attempting to be happy with a tripod for less than a third of that price simply isn't realistic. Much like I'd tell someone who wants a super telephoto wildlife lens for $250 that such gear doesn't exist, there is no such thing as a good $30 tripod.
Originally by user89. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user89
14y ago
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Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
At under $30, most full-size tripods are likely to be unstable and not very durable, which defeats the main purpose of a tripod: keeping the camera steady and safe. With a DSLR like the D5100, especially when using a longer lens, cheap tripods can be risky in wind or even normal use.
That said, any support can still open up shots you couldn’t do handheld, so if your expectations are modest and you mostly shoot indoors, an inexpensive support may still be useful as a starter.
The most commonly recommended option in this budget range is a GorillaPod-style support. It won’t give you normal tripod height, but it can work well if you place it on a table, car, or wrap it around something solid. That may be a better compromise than a flimsy full-size tripod.
So the practical advice is: if you must stay under $30, consider a GorillaPod-type support and use it in stable situations. If you want a traditional tripod that is genuinely sturdy, it’s better to save for a higher budget.
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