Tripod Suggestions?

[SewIn2Disney]

Hi folks!
While photographing the Super Moon last night, my tripod neck snapped :brick: and since it was a fairly inexpensive tripod, instead of looking to get it fixed, I'm looking to upgrade, and was wondering if anyone could suggest where I begin looking for a tripod with some (all?) of the following features:

-Lightweight (pretty sure I'm not going to be able to afford a carbon fiber though)
-Folds up fairly small (maybe 12-18inches?)
-Reaches a height of at least 50-60 inches
-Does not have a center column that comes up from the top (too wobbly imho)
-Can be upgraded to a ball head in the future (probably won't be able to afford that right off the bat either)
-Not top of the line price wise- but somewhere on the cheaper to mid-range price.

If it helps- I'm a casual photographer (would love to become professional), shooting with a Nikon D50, who shoots mainly outdoors (nature, scenery, day trips, etc) but I love my night photography and using my telephoto lenses (which even in daylight need a tripod sometimes). I've never carried an actual tripod around the parks with me (but if I can get a small enough one, I probably would)- usually just my gorillapod.

Thanks for any help/suggestions you could provide!
:wave:

 

[wdwmagic]

Sorry to hear your current tripod gave up! Check out Velbon and Benro - I've had good experiences with both.

 

[DVC Mike]

I use and like Manfrotto.

 

[SewIn2Disney]

Thanks-- I'll check into all three. I've heard of Manfrotto before, but not the other two. Thanks for the suggestions!

 

[WDWLocal]

I use and like Manfrotto.

Thats the type I use for filming my movies.

 

[SewIn2Disney]

That seems to be the go-to brand!

 

[CP_alum08]

Manfrottos are very nice, but so it the price! I use a Velbon Luxi F and I love it (although it's discontinued) but they do make a similar model. The Benro Travel Angels are pretty nice too, they come in different sizes.

 

[SewIn2Disney]

I like the sound of a travel option! That probably means lighter and smaller...lol.
I'm also looking into a trigger ball head- they seem very easy to adjust- does anyone have any experience with them?

 

[ZapperZ]

I wholeheartedly endorse Velbon.

http://mydisneymania.blogspot.com/2006/12/you-need-tripod-at-wdw.html

They have newer models now that are similar to the one I reviewed (which has been discontinued).

Zz.

 

[JPWDW2]

Go for a Manfrotto. I brought mine last Jan at Disneyland and it was very nice. I didn't have any problem at all.

 

[SewIn2Disney]

I wholeheartedly endorse Velbon.

http://mydisneymania.blogspot.com/2006/12/you-need-tripod-at-wdw.html

They have newer models now that are similar to the one I reviewed (which has been discontinued).

Zz.

I love the fact that it's super compact, but they don't seem to have any with a ball head, which is a must for me. Do you know if their heads are interchangable/replaceable?

Go for a Manfrotto. I brought mine last Jan at Disneyland and it was very nice. I didn't have any problem at all.

Can you tell me exactly which model you have? I'm leaning towards a Manfrotto, but I'm having a hard time weeding through all of the options! Thanks!

 

[CP_alum08]

I love the fact that it's super compact, but they don't seem to have any with a ball head, which is a must for me. Do you know if their heads are interchangable/replaceable?

I have a Velbon and yes, the head is interchangeable. That was a big issue of my first tripod so I made sure that the next one I got would.

 

[Foolish Mortal]

Hey gang, instead of creating another thread I thought I would just bump this one back up in hopes of some opinions/replies. If not maybe i'll just create a thread specifying equipment. Been doing some research and I think I found a really good deal on a Manfrotto 055cxpro3 with 324rc2 joystick head. price is $381.32 after a rebate. sound good/reasonable ? found it on Adorama camera website. Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated.