Could you recommend an under-$30 tripod for a DSLR?

Question

I have look at Tripod that is mobile yet sturdy and light but that discusses expensive tripods.

I want something cheaper (under $30). I checked some on Amazon. Which one would you recommend, considering I am not familiar with the technology? It is for Nikon D5100, with 18-55mm and 55-300nm lenses. I would probably use it indoors most of the time occasionally outside and sometimes in light wind (but I can compromise on that for cheap one). Here is what I have looked at:

• Revelli Pro Ball head

• Vista Explorer

• Sunpak

or any other.

I would like something small that is easy to store. Easy attach/detach is must (I can compromise on money here). Height is no big deal but good-looking is a plus. I want something that is appropriate for my camera but cheap and the right technology.

Answer 1

First, I'm going to disagree with basically everyone else here, and say that I see no reason you can't pick up one of these inexpensive solutions and be completely happy. Understand that you must set your expectations in line with what you are purchasing, but it already sounds like you are because you have explained compromise is OK as long as it is cheap and matches your equipment and beginner experience/equipment.

First of all, if you have no tripod yet, you can do a lot of new types of photography with ANY tripod, no matter what the price, as compared to what you could do without a tripod. A tripod could be considered a box that you get from the home improvement store, or even something you find on the street, but any object that allows you to set your camera down and take long exposure shots or any shot that is not handheld will expand your capabilities.

Some of the downsides to cheap/inexpensive tripods include:

• Will not properly support heavy/large lens/body combinations
• Legs may bend or stress under weight and become unstable
• Wind may blow over the setup
• Setting up a shot to be level can be complicated and cumbersome if tripod is designed for video
• The tripod may be very heavy/large
• You may be unable to take shots at ground level or close up that macro requires
• Poor manufacturing will lead to deterioration of the product quickly

Read the above statements a few times, and once you fully understand them all, go ahead and purchase an inexpensive tripod and start taking photos!

Some tips on using an inexpensive tripod that still allow it to be usable:

• Don't max out the height on any section, especially the middle column
• Utilize any feet features that help secure the tripod(middle pins or rubber feet)
• Keep the total camera weight well under the maximum stated
• Stay away from questionable weather conditions, wind, sea salt, sand

As far as the three tripods you specified, I see no issues with any of them specifically, I think you will find more value in the reviews on Amazon then any specific things I can point out.

Overall, a cheap tripod is going to give you additional options you currently do not have, the capabilities will be limited, but as long as you are smart, and use it while considering the downsides you will find a great utility in this sub-$50 accessory.

Answer 2

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.

Answer 3

GorillaPod

The only solution I could recommend in this price range would be a GorillaPod.

You would have to put it on something (car, table, wrapped around a tree trunk) to get any height, but it might be workable for you.

... Or it might be too much of a compromise. :-(

Answer 4

For tripod-like support on a budget, you should consider tripod alternatives, rather than tripods. Look for reivews on the Gorilla Pod and the The Pod, which is really a very nice beanbag camera support.

I have had much success using my camera bag as a stable platform when shooting landscapes.

Answer 5

I agree with ahockley, a ~30$ tripod will not be stable or durable enough for outdoor long exposure usage.

However, what about a gorillapod, or a bean bag tripod? if you can find a rock/wall/lamp or other suitable base to put your camera on, you may be able to pull off stable long exposures, at the expense of some mobility for adjustments when composing. Personally, i've took some 2-3 min exposures with a gorillapod slr zoom (~30£) and they came out well..it's always a matter of securing your gear properly.

disclaimer: i'd advise on getting a remote shutter release, if you're planning on taking extra long exposures. For family photos, you'll be fine with the camera timer.

Answer 6

One option worth mentioning are monopods. They require you to hold your camera with your hands, which in turn means you can't break your camera by trusting the support system support it and it failing to do that. Some of them are very inexpensive and they fold into smaller space than any tripod.

Obviously they don't offer stability equal to good tripod, but they still offer stability superior to just holding the camera in hand.

Answer 7

I would not risk even a flash on such a tripod. If you want a useable tripod at less than a hundred bucks, you have to steal one.