What makes a good tripod?

[Sykes]

I know it's not difficult to distinguish between a well-built tripod vs a crappy "I'll throw it in with your new camera" one, but what sets one tripod apart from another?

The reason why I'm asking is because my dad passed on a Velbon tripod that he used to use during his photography days (we're talking early 1980s) and has now passed it on to me:

- All aluminium construction
- Weighs about 5 lbs
- Can sit low to the ground (camera is about 3/4 ft of the ground)
- Extends to just over 5 ft.
- Metal locking tabs
- Metal spikes at the base of the legs (can be hidden by turning the threaded rubber grommets)
- Pan & tilt head w/o a removable base.

Is this something I should keep and use, or should I look into purchasing one at some point in time?

I can post pictures if needed.

[3g4u]

I just bought a new manfrotto pro alluminum tripod with a compact ball head and it is fantastic. You can bring any leg all the way to 90 degrees for any angle you can think of, also you can push a buttom on the middle base and turn the bar sideways. ( if that makes any sence) It is made of sturdy alluminum, comes with metal tabs, and a removable base plate. i used a tripod that sounds alot like yours for about 4 years because I thought how much better can a tripod get? But I am blown away with this new one compared to the old.

Any tripod will work assuming it is sturdy, what matters is weight and special functions (removable base plate, built in level etc...) IMHO

[89coupe]

I like something thats compact, strong & sturdy & gives you the option of adding different heads.

I currently have this tripod and use the following head with it.

Tripod
http://www.indurogear.com/products_details_A014.html

Head
http://www.manfrotto.com/Jahia/site/manfrotto/cache/off/pid/2308?livid=80|81&idx=83

[Mitsu3000gt]

Sounds to me like a question that only you can answer. Is it too heavy for you? Does it support your equipment adequately? Do you mind carrying it around and bringing it with you? Does it fold up small enough?

If yes, then keep it. If not, there are some very reasonable priced newer, lighter, stronger designs available. Feisol is the king of Price/Performance in the tripod market IMO.

[msommers]

Originally posted by Sykes
- Can sit low to the ground (camera is about 3/4 ft of the ground)
- Extends to just over 5 ft.


I have to assume the tripod you are talking about is a conventional tripod, such as this:

http://www.germes-online.com/direct/dbimage/50025825/SL_2111_Professional_Tripod.jpg

If it is, I think that it sounds perfectly fine, even better because it was free!

If it's a tiny tripod with the middle pole extending up to 5ft, this is an issue, although I doubt that anyone would make something so foolish and unstable.

Since you have a camera, why not post pictures :)