Quote (Solarves @ Oct 8 2012 06:48pm)
Uh ... I don't want to be condescending, so I will assume you wanting a cheap tripod as a joke.
First, a cheap tripod is only slightly better than you hand-holding.
Second, a cheap tripod, no matter how expensive your camera or lenses are, will cause motion and therefore blur negating those nice lenses and cameras.
Third, you will end up buying a more expensive one if using a tripod is your style as you will be disappointed when you take certain shots and find you now have to go back because there is some blur from ... wind, lens/camera size, uneven ground - imagine your gear taking a dump because it couldn't handle your stuff and you turned your head for a second and the wind knocked it over. The scenarios go on but the key is movement. And a good sturdy pod will keep things from moving. Tack sharp is what pros are looking for and cheap stuff has a higher failure rate.
When I was 15 or 16, I bought a cheap tripod out of the bonus bin at a camera store in Los Angeles. I didn't use it much. Years later when I got more serious about why I need a tripod, I bought a Gitzo and RRS Ballhead and have used it in lakes, rivers, ocean, in storms, wind, rain, you name it.
Each to his or her own, but if you are going to spend money, spend wisely and once if at all possible.
Yeah, this is definitely smack dab right on. Good words!
I could definitely use a good tripod in the wind - it is always windy here.