Then you keep researching, and see what some of the more infamous photographer personalities use, and quickly get to the "Ouch - that's the cost of the pro f2.8 zoom lens I was saving for" point. Then you start looking at quick-release plates, L-brackets, panoramic setups, and if you are like me, go ahead and buy the lens instead.

But you keep coming back to tripods, especially if using bigger lenses, and wonder if you are missing anything? The short answer is a lot, and depending on what you photograph, a decent tripod may make a lot more difference than that new lens. Buying the right gear the first time can save you hundreds, possibly thousands of dollars in the long run, and avoid much frustration.

A decent tripod setup helps eliminate camera shake and gets you sharper pictures. This becomes increasingly apparent if you ever use a longer lens (anything over over 200mm-300mm), or are shooting landscapes (which you are likely doing around sunrise or sunset when the quality of light is better, but the quantity of light is not).

Sturdy support is also critical for application like macro photography, and a tripod opens up possibilities for creative effects like long exposures, as well as freeing up your hands to allow you compose a shot in a studio or portrait environment (adjusting the position of the subject, or moving lighting around, attempting to direct your model(s), frantically waving your arms at the "assistant" who's not paying attention and so forth).

Bottom line, for the majority of photographers, getting a decent tripod or monopod will do significantly more to improve their photography than spending the same money on a new lens or body: Not only will your images be sharper, but new opportunities will open up to you to get shots you never could before. Perhaps just as important, using a tripod slows you down, and makes you think about each shot more, which generally leads to higher quality results.

Nicely built, lightweight, good for traveling. It also comes with it's own pouch. Fully extended it's very ridged and compressed it can be easily carried.

	Gitzo GM2561T Series 2 6X Carbon Fiber Traveler Monopod - Replaces GM2560T (Black) Sale Price: $186.19
	GM2561T Traveler 6x Carbon Fiber Monopod is a six-section carbon monopod. FEATURES: Safe Lock - is a special techno polymer that maximises locking torque and equipment stabilisation. It is used on the upper discs of tripods and heads, and in applications where the equipment is rotated and screwed onto the support to eliminate micro movements and vibration. ALR - Anti Leg Rotation system, which means the tripod can be opened in less than 15 seconds. Simply loosen all the twist locks on each leg at the same time, then pull the leg down and tighten the locks individually. Sale Price: $186.19
Features
G-Lock system for easy secure locking. 6X carbon fiber construction for strength and durability. 6 section make for ultra small compact size.

The general consensus is simply that if you want the best mass market tripod get a Gitzo.
Rock Solid, light weight, great quality. Use for macro, landscape and portrait photography.
I did a lot of research, decided to bite the bullet and buy the best. I had already bought one cheap tripod and figured that as I worked my way up the lesser tripods I would end up spending as much or more than I spent to buy this product. Its a joy to use, simple construction/operation and the carbon fiber makes it very light for the size.

	Gitzo GT3541 Series 3 Carbon 6x 4 Section G-Lock Tripod - Replaces GT3540 (Black) Sale Price: $674.90
	When Gitzo launched the Mountaineer tripods in 1994, they were the world's first carbon fiber tripods. Since then, they've set the standard for performance and quality. The main feature of this range is the 6X carbon fiber tube, made of a unique structure of 6 crossed layers that maximizes rigidity, vibration absorption, and lightweight performance. 6X tubes have a high density structure made of top quality ultra-thin carbon fibers (7m or 0.007 mm). Built-in Anti Leg Rotation is now a feature of the whole carbon fiber range. Mountaineer tripods have been further improved with features and details that increase performance, versatility, and quality. G-Lock is a leg locking system that increases system rigidity by 20% and allows quicker and stronger leg locking. Gitzo has added a solid machined aluminum upper disc with a new Safe Lock material that cuts vibration, and improves grip between tripod and head. The upper disc is totally new. The 1/4"-3/8" reversible screw has been redesigned for more reliable functionality. All new Mountaineer tripods come with a convenient anti-dust bag for storage and packing. Scaled for professional equipment, medium format and DSLRs with 300 mm lens, and up to 400 mm maximum, this tripod features high load capacity endurance, and outstanding torsional rigidity. Series 3 Carbon 6X tripods are surprisingly lightweight, and offer a good safety margin that makes them popular alternatives to series 2 tripods Replaces:GT3540. Sale Price: $674.90
Features
New Anti Leg Rotation system makes set up easier G-Lock leg locking system completely redesigned achieve a 20% increase in rigidity Ground Level Set allows you to remove the center column to save weight and get the camera closer to the ground Built-in accessory hook Rapid Shift Center Column

Gitzo GT0531 Series 0 6X Carbon Fiber 3-Section Tripod with G-Lock - Replaces GT0530
Recommended for compact cameras, lightweight camcorders and DSLRs with 75mm lens or 135mm maximum. Given its small size and extremely light weight, this tripod offers a interesting compact solution for the latest generation of small scale digital equipment. The G-Lock system and improved tube structure give good performance in terms of torsional rigidity.

	Gitzo GT0531 Series 0 6X Carbon Fiber 3-Section Tripod with G-Lock - Replaces GT0530 Sale Price: $364.90
	Gitzo Series 0 Carbon 6x Tripod - 3 Section G-lock Sale Price: $364.90
Features
G-Lock system for quick and secure set up. 6X carbon fiber increases rigidity and vibration absorption. Ultra light. New design stops legs from rotating.

The G2380 fluid head is specifically designed for the new range of lightweight and compact camcorders used by advanced enthusiasts and professionals. Some specific features also make this head the ideal tool for photographers and bird watchers using long focal length lenses. First, pan and tilt locks and separate friction controls are positioned on the same side for ergonomic, fast and precise action. Second, the pan lock is based on a unique system that completely eliminates any unwanted movement at the moment of locking, making the G2380 ideal when exceptional targeting precision over very long distances is needed.

	The Full Monty: Music From The Motion Picture Soundtrack List Price: $7.99 Sale Price: $3.50
	The soundtrack to the best movie ever made about strippers nods to the second-best, with a new version of Irene Cara's theme song from Flashdance, and to another famous cinematic striptease, with Tom Jones's cover of "You Can Leave Your Hat On." The bulk of the score, though, consists of songs that are more or less real-world stripper classics. It's hard to hear Hot Chocolate full blast and not bump and grind at least a little. Trivia note: Anne Dudley, who wrote the movie's incidental music (two pieces are included here), used to be in the Art of Noise. --Douglas Wolk SOUNDTRACK THE FULL MONTY (TODO O NADA) List Price: $7.99 Sale Price: $3.50
Features
SOUNDTRACK THE FULL MONTY (TODO O NADA)

Gitzo GH2750QR Series 2 Magnesium Quick Release Off Center Ball Head
The GH2750QR has been completely revised for improved performance and weight reduction. First of all the panoramic lock, developed with a new concept, is now 3 times stronger than before. The ball lock now features a completely new pat-pending system that combines two locking systems in one with the Quick Release System.

The new leveling system made of three independent leveling bubbles on the quick release plate and one in the ball stem, always guarantee perfectly leveled images.
By fine tuning the freedom of movement of the head, friction control makes the head slower and more precise or faster and looser. This feature also helps to make using heavy equipment or long lenses safer. On ball and fluid head models without separate friction controls, slowly adjusting the lock knobs gives similar results.

* 20% lighter than the aluminum version
* The graduated base allows perfect panoramic positioning
* Teflon-based anodizing process gives the ball a more refined, smoother movement than ever
* This model features a single I slot for the camera fixing screw to allow fine positioning of the camera on the head
* Quick release mount for ease of attaching and removing camera.

	Gitzo GH2750QR Series 2 Magnesium Quick Release Off Center Ball Head - Replaces G1276M (Grey) Sale Price: $211.22
	Gitzo Series 2 Magnesium Quick Release Off Center Ball Head GH2750QR Sale Price: $211.22
Features
20% lighter than the aluminum version The graduated base allows perfect panoramic positioning Teflon-based anodizing process gives the ball a more refined, smoother movement than ever This model features a single I slot for the camera fixing screw to allow fine positioning of the camera on the head Quick release mount for ease of attaching and removing camera.

This quick release is made very well and compliments the Manfrotto monopods -- easy to use, excellent construction. A quality release, very good with a heavier, more expense lens. This thing is built like a tank and works easily. All metal construction, no cheap plastic to break, should last forever.

* Allows vertical photography from a monopod
* Built in quick release

	Manfrotto 323 RC2 Rapid Connect Adapter with 200PL-14 Quick Release Plate - Replaces 3299 (Black) List Price: $41.00 Sale Price: $33.34
	The Manfrotto 323 RC2 Rapid Connect Adapter with 200PL-14 Plate adds a compact quick release system to any head that does not include one yet. Its compact 200PL-14 quick release plate makes it ideal for use with point and shoot cameras, digital SLR cameras, or spotting scopes. The 323 adapter allows quick mounting and dismounting of the camera from the tripod head. A 3/8"-16 threaded socket with a 1/4"-20 reducer bushing makes it compatible with any tripod head. Replaces item # 3299 List Price: $41.00 Sale Price: $33.34
Features
Attaches to any tripod or monopod. Secondary safety system assures secure mounting of photographic equipment. uses common Manfrotto quick release plates. Easy to use. Camera attaches and removes quickly.

* Ground Level Set feature
* New Anti Leg Rotation system
* Built-in accessory hook
* Rapid center column
* Reversible Column

If any of you have ever read Thom Hogan's article on tripods, you'll understand that finding a decent cheap tripod is darn near impossible. Since I'm only an amateur, but want something light, sturdy and easy to travel, I decided on Gitzo's GT1541T. Just as advised, it weights 2.5 lb, with the folded length less than 22 in, yet can carry 17 lb gear; what it means in practice is that I can put it in a regular backpack/suitcase when taking the planes, it's not too much burden to carry during hiking, and it can hold D90 + 70-300mm lens with no problem (+ 1780 head is only 4 lb).

As far as usability, it is very easy (and quick) to get set up. Stability-wise, it is pretty decent, given the small size and light weight. You can hang the camera bag on the center column hook (which is a nice feature of this tripod), and try not to extend the center column to increase stability.

All the good things you may have read about this tripod are true. Extremely light, extremely compact, extremely rigid, well engineered and well fabricated is how I would describe it. No kidding. When the UPS guy delivered this package, I thought they must have forgotten to put the tripod in the box. Amazingly light. I can easily lift this with my little finger.

	Gitzo GT1542T Series 1 6X Carbon Fiber Traveler 4 Section G-Lock Tripod for Cameras List Price: $756.00 Sale Price: $539.00
	Gitzo Traveler Collection Series 1 Four Section 6X Tripod w/ G-Lock GT1542T List Price: $756.00 Sale Price: $539.00
Features
Carbon Fiber construction Highly portable support with no compromise G-Lock for quick and accurate locking action Ground level set for low shooting

Manfrotto 190CXPRO3 3-Section Pro Carbon Fiber Tripod without Head

Even though they all look somewhat similar tripods differ widely.
Before dumping a lot of hard earned cash on a tripod think equally about the head you will be placing between it and your camera. Your images will only be as good (sharp) as the weakest link in your system.

This is a great deal at $300 if you compare all of the features.

100% Carbon Fiber - not a mix of composite materials.
Magnesium joints for stronger, tighter and lighter tube connections.
and the feature part is the patented quick center column system, very nice!

Coming from a 3021BPRO this quick 90deg center column change is a huge improvement, I actually use it now! Rarely did on the 3021 due to the time consuming conversion task.

I transplanted the much loved Manfrotto 322RC2 grip ball head from the 3021, perfect match in diameter.

The tripod and head together weigh in at 4.2# compared to the 3021Pro at around 7# almost a 3# difference. This may not seem like much but if you hike for miles through difficult terrain it is immeasurable. The 322RC2 head is 1.4# tripod 2.8#

The 190CXPRO3 is 3.5" shorter then the 3021 but poses no problems for my 5'-11" height. The center column is 100% Carbon Fiber as well. The Carbon Fiber is so much more rigid than the aluminum even with the larger tubes of the 3021.

It holds my Canon 5D and wide lenses with ease. The head capacity in the vertical position is 5.5# so super telephotos are out but it should not be much of a problem for the 70-200 2.8 or 70-300L lenses with lens ring mounting.

I love this combination and versatility. Just works fantastic for me in nature. I mainly do HDR work these days so a very stable tripod is critically important for the multiple images to match accurately.

Buy it and get outdoors. You can't get good shots reading all these reviews online but at least you might save some time getting the correct tools the 1st time.

* Closed length: 22.8 in, minimum height: 3.1 in
* Maximum height: 57.5 in, maximum height (with center column down): 48.0 in
* Weight: 2.8 lbs, load capacity: 11.0 lbs
* Leg angles: 25°,46°,66°,89° ,
* Center column: rapid

	Manfrotto 055XPROB Pro Tripod Legs (Black) Sale Price: $160.00
	Now the famous Manfrotto-patented horizontal center column feature is even easier to use with the Manfrotto 055XPROB Pro Tripod. By extending the column to its highest vertical position, it can be swung round to horizontal without removing the head or disassembling the column itself, so switching between framing and positioning setups is more convenient than ever. The ergonomics of the leg angle release mechanism and the quick action leg locks themselves have also been greatly improved. Load capacity - 15.4 pounds (7.00 kg) Patented Material - aluminum Leg cross-section - round Column cross-section - three-faceted Leg sections - 3 Bubble spirit level (no.) - 1 Leg angles - 23 , 45 , 65 , 88 Center column - rapid Section center column - 1 Column tube diameter - 11 inches (28mm) Attachment - 3/8 Legs tube diameter - 1.2, 1, 0.8 inches (29.4, 25, 20 mm) Suggested dolly - 127, 127VS Color - black Sale Price: $160.00
Features
Faceted center column eliminates column rotation Built-in low angle adapter in the center column for ground level shots Leg warmers on 2 legs ease handling in extreme weather conditions, and help to protect the legs Four leg-angle settings (25,46,66 & 88°) Maximum height (with center column down), 56"

Manfrotto 055CXPRO3 Carbon Fiber 3 Section Tripod with Q90 Column and Magnesium Castings (Black)

* Ultra light carbon fiber and magnesium construction
* 3 section legs for compactness.
* Quick center column system.
* 3 layered 100% full carbon tubes for improved rigidity and lightness.
* New ergonomic leg locking levers.

Really, you won't believe how light this thing is until you see it in the flesh and actually pick it up.

It's very nicely made (100% carbon fiber in the legs, and magnesium castings). It's solid as a rock, too. The base plate has a bubble level in it (moderately useful), and three set screws that push against your tripod head to make the head/tripod connection absolutely tight.

The 90 degree column rotation feature works very well. You can get the tripod very low via the adjustable leg angles.

This tripod is very light and very solid.

Also, this tripod is TALL, and that's a good thing for those of you photographers that are 6' and over, and with the legs extended, my Nikon D300 is right at eye level. Why is that good? Well, it means that for most (if not all) shots, I don't need to extend the center column. That makes the entire setup just that much more unshakable
.

	Manfrotto 055XPROB Pro Tripod Legs (Black) Sale Price: $160.00
	Now the famous Manfrotto-patented horizontal center column feature is even easier to use with the Manfrotto 055XPROB Pro Tripod. By extending the column to its highest vertical position, it can be swung round to horizontal without removing the head or disassembling the column itself, so switching between framing and positioning setups is more convenient than ever. The ergonomics of the leg angle release mechanism and the quick action leg locks themselves have also been greatly improved. Load capacity - 15.4 pounds (7.00 kg) Patented Material - aluminum Leg cross-section - round Column cross-section - three-faceted Leg sections - 3 Bubble spirit level (no.) - 1 Leg angles - 23 , 45 , 65 , 88 Center column - rapid Section center column - 1 Column tube diameter - 11 inches (28mm) Attachment - 3/8 Legs tube diameter - 1.2, 1, 0.8 inches (29.4, 25, 20 mm) Suggested dolly - 127, 127VS Color - black Sale Price: $160.00
Features
Faceted center column eliminates column rotation Built-in low angle adapter in the center column for ground level shots Leg warmers on 2 legs ease handling in extreme weather conditions, and help to protect the legs Four leg-angle settings (25,46,66 & 88°) Maximum height (with center column down), 56"