Added to the Camera Bag today...they won't fit of course, but added just the same!!
Manfrotto Neotec Pro Photo Monopod with Safety Lock
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Manfrotto 3D Magnesium Head

 

Just picked up a Canon T3i couple of months back, trying to get back into it. Before that I had a old Rebel Ti.

Anyone have any good recommendations on a good tripod that wont break the bank?

 

Ill go through stages with cameras. Ill use a digital camera for a lil bit.. then wont for months. Last digital camera was given away as a xmas gift to my mom hahaha. Ive wanted to get a super nice camera but just cant bring myself to spend 1k for a camera Ill only use for pics of my car.

 

The decision on my Monopod as well as on the Tripod I will be getting eventually was based on features, ease of use, even though others have noted that the Monopod is not so easy to use, I have not mounted my camera on it yet, but was able to open it up without any issues as soon as I took it out of the box, we'll see how it works in the real world soon, I also had watched plenty of YouTube Videos on it before I made the final decision.

Hope this helps!!

 

Check out your local camera shop for a used one, last time I checked there are a couple of D200's at my local one for under $500. You don't have to buy new to get a good one, you do have to buy new to get the optics and all the new features they are putting into upgrading last years models, but if you know what you are looking for start your search there, you might be surprised.

 

I use my t3i with standard lens and a manfrotto compact tripod.

I have used other L series lenses and they are really nice, but the ROI doesnt really make sense for me to buy other lenses.

 

Anyone ever try borrowlenses.com? Seems like that might be a way to either test out a lens or if you knew you were going to need one for something special/unique. My girls just moved up to a larger size field in soccer and my 55-200 lens is struggling to catch the action on the far side of the field. I might have to try the service with a super telephoto.

 

I've not used this service, but have checked out their website, seems pretty easy, but I also know that my local camera shop also rents, you may find that your local shop rents too.

 

I use a Fuji x100.

Recently picked up a Dolica Proline 62" Tripod for $40 with shipping (love amazon prime ). So far I'm pleased, has a really low spread on the legs. I guess its not professional grade and has some plastic bits, but so far its been awesome. Works good for my x100 which is a relatively lightweight camera. Hope it lasts.

 

Awesome, thats what I was looking for, dont really wont to drop the coin on a professional one if there were some suitable cheaper options

 

Sure am liking my Nikon D5100! This was taken on the Auto w/o flash setting, no edit except Sharpen. Used a Polarizer filter. Camera focused on the car very well.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/53074154@N00/8010937009/

 

If you are not going to make large prints (say above 13x19 or even 16x20) a 10 or 12mp camera will do fine. Then it depends on what you will use it for. But you really don't need to spend a ton to get great results, especially if you are just posting to the interwebs. For example: I got an ancient DSLR: 6MP Fuji S2 Pro @ KEH for $139 ($2,300 new in 2002). Accepts all the Nikon glass and the files straight from the camera are excellent. If you are shooting static stuff to post online this one will get er done (Fuji S2 studio shot from Steve's digicams).