Cheap or Expensive Tripod ?

I have a great Tripod cost me £15 and does the job with 360 tilt and turn but would purchasing a tripod 5x the price give me any improvement on my photo's ? I think not but I'd be interested to hear from members on their views and experiences.

A small digital $10.00 tripod would probably suffice if all you are shooting is snapshots of family and friends with a small digital point and shoot. What does this mean....you have to choose your tripod based on your use and system. Forget placing a medium format camera with a 200mm lens on a $10.00 tripod and attempting to shoot scenic panos. And there is absolutely no need to purchase a carbon fiber tripod with a BH-55 head for a small point and shoot. Each individual must choose based on his/her needs....not just for a label. :)

I'm sure your equipment represents an investment to you. If you trust that equipment to be supported by your inexpensive tripod, then more power to the tripod.

If you only take images in "friendly" environments, your flimsy gear will likely support your tripod adequately and with a fast enough shutter speed give you great images. The test is to take it out into the wind, uneven terrain, and cold temperatures. Carry it over your shoulder while your camera and lens hang precariously on the tripod head.

I shoot with a heavier camera than you do, as well as longer lenses. I don't tempt my luck by skimping on an inexpensive tripod. You may feel different.

For an even more extreme view than the one you're considering, read this pro' opinion (http://www.bythom.com/support.htm). It's based more to the professional, but the thought process can be scaled down to fit your situation. It's a case of pay me now, or pay me later.

I hate to say this, but I've been operating with an inexpensive Gemini tripod which cost me in the neighbourhood of about $20.00 CDN, about $10.00. Not only has it supported my Nikon E2200 compact digicam, but it has on occasion had to support my D50 when I didn't have the money to invest in a Manfrotto 055BPRO, which is my next investment. However in any case, if you consider your equipment an investment, I would greatly suggest investing some money in a decent tripod.

Nothing hurts worse than seeing your $1000.00 camera go over and impact the ground when one of the grommet locks fails on your "cheap" tripod (that hasn't happened yet to me...but keep it in mind as something that could quite possibly happen). That's why I'm investing in the 055BPRO when I get my next pay and I'll leave that "cheap" tripod for my compact digicam.

Some good points made there - My Camera cost me GBP£650 and the Tripod cost GBP£15 (Reduced in a sale from GBP£35)so 2.5% of the cost of the camera(or 5% pre sale price).

It seems very sturdy but I can see what all your comments are driving at with some of the components.

If you spend GBP£650 on a Camera why skrimp on a cheap tripod - I think my search will now start on a replacement.....

I have only purchase one tripod and it was bought close to 15 years ago. I bought a good one and it still works flawlessly, I figured that if I bought a cheap one I may have gone through more by now so buy a good one and it will last you a long time and you can trust it. Would you buy an expensive sports car and put cheap tires on it?

Will in improve your images, probably not but it may mean the difference between having a camera standing upright or having one laying down in a pile of dirt. Your call and your camera. ;-)