Reddit reviews AmazonBasics Lightweight Camera Mount Tripod Stand With Bag - 16.5 - 50 Inches

Hello :-)

As /u/sflamel wrote -> For hand-held, <=10x magnification is recommended.

20x isn't overly high, so you can probably get away with any camera tripod.

• Cheap tripods 1 2 - Random links. These are not very rigid. I have a cheap one somewhat similar like these, and it works, even with my smaller spotting scope. But if you invest a bit more, they will be of noticeably better build quality.
  
  
• Binocular/Tripod adapter 1 - Random link, you can get them cheaper off ebay; 2^(YMMV/Long shipping times)
  
  Another alternative could be a mono-pod. 12345. Monopods are better for lower magnifications though; Also see this forum topic.
  
  The deluxe solution is THIS of course ;-)
  
   
  
  In the summer, when the ground isn't cold, you can also lay down and just rest them against your head.
  
  With these binoculars you'll going to be able to see the Gallilean moon's of Jupiter, Saturn will be a bit elongated 'dot', and of course many star clusters and a bunch of nebulae and galaxies will be visible as faint glow.
  
  Have fun!
  
  //edit: Added links

It sounds like what you really need is a tripod for the switch - Though these can be a little bulky / expensive for decent ones...

You could get something like this in combination with a tablet mount, or just get one intended for the purpose for a cheaper price but probably lower quality.

Something a bit more unique and less bulky but might be too high.

Or maybe a monopod which would offer less stability but be easier to use - You could play around with attaching a standard monopod to the inside of a backpack to use as the base support too, though I'm not sure how well it would work.

I bought an amazonbasics tripod for $12 a while back...seems to be holding up pretty well

I purchased and have used lower priced camera tripods for this task: https://www.amazon.com/AmazonBasics-50-Inch-Lightweight-Tripod-Bag/dp/B00XI87KV8/ref=sr_1_4?s=photo&ie=UTF8&qid=1551113407&sr=1-4&keywords=camera%2Btripod&th=1

This decision was made because the footprint of a camera tripod is much smaller than that of the light stands that have such wide feet - it takes up too much space (in my opinion). These are also very low cost - have the clampy things to connect to the light house, and then they can click in place to the stand. And sometimes you can get them on sale for a super low price.

One caveate is that they are shorter than some of the other stands people are sharing, but I had tables in the corner of my room and would set them up on those and everything worked out well.

I recently got into motorsport photography. Not quite birds but it also moves fast, requires good focus and you're far away.

I did this on a limited budget. And I'd suggest you do the same, with your 800 pounds that is very possible.

For a Camera I'd suggest one of Nikons older Pro Sports cameras, The Nikon D300 or D300s. They features a excellent autofocus system, better than many of the newer cameras suggested (like the D3300 or such).

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The D300 should run about 200 pounds on Ebay. This is for example a good model with about 44k clicks. The D300S is a bit more. It's not crucial ,it shoots 1 frame per second more (7 opposed to the 6 of the non S model). But the D300 with a battery grip can Shoot 8 fps too so not a big deal. The 300S also does video, 720p, the 300 non S does no video. And lastly the D300s features duel card slots, a CompactFlasah slot and a SD card slot, the D300 only has a CompactFlash slot. All these things aren't really worth the extra cost to me, but they might be to you.

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So we got 200 pounds spend there, lets add about 30 for a good Compact Flash card (Sandisk ones are solid, I'd recommend 32gb or so).

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Now onto lenses. Since you're shooting birds you want range. Unfortunately massive reach also means massive cost. So to start out I'd recommend the new AF-P DX Nikkor 70-300 mm f/4.5-6.3G ED VR . It's a newer lens with a extremely quiet autofocus motor. It's 70-300mm ( you can multiply this by 1.5 for a crop sensor body like the D300, So you reach will be 105mm - 450mm).

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It's not super far, some telephoto lenses run up to 800mm . But it's only 300 pounds which Is very affordable for a long lens.  It's absolutely crucial you get the VR version of this lens. The VR version has image stabiisation, which is important if you want to shoot long ranges and hand held.

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So with those things we are up to 200+30+300 = 530 pounds. That's a fairly essential kit and I reckon you should be off well with that to start. I'd recommend you also buy a solid tripod. I use the Amazon Basics one, but it's not that great. I'd recommend a higher quality one. Its too short for me and it's not that sturdy, but it was cheap as chips. Regardless I'd suggest to invest once in a good tripod. ) And lastly a bag. I use this K&F Sling bag to carry it all. Spend the remainder of the money on some trips to places with actual birds :)

Mind you, these lenses don't have the widest apertures around so these work well in daylight. If you want to shoot in the evening or at night these really wont do. You'll go into 8000 pound territory there.

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Later on I'd suggest looking at the Sigma 150-600mm F/5-6.3 DG HSM Contemporary . Which is a incredible value telephoto lens. For faster prime lenses, there is a 300mm F4 vintage Nikon that is manual focus , but does have a wider aperture and costs about 250-300 pounds used.

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That's probably the best you can do with your limited budget. I know 800 pounds is a lot of money but wildlife photography is probably the most expensive vorm of photography.

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TLDR: Buy a Nikon D300, the AF-P 70-300mm DX lens with VR. Buy a tripod/bag/CF card and later invest in the 150-600mm Sigma Contemporary.

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AmazonBasics 50-Inch Lightweight Tripod w/ Bag is $13.60 (normally $17)

Definitely for amateurs, but it has excellent reviews.

ugh this amazon basics one looks pretty good, but out of stock!
https://www.amazon.com/AmazonBasics-50-Inch-Lightweight-Tripod-Bag/dp/B00XI87KV8

CUK Stratos Gaming PC (Intel i9-9900K with Liquid Cooling, 32GB RAM, 1TB NVMe SSD + 2TB, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2080 Ti 11GB, 750W PSU, AC WiFi, Windows 10) Gamer Desktop Computer with 7 RGB Halo Fans https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07HRXRJZR/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_YHe5Cb2M3MEHY

Adamant Custom 16X-Core Workstation Desktop Computer PC AMD RYZEN Threadripper 1950X 3.4Ghz 32Gb DDR4 3TB HDD 250Gb SSD 750W PSU https://www.amazon.com/dp/B075KQ5DK6/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_LLe5Cb88QKHQG

Elgato Stream Deck - Live Content Creation Controller with 15 customizable LCD keys, adjustable stand, for Windows 10 and macOS 10.11 or later https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XKNZT1P/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_GMe5CbF7SEQ7P

(I have a guide on my post history on how to wire, what cables you need and usb sound cards with amazon links)
Yamaha MG12XU 12-Input 4-Bus Mixer with Effects https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00IBIVLKQ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_9Me5Cb83KZ5FZ

(Remake of the 3600 dollar neuman u-87 mic, what I use currently)
Warm Audio WA-87 Large-diaphragm Condenser Microphone https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01M6DIGGA/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_-Re5CbC388MGW

Elgato Game Capture HD60 S (Renewed) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B072MSJP82/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_BNe5Cb1C55PNG

Canon EOS Rebel SL2 DSLR Camera Body w/Advanced Photo & Travel Bundle - Includes: Altura Photo Backpack, SanDisk 64gb SD Card, Wrist Strap and Cleaning Kit https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0774VTNY7/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_7Qe5CbXRSDEYH

Canon EF-S 10-18mm f/4.5-5.6 IS STM Wide Angle Lens w/ Essential Photo Bundle - Includes: Altura Photo UV-CPL-ND4, Dedicated Lens Hood, Neoprene Lens Pouch, Camera Cleaning Set https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00VGWFKH4/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_ORe5Cb846HHQ0

AmazonBasics 50-Inch Lightweight Tripod with Bag https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00XI87KV8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_RWe5CbZN4M736

AmazonBasics High-Speed Mini-HDMI to HDMI TV Adapter Cable - 6 Feet https://www.amazon.com/dp/B014I8UEGY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_nXe5CbJPSB4C1

FIT-POWER ACK-E18 DR-E18 AC Power Adapter Charger DC Coupler Kit (Replace LP-E17 Battery) For Canon EOS Rebel T6i T6s T7i SL2 750D 760D 800D 77D 200D Kiss 8000D X8i DSLR Camera https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0746KXJ26/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_dYe5Cb8BPTNP8

Elgato Cam Link 4K — Broadcast Live, Record via DSLR, Camcorder, or Action cam, 1080p60 or 4K at 30 fps, Compact HDMI Capture Device, USB 3.0 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07K3FN5MR/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_cWe5Cb4MVKQYN

Bi-Color LED Video Light Stand Lighting Kit 2 Pack 15.4'' Large Panel 3000K-5800K 45W 4800LM Dimmable 1-100% Brightness Soft Light for YouTube Game Video Shooting Live Stream Photography Lighting https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07KC7V9BW/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_WYe5CbE440185

You can buy most of the above items on Ebay for cheaper if youre patient to wait on the shipping. I did and significantly cut down on the costs (WA-87 for 460 instead of 599 for an open box never used, 260 for a slightly used Yamaha MG12XU, etc)

I use 3 monitors, two 60hz 24” 1080p monitors plugged into my streaming PC. Then I use a 240hz 24” 1080p monitor (I recommend Dell or Asus) on my gaming PC. I use ONE mouse and keyboard to control both my gaming pc and streaming pc through the use of freeware called, “Input Director”

What I’ve linked for you is essentially my studio level setup except with faster PC’s. The 32 thread threadripper will shred through 1080p60fps encoding at medium/slow, BUT... depending on your urge I would wait until Ryzen 3 comes out and we can build a comparable/faster PC for the same or cheaper price.

Sure you could cut the streaming PC, trick out your gaming rig with a fewer higher end options that provide minimal performance increases, then drain your in-game performance significantly streaming on the same PC.

Good luck, the streaming setup above will set you apart from most of your peers but what I linked above is just the hardware, the artistic side I chose for the backdrop of my stream ran another 250-300 bucks.

If you are really into photography then I wouldn't listen to a lot of these people about not bringing your camera along. I would reconsider your tripod if it isn't lightweight. There are a variety of options if you absolutely want a tripod for time-lapse photos or long-distance stuff to keep steady. For example, I own this 1.2 pound tripod and pack it on day hikes. I also have a small one that weighs in at 4 oz and can take picks sitting on a rock, etc.

Edit:

I read your comment about your lenses. Unless your kit lens as a big zoom on it then leave it at home. The 14mm on the 35mm platform is going to give you really nice wide angle shots for those expansive views, and the 50mm will be good for up close stuff.

Honestly, in reasonably dark skies you can see truly extraordinary things with binoculars. I've done a fair bit of astrophotography, but these days with very few exceptions I'm looking through binoculars. But you need astro binocs, not some random binocular. Regular binoculars have apertures that are too small - everything looks dark. I own and use these and only these -- Celestron 25x70s for 65 bucks. It comes with a thing to connect it to any tripod, so you don't have to hold it. If you don't own a tripod, you can get one on Amazon for 15 bucks.

Clear skies!

In reality, the binoculars are literally two small refractor telescopes:)

Bro, I just bought one from amazon basics for like $13 lol
AmazonBasics 50-Inch Lightweight Tripod with Bag https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00XI87KV8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_peQDzbQA8NYEZ

Since the a-1 has a standard screw fitting for tripods you have lots of choice. If Amazon is convenient in your country the Amazon basics range of tripods are quite affordable and we'll constructed.

I have used their budget tripod with my A-1 and its overall been a good experience for the price (£11/$13.70~/€12.40). It's very light and good for travel, but also robust. One consideration to make is that because the A-1 is a bit heavy it might not be as stable on a tripod used on less even surfaces or in the wind. You should choose a heftier tripod if that's a concern.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00XI87KV8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_n61FDbQG85QSR

ok, your profile text is pretty good! there's stuff there for ladies to ask you about and you seem to have a good sense of humor.

>I could do it outside if I can figure out a decent location for it, I suppose, (i.e. I need to be able to actually set my camera up somewhere other than on the ground, plus a decent background.) but I thought the studio-type lighting was still pretty good. shrug Still better than typical soft white indoor lighting giving off that yellowish tinge.

Outside really is best. I've taken a few photos of myself using a tripod out in my yard/driveway. Just think of something that naturally makes you laugh and click away. Natural light + genuine smiles are really good for photos.

>As for the others, overall, guess I'm trying too hard to actually showcase what I'm like as a person and not hard enough on simply following rules 1 and 2 of OLD amirite?

but rules 1 and 2 are pretty flexible, we all find different things attractive, and in-person chemistry is often very different from online perceptions.

you might also try Hinge, if that's active in your area.

I usually use this tripod, with my LumixGF-7:

https://www.amazon.fr/gp/product/B00XI87KV8/ref=amb_link_226846607_3?pf_rd_m=A1X6FK5RDHNB96&pf_rd_s=hero-quick-promo&pf_rd_r=1MYCRYKMM6S9G3XBVQNH&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_p=1371215027&pf_rd_i=B00I4BFC5K

It's a good match since the tripod is easy to use, and the Lumix has a removable screen - i record my vids all alone in no time.

Check out this one: https://www.amazon.com/AmazonBasics-50-Inch-Lightweight-Tripod-Bag/dp/B00XI87KV8/ref=sr_1_3?s=photo&ie=UTF8&qid=1504568670&sr=1-3&keywords=tripod

Yikes, that's a pretty rough budget limit. $300 likely isn't happening unless someone else knows of some killer deals out there right now, so I'd guess that it'll be closer to $400:

• Used Rebel T3, $160
  
• 8mm Fisheye for Canon, $215
  
  That's gonna leave you $25 for a tripod, you could start with an Amazon Basics for ~$15 which does have a swivel head built in.

what are your choices for compact + lightweight for backpacking/hikes and a tripod for road trips, where size/weight doesn't matter.

Seems like price jumps quite a lot from aluminum to carbon.

If I'm just getting into incorporating a tripod to my workflow, should I get a cheap amazon basic tripod or manfrotto befree/mefoto roadtrip or gitzo traveler.

Gitzo seems to be an overkill for me, but just wanted to see your perspective. I rather invest than buy a cheap one that'll break on me and be wasteful. Mamiya 7 + 65 isn't too heavy- does that mean it'll do just fine with sub-range tripods rather than heavy duty built ones like gitzo?

Generally speaking, any SD card will work. However, if it's too slow, you might not be able to record video for very long, and writing images to the card might take longer.

That said, the T6 isn't a particularly demanding camera for SD cards. A card like this won't limit the camera in any way, and is quite affordable.

You might also want to pick up a few accessories. I personally would suggest getting a lens hood. They help prevent flare, and can even slightly protect your lens against impacts from the front. There's no reason to buy the official ones, though. Here's a third party one that will work on your lens, and is way cheaper than the Canon one.

You might also want a tripod, so you can play around with long exposures and low light shooting. It doesn't really make sense for you to buy anything super fancy at this point. I've heard good things about the Amazon Basics one, and it's less than $20.

Beyond that, you might want a camera bag. I don't really know much about what is out there right now, but there should be plenty of options. It might be a good idea to go to your local electronics store and try out a few, since you want to make sure that it's comfortable.

Let me know if you have any other questions, and good luck shooting!

Thanks for the feedback! I think the 15's are a better idea. Do you have any suggestions for a tripod? Would the amazon basics tripod be too flimsy?

i use dis one cheap af but black Fridays and cyber Monday are soon so u might be able to get a better one

What tripod do I get? I have an a6000.

I'm hoping to spend around $50. I've looked around on this sub, and I've seen many people recommend MeFoto tripods, but they're quite expensive.

Something like this seems great, but due to it's really low price, I don't think it would be as sturdy as I'd hope. I was looking at a few other models and was wondering if these are good options?(Correct me if I'm wrong, but basically any tripod will fit my camera):

1. Camera Tripod - Monopod Stand for Travel Video Canon Nikon DSLR Camera with Bag
   
   
2. Albott 70" Travel Portable DSLR Camera Tripod Monopod Flexible Head for Canon Nikon with Carry Bag
   
   
3. InnerTeck Tripod - 70 Inches Professional Camera Tripod Monopod with Carry Bag for SLR DSLR Canon Nikon Sony DV Video - Travel Portable Tripod
   
   
4. ZOMEI Q111 55" Flexible Camera Tripod 4s Stand with 1/4 Mount 3-Way PanHead for DSLR EOS Canon Nikon Sony Samsung(Red)
   
   My main use for this tripod is to shoot B-Roll, so something sturdy and something that pans smoothly is ideal.

Yes.

It's a good scope within it's limitations. You can often find them used for cheaper. (Craigslist, Facebook marketplace, Ebay.)

https://i.imgur.com/MAJAH7c.jpg - Taken with one, though to be fair, it's the cheapest component of the system used^1. (Note that this is taken with a narrowband filter, so Chromatic Aberration is almost non existent.) Which is the only major issue with it, and when I use it, I don't find it an issue. Even using it without a narrowband filter, I honestly don't find the Chromatic Aberration too much of an issue with photography, nor the occasional visual use. (I primarily do AP.)

There's nothing stellar about it, but it's a good utility scope. Either for widefield, or as a guider. I mount them (I have 2) on larger (6-8" scopes to use as guiders.) and that works quite well. The eyepieces aren't too bad. (Not a huge FOV, but quite serviceable.)

Now there is one thing which deserves to not be used with the telescope: The tripod. Might suit a point and shoot camera. Budget some to get a little better (Even this: https://smile.amazon.com/AmazonBasics-Lightweight-Camera-Mount-Tripod/dp/B00XI87KV8/ is significantly better, but if you can something a bit more sturdy is recommended.)

As far as the suggestion of a 130/650, check to see if it's a parabolic mirror or not. Both are made. Since you have the 127EQ, if you make an adapter and put the Travel 70 on the EQ-1 (with a drive), you can do shots not too dissimilar to the one I linked. (I use a EQ-1 from an Astromaster, but if you take it apart, it is the exact same except for color, and a Vixen style dove tail on the AM. And I sometimes use the T70 on it with a DSLR. I don't have any of my pictures uploaded, but I've got some good ones.)

^1 EXOS-2 mount with OnStep, Nikon D5300 DSLR (full spectrum), Ekos/INDI and 7nm Orion H-Alpha filter. (Which cost used ~550 USD, and also had a scope 8" f/4 with it, except for the filter, which was new.)

Here’s what I have:

AmazonBasics 50-Inch Lightweight Tripod with Bag https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00XI87KV8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_bpphAbZ2QZ9Q4

I can’t imagine needing anything more robust than this, since I’m not doing pro shoots or anything. It’s super versatile and lightweight.

Phone tripod adapter mount: $6

https://www.amazon.com/Vastar-Universal-Tripod-Adapter-Samsung/dp/B00WFNNNCC/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1468737334&sr=8-2&keywords=phone+tripod+mount


Good tripod from Amazon brand: $17

https://www.amazon.com/AmazonBasics-50-Inch-Lightweight-Tripod-Bag/dp/B00XI87KV8/ref=sr_1_2?s=photo&ie=UTF8&qid=1468737351&sr=1-2&keywords=tripod

Be careful and dont hit the phone lol!

Really any of them. If you are just looking for quick and lightweight, get a gorillapod style flexible one just so you have greater stability (for timer shots, or remote shots) but aren't carting around a big aluminum deal. Something like: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01DYL6UDW?psc=1


But if you want to get more into photography down the road, the amazon basics aluminum tripod is a really good deal, and will carry you all the way from novice to amateur (you'll want smooth glide and bearings when you go pro, but you'll also be a lot more picky and know exactly what you wanted): https://www.amazon.com/AmazonBasics-50-Inch-Lightweight-Tripod-Bag/dp/B00XI87KV8/ref=sr_1_2?s=photo&ie=UTF8&qid=1468847461&sr=1-2&keywords=tripod