So, I'm in the market for a new tripod. My Dolica pooped it's pants on me after aggressively traveling the country with me the past 6 months. It's actually still functional, but the rubber legs are coming off and the legs aren't screwing tight as much anymore. I currently have:

http://www.amazon....detailpage_o05_s01

I'm thinking I want to go with clips this time as opposed to the screwing mechanism, because mud and moisture gunk up my current one a little. I'm also looking at something where the legs can lock at different angles when fully extended. Other than that, I'm pretty open to suggestion. Obviously I don't want anything that weighs 10 pounds and is three feet tall when compact. Any recommendations would help. Currently just a little overwhelmed with all the options out there. I'm open to spending around a $100 if something will take a beating and last. Thanks!

(n4 Astro comments "I told you so" about buying my current one)

Told you so

Don't have anything for what you've asked for but my older brother has this: http://www.amazon....s=manfrotto+tripod

I've used it and it's amazing.

Not sure if you have Black's where you are but for about $70 you can get a decent tripod with levels and clips. Five year warranty although they're going out of business so returning it would be a major issue.

Had a Henry's before that and the rubber leg ends also fell off. Best to epoxy them on as they take a lot of abuse.

Posted by IndoAnomaly So, I'm in the market for a new tripod. My Dolica pooped it's pants on me after aggressively traveling the country with me the past 6 months. It's actually still functional, but the rubber legs are coming off and the legs aren't screwing tight as much anymore. I currently have: http://www.amazon....detailpage_o05_s01 I'm thinking I want to go with clips this time as opposed to the screwing mechanism, because mud and moisture gunk up my current one a little. I'm also looking at something where the legs can lock at different angles when fully extended. Other than that, I'm pretty open to suggestion. Obviously I don't want anything that weighs 10 pounds and is three feet tall when compact. Any recommendations would help. Currently just a little overwhelmed with all the options out there. I'm open to spending around a $100 if something will take a beating and last. Thanks! (n4 Astro comments "I told you so" about buying my current one)

Cool! My first tripod was the Dolica AX620B100 62-Inch Proline, purchased from WalMart. After beating that into oblivion, and deciding that the release plate mechanism was a nightmare, I moved up to the better Targus TG-P60T (also found at WalMart).

These inexpensive types of tripods are just fine for entry level photography, because the build quality of the legs is pretty good. But where you really suffer is the ball head, and the design of the release plate.

They screw you with that... giving you some generic and proprietary head that is designed for the broadest spectrum of video camcorders possible, OR if you are lucky they gave you a still camera specific release plate... but at the expense of it being incompatible with every camera in existence, not to mention it having an awkward and unsafe mech(anism).

The smart thing to do is: Put ALL your money into ball heads and release plates. Decide up front what type of release plate system you always want to use. The Arca Swiss system is best, in my opinion.

Worry about quality legs later on. Any kind of "professional" tripod legs aren't even needed, unless you are rocking a heavy camera with some very heavy lenses (usually long ones). It's an absolute no-brainer to invest in pro-level tripod legs, in that type of situation.

For the average explorer, I say just unscrew the crappy heads from your WalMart tripods (Dolica/ Targus), and screw on the good stuff! The great thing about tripods is that the headpiece mount is supposed to have the universal screw.

EXAMPLE: Here is my Sunwayfoto Duo-Lever Clamp Travel Tripod Ball Head Arca Compatible DB-36TRDL, screwed onto my (Walmart) Targus TG-P60T. Works like a charm, and I saved myself from having to buy new legs:

http://i14.photobu.../tripod-w-head.jpg

For that price I would suggest the Manfrotto BeFree. It might be a little more than you want to pay, but I love it. I bought it because I do photography tours and most of my clients don't bring tripods with them when the travel and I was tired to bringing my studio tripod with me. The Manfrotto BeFree is definitely a good investment. I bought it for my clients, and I use it so often now myself. It is so light and compact, whilst remaining sturdy enough for my heavy lenses and camera. It is the perfect travel / urbex tripod.

Be careful about getting anything cheaper, if it moves, even a little bit, you're going to get blur in those 30sec exposures, and well, frankly, if a tripod isn't sturdy, it is as useful as tits on a bull. Buy quality, buy once, and shoot happy.

Posted by enirus Don't have anything for what you've asked for but my older brother has this: http://www.amazon....s=manfrotto+tripod I've used it and it's amazing.

Depending on the camera you have this tripod is too light.

Posted by La Cigale For that price I would suggest the Manfrotto BeFree. It might be a little more than you want to pay, but I love it. I bought it because I do photography tours and most of my clients don't bring tripods with them when the travel and I was tired to bringing my studio tripod with me. The Manfrotto BeFree is definitely a good investment. I bought it for my clients, and I use it so often now myself. It is so light and compact, whilst remaining sturdy enough for my heavy lenses and camera. It is the perfect travel / urbex tripod. Be careful about getting anything cheaper, if it moves, even a little bit, you're going to get blur in those 30sec exposures, and well, frankly, if a tripod isn't sturdy, it is as useful as tits on a bull. Buy quality, buy once, and shoot happy.

I will admit the BeFree is a costly tripod but it is a great tripod for exploring. I have a BeFree and have put to the test of stability with a full size DSLR and 70-200mm around 10 pounds sitting on it.

Do not cheap out on a tripod, I did on my first and it crapped out pretty quick. I currently have a Vanguard alta pro 236at and it's perfect. Good price, solid and supports a heavy dslr

I've a Manfrotto...and kinda want the carbon one or whatever it's called for exploring. Mine is WAY TOO EFFING HEAVY...but, you should know...you carried all day Saturday. Hahaha.

Posted by tiffers I've a Manfrotto...and kinda want the carbon one or whatever it's called for exploring. Mine is WAY TOO EFFING HEAVY...but, you should know...you carried all day Saturday. Hahaha.

You have a Mankiller. I felt like I was towing a truck the whole day. Just kidding, it wasn't that bad. And damn if that thing isn't stable AND a brilliant weapon.

Posted by IndoAnomaly You have a Mankiller. I felt like I was towing a truck the whole day. Just kidding, it wasn't that bad. And damn if that thing isn't stable AND a brilliant weapon.

Ha! Very true. We have a solid weapon should things go sour.