Heres a great link to read over, it helped me learn to take better pictures.
http://www.ximinasphotography.com/lessons/
http://www.ximinasphotography.com/lessons/
For those who have no idea what a diopter adjustment is:
http://digital-photography-school.com/using-diopter-adjustment
http://digital-photography-school.com/using-diopter-adjustment
I'm partial to Bogen (they also produce "manfrotto" badged tripods). You can probably find one used in the 50-80 dollar range and it will last years. That being said, there are SO many brands to choose from...just don't go with something too cheap and you won't have to buy it again, I've had my Bogen for 12 years now. I prefer the "twist" type locks on the legs since they tend to be sturdier, and don't have any tabs that can break off...they are also protected from dirt getting inside the mechanism. That's a concern for me since I often hike with my tripod though, so it may not be an absolute necessity for you.
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/indepth/photography/buying-guides/tripods-and-tripod-heads
First you need to decide what type of head you want, ball or pan/tilt. I have had both and prefer ball - much more flexibility.
As far as brand, it all depends on your budget. I bought a cheapo $20 tripod when I first got my DSLR and it broke after a couple months. Then I picked this up:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001MYL1B0/ref=oh_details_o01_s01_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Its still considered a "cheapy" by professional standards but I think its rock solid and I love it!
If you have the coin then Manfrotto is the way to go.
Just make sure to get a tripod that will put your camera at your eye level when fully extended.
First you need to decide what type of head you want, ball or pan/tilt. I have had both and prefer ball - much more flexibility.
As far as brand, it all depends on your budget. I bought a cheapo $20 tripod when I first got my DSLR and it broke after a couple months. Then I picked this up:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001MYL1B0/ref=oh_details_o01_s01_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Its still considered a "cheapy" by professional standards but I think its rock solid and I love it!
If you have the coin then Manfrotto is the way to go.
Just make sure to get a tripod that will put your camera at your eye level when fully extended.
