Which budget tripod to buy?

[Joe Riggs]

I'm running into the same issue as I describes above, with another tripod. The locking mechanism to lock the plate in place gets blocked by my DSLR, so I can't tighten the plate down.

Perhaps I'm not doing this correctly, anyone advise? I'm talking about this lock here.

http://i.imgur.com/4c7uEAp.png

[Matthias Claflin]

Just to chime in real quick to Joe who said the locking mechanism on the D&S hits the camera body. This is true but they are not only aware of that but designed it so that it works on a sort of ratchet system. You can pull the black part of the locking mechanism out to expose the bolt and move it freely. So the bolt stays in place but the black part can be reset and then put back on the bolt and twisted again.

This is a very bad explanation of the process but it is very easy to do and in my experience, much easier than the ratchet system on my 502AH manfrotto head.

[Joe Riggs]

Yes, I actually just discovered this. A little disappointed, as one has to reach under the camera body, pull it out, turn it, and repeat again until tightened...not good for times when you are in a hurry to grab a shot.

Another tripod off the list.

[Matthias Claflin]

Not that I want to change your mind, but I personally don't have that issue because I keep it so close to being tight, that it takes less than a full turn. But that may not work for you. That being said, good luck with your search!