I think I'm going to have to get a tripod at some point to deal with the shakiness of my images. Any recommendations for less expensive tripods? I'd prefer something small and portable.

Just realize you get what you pay for. I got one for like $15 online, its not very tall and it is REALLY crappy. I spent quite a bit more on the next one I got.

MAYBE THIS ?? Seems like a nice little kit.

OR THIS !!

Or, for a few dollars more THIS ONE ...hey, you get your name laser engraved on it plus an Italian Leather Case!! Oo-la-la!!

Perhaps I'm goin' in the wrong direction...money wise??

What kinda camera and what kinda budget??

Under $100. I have a Canon.

I have a Canon S2 IS and I use a DYNA TRAN !! It's OK, pretty good for the money...better than the Wally-World $20.00 cheap stuff, but, not yet into the BIG BOY league.

My wife uses a Manfrotto 190XPROB with a 486 head. It’s light enough for a lady with a bad back and strong enough to hold a Canon DSLR with 200mm lens steady. The price is reasonable, the quality is very good and all the parts are replaceable if you ever damage it. It’s probably dearer than your budget but it could be worth saving for something like it because it will last literally for ever. Barring theft.

Of course you can do what I did. I bought a $100 tripod, it simply wouldn’t hold a 300D steady when the wind blew. So I bought a $200 job that fell apart in 12 months time and you can’t get spare parts for it. Then 3 years ago I bought a Manfrotto. It’s been on sand, in salt water and stood in raging rivers and muddy swamps. I just wipe the mud of it or hose the salt away and its good for next time. The best bit? It cost less than those other two put together.

I have a Canon S3 IS and I go with a Sunpak Platinum Plus tripod. It was pretty cheap and is only a little bit over 12 inches long when packed up and fully extends to something over 4 feet. It's specifically for travel and is super light. I like it for my purposes, because I do a lot of hiking and it fits easily into my pack. Its really easy and quick to set up, but kind of a pain to break it down and pack it back up. Have you considered a monopod? Very versatile and portable.

Emily, I looked thru your postings, and noticed that they are all computer generated. This makes it hard to give a recommendation without guessing or assuming your intended use. I think you are getting a lot of very good recommendations, but you have not listed the avg weight of the camera you expect to use, nor have you expressed a style you wish to shoot. There are a lot of different types of Tripods and Monopods both expensive and cheap that may work well for your style of shooting (whatever that may be.) I have found that there is no cheap Tripod which "does it all" I suggest you go to your nearest reputable Camera dealer, and ask them to show you and explain to you the different types of Tri & Monopods available. If the representative is knowledgeable he or she will ask you what you intend to do with it, and align you with a unit that will really benefit your shooting needs. You will have to spend some time and turn on the charm to get wonderful recommendations, but it will not be time or money regretted. Because I have not developed a favorite style of shooting, I have three different units. One tall and one short Tripod, and a nice Monopod. I recently bought a new camera, which is much heavier than my old Point and Shoot so I discovered that my 3 reasonable priced units will not support the weight of my new heavier than mud camera. Grrrr! I am not about to try and charm a male representative, they may get silly ideas! :) Good Luck

It is true that I post a lot of fractals. However, I am starting to take pictures. Not all of my posts are computer generated, there are some photo manipulations in there.

Hi Emily,

Another option that is more portable than a tripod and not to mention a lot cheaper and something you can make, is something I saw on a video. It really is a great idea becuase you can carry it in your pocket. I am not sure if I can post links on here or not, this is my first time im the discussion area. It is a very neat how-to video. It uses the same concept of leaning on something to stabilize a shot. This is the link: http://www.metacafe.com/watch/1041948/1_image_stabilizer_for_any_camera_lose_the_tripod/

All photographers who like flexibility and mobility should look into making one of these. I am myself.

Josh, Very cool idea and the price is right. Here is the link. Terry

Homemade Camera Stabilizer

I actually just made one, it works great! It's adjustable height and everything! =PPP It's so flexible! There's so many things you can do with it.