Steady Your Photos And Videos With Ease: Best Tripods

Tripods are inexpensive, yet beginners often overlook this essential piece of photography equipment which can make shooting more precise and comfortable. Tripods make it possible to shoot with slow shutter speeds without blur. They also allow for still life pictures in dim conditions to be taken at low ISOs. They assist in creating a panning affect and are also handy for using the self timer to take a selfie that doesn't actually look like a selfie.

As versatile as a tripod is, there are quite a few features to consider. Check out the weight capacity, height, weight, and length of the unit when folded, the construction, the number of leg sections and the type of head, as well as extras like a center column and adjustable leg angles. Weigh the options with the type of shooting you do most—for example, if you travel you may want more leg sections so the tripod fits in your carry-on, but if you always shoot near home, you may choose fewer leg sections for more stability.

Tripod Types

Professional

As their name implies, professional tripods are used by photography experts. They're the best of the best, but also have a price tag to match when amateurs and enthusiasts can get away with using less expensive models. Expect to see high quality construction, a high weight capacity, and lots of extra features.

Budget

Tripods don't have to be $500 and many consumers can spend less than $100 and still buy a tripod to meet their needs. These tripods are often heavier with fewer features but typically get the job done.

Lightweight

These tripods are designed specifically to travel well, being lightweight and typically fold down well within most airline's carry-on requirements. By using sturdy, lightweight materials like magnesium alloy, many of these tripods can still hold heavy equipment despite weighing less themselves.

Mini

Also called tabletop tripods, these products help keep your camera steady for macro or product photography images. They can't be used in a wide variety of shots, but they're inexpensive, extremely portable, and for simple product photography, they’re really all that's needed.

Versatility

Weight Capacity

Not every tripod is suited for every camera. Each one will list a weight limit so before you buy one, make sure your camera plus your heaviest lens and accessories don't exceed the tripods specified weight limit. If you have a bulky, full frame camera and a large telephoto lens, you'll need to find a tripod with a high weight capacity. If you shoot mirrorless or with a simple point-and-shoot, you can probably save some cash by choosing a model with a lower weight capacity, though you could still work with a higher one just as well.

Height

Most consumers realize a tripod has a maximum height, and if you're tall you'll obviously want a taller tripod for using your camera at eye level. But tripods also have minimum heights listed as well. Scenarios like shooting macro or photographing while sitting on the ground all would require the tripod to fold down to a lower height. The greater the difference between the minimum and maximum height, the more versatile the tripod is, allowing it to be used for a variety of different shooting positions.

Portability

The biggest downside to using a tripod is it’s often a bulky piece of equipment to carry around. But, many manufacturers have worked to create fully functional tripods which can fit in tiny spaces. If you do a lot of traveling or on-site photography, check and see how much weight the tripod will add to your load. You should also consider the folded length as many are designed to fit inside carry-on luggage or right in a large camera backpack.

If, on the other hand, you own a studio and won't be traveling with the tripod, it's unnecessary to spend more for a portable model. Just like for cameras, manufacturers often charge a higher price when packing the same features into a smaller package.

Material

Not all tripods are created equally stable. Cheap tripods aren't as stable as their professional counterparts. The material the tripod is constructed from determines the durability, as well as some of the stability. Carbon fiber tripods are usually the best, because the material is lightweight but also stable. Aluminum is the next best thing, although heavier.

Number of Leg Sections

A tripod is made with a number of leg sections which allow it to fold up. Typically, 5-6 sections allow the tripod to fold into a more compact space. However, the more leg sections the tripod has, the less stable it is. Dividing up the legs into sections takes away some of the stability so look for an option with three or four leg sections, especially if you commonly shoot in windy conditions.

Extra Features

Tripod Head

The head of the tripod, or the part the camera sits on, can be one of three types.

A pan-tilt head is the cheapest option, allowing the camera to pan either horizontally or vertically.

A ball-head allows for more flexible panning than simply straight horizontal and vertical motions.

Gimbal heads are perfectly balanced for following fast action with a long, heavy lens.

Also consider whether the tripod head includes a quick release plate, which prevents you from having to screw the camera in every time you want to use the tripod.

Center Columns

Essentially posts that the tripod head sits on that can be used for faster height adjustments. While the faster height adjustments are nice, it's also the most unstable part of the tripod, and using a long center column could introduce camera shake.

Bag Hook

Keeps your camera bag off the ground and uses the bag as a weight for added stability.

Interchangeable Tripod Feet

Allow you to get the most stability no matter what surface the tripod is sitting on.

Adjustable Leg Angles

Permit more height versatility. While wider angles will be more stable, they will also take up more floor space.