Tripods
Criteria for Selecting a Tripod
Load Tripod Head Type Height Type of Legs and Locks Center Column Construction Materials
Why Photographers Hate Tripods
Heavy Cumbersome Slow Frustrating
Tripod Advantages ď Ž ď Ž
Sharper pictures More carefully composed pictures
Tripod Heads ď Ž
ď Ž
Determine how much weight you have to support Check on tripod head specs to ensure proper support
Tripod Heads
Choose style
Standard 3 axis Ball head
Tripod Heads
Ball heads
Rated for load Flexibility Indexed pan control
Tripod Heads ď Ž
Quick release plates make placing and removing camera from tripod much easier
Legs
Leg Height Tripod should extend to your eye level ď Ž
w/ legs extended ď Ž
Also consider minimum height (macro work)
Leg Weight
Should be 1.5-2x the weight of the tripod head IE. If head weighs 1.2 lbs then legs should weigh minimum of 1.8 lbs.
Legs ď Ž
Number of leg sections
Legs
Number of Sections
3 sections generally better
More stable Fewer things to jam up
4 sections folds up smaller for travel
Legs ď Ž
Locking mechanism
Legs ď Ž
Locking mechanism
Legs
Cross Bracing Adds rigidity Not good in field
Center Column Geared or Slip ď ą Hook for hanging extra stabilizing weight ď ą
Reversible column for low angle shots
Construction Materials
Carbon Fiber
1/2 the weight - 2x the cost Good at absorbing vibration
Aluminum
Cheaper and more available on used market
Good Luck and Shoot Sharp!