What to look for in a tripod??

kira

kira

Messages
112
Name
Kira
Edit My Images
No
I've never really used a tripod before, I've got a little basic one that was probably about £30.

I can't even seem to use that one very well!

As I'm trying to improve, most people have suggested getting a decent tripod but I don't really know what I'm actually supposed to be looking for?

Any tips on what to get and what not to get??

Thank you :)
 
I'd start by getting one with three legs...

The two legged ones have a tendency to fall over :)

What's the biggest lens and camera combination you're going to use?

What kind of photography do you do?

Inside/Outside/Both?

Does weight matter?

Need more info before we can start pointing you in different directions..
 
Cymruchris's advice is good, don' for the cheap two legged ones. You always end up being disappointed! A good tripod is a must have and I have 3 BUT for quite a lot of what I do I use the rucksack I am carrying or a bean bag. It very much depends on what you're photographing and your MO.

Tell us your preferred subject matter and how you operate. For example do you you do a lot of still life stuff at home (tripod) or are you out stalking wildlife and highly mobile (beanbag or rucksack might be better).
 
A quick and easy tripod test is to fully extend it and see how sturdy it is with a camera +lens on top. Check to see if its possible to get the tripod to go to ground level. Think about if you want to use it and its a bit windy will it move at all?
I have a couple the main one being a manfrotto 055XPROB, its heavy but will last a life time but wouldn't like to have to carry it about all day.
As regards a tripod head again I decided on the Manfrotto 804RC2 because it can get the camera into any position (the Manfrotto pistol grip can't due to its design) and it will do a 360% turn, ideal for those panoramic shots. Look for a head that has a bubble level built in.
I would advise against getting a tripod with a ball head already on it as they can only take a restricted camera/lens weight. Which brings me on to weights, find out the maximum weight your camera/lens is and what other lenses in the future you may get then add a few pounds to the maximum load carrying weight of the tripod and head (not the tripod weight). This is so the camera/lens stays in and position and doesn't start to look downwards.

Others will no doubt advise on other tripods suitable for carrying about.

Realspeed
 
Last edited:
It may be useful to take your camera to a local camera store and trying it on some of their tripods that are in your budget.
Basically you may want something that is obviously sturdy and if you're going to be carrying it around alot then one that is light too. I would also look at its versatiliy for low level shooting and its speed and ease of setting up.
The head should be considered seperately, again you may want to try your camera out on some at a store to find what suits your shooting style best.
 
I had no idea how complicated a tripod was lol

I am mainly trying to get into portraits and I find that so awkward with the silly little tripod Ive got as It doesn't let me move very much, plus I swear the camera sits wonky!
I do also like to do scenery type of shots, landscapes/flowers/my cats lol

I have soooo much to learn! =/
 
Tripods are good for static shots, low light etc, but I wouldn't use one for portraits (unless self). I prefer to move about with the camera.
 
Last edited:
For portraits and especially cats (unless fast asleep) handheld is the way to go.
 
I'm not really a portrait person but if you mean formal static type shots then a tripod may be useful. If you are going for more 'dynamic' shots of people in more active situations engaged in their hobbies, work, friends atc, then it has to be handheld. Cats? hand held.

Maybe stick with handheld for the moment and become really confident with what exposures you will need to get sharp, well-exposed shots.

If you learn to shoot in RAW then slight errors in exposure can be corrected in software, but you can't make an out of focus image sharp using software so also practise your focussing techniques. This weeks Amateur Photographer has a short article about focusiing, and framing.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top