How to Choose the Best Tripod for Photography

Learning how to set up and style your photographs is the first step in becoming an excellent photographer. However, if you do not have the proper equipment, your images will not turn out as you wish. Having a great tripod for your camera is essential for any type of photographer, but with so many different tripods available, it can be difficult to find the appropriate one for you and your shooting style. The following steps will help you learn what exactly to look for in a tripod.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Camera (digital or film)

What To Look For in a Camera Tripod

1. Set a budget. There are some tripods that are less than $20, and then there are others that can range all the way up to $2,000. Set a price range that you are comfortable with and only look at the tripods within this boundary.

2. Depending on the camera that you use, you will need to find a tripod that can support the weight and size of the camera. Ensure that your tripod has been classified to hold the maximum amount of weight you will be placing on it. This means calculating the weight not only from the camera itself but from the various lenses and other equipment that will be attached to it. If you do not use heavy lenses, then you will not have to worry about choosing a tripod that can handle a massive load.

3. The height of a tripod is very important, not only for your pictures, but also your back. Most tripods feature a center column that the camera is placed on and can be raised to extend the height of the camera. If your shooting style is to stand up, buy a taller tripod with legs that can extend; if you normally shoot from the ground or from waist level, a short-to-medium tripod will be best.

4. Normally, the sturdier the tripod is, the heavier it will be. However, carrying around a hefty tripod isn’t always best, especially if you’re walking through wooded areas. Carbon fiber tripods will provide you sturdiness, and they are lightweight.

5. The tripod head is one of the most important aspects of a tripod, but it is also one of the most overlooked. The head of a tripod is where your camera is attached to the frame (legs), and normally you will have to purchase this item separately. There is normally a tripod head already attached to the tripod, but in most cases, this head is not sufficient for your camera. You will want the tripod head to freely move as your subject moves. There are two main types of tripod heads: ball heads and pan heads. The ball head is shaped like a ball and allows you to freely move your camera in a wide variety of positions. The pan head works by controlling the two main axis movements, left-right tilt and forward-back tilt. If your shooting style varies, then a ball head will work best.

Tips & Warnings

• Use a tripod when you are using extra-long exposure to prevent camera shake and blur.
• When you're magnifying an object with a telephoto lens, always use a tripod.
• Macro shots, or extreme close-ups, require the use of a tripod to steady the shot and to keep the image crystal clear.

Resources

• Photography Tips