Anything specific to look for in purchasing a tripod?

Question

I'm new to photography. I got my first digital SLR a few months ago and I love it. I'm looking to get my first tripod and I really don't know what makes one tripod better than the next. Is there anything that I should be looking for?

Answer 1

Don't buy anything that retails for less than about $100.00. Most of those won't give you a stable platform for your camera.

The whole point of getting a tripod is to have a stable platform from which to shoot so look for a tripod that doesn't move once it's set up.

Gitzo is highly recommended. Tiltall is a good choice. Another, which has been mentioned, is Bogen/Manfroto. I have a Cullmann tripod which I like very much.

Avoid the temptation to buy one of those tripods with 1/2" legs that collapse down to 8" or so. You'd be better off with no tripod.

One last note, you also need a remote shutter release, or else you need to use the self-timer on your camera. Pressing the shutter release button will cause a small degree of camera shake and will defeat the whole point of getting a tripod.

Answer 2

Ok this is a simpler way of looking at things:

1) Your BENCHMARK tripod is the Bogen 3021BPro with a 486RC2 ball head (I know someone recommended a pan/tilt fluid head but most folks that I know or hang out with use a ball head). I think this set up runs you $220 on B&H. If you can swing for a bit more I would go straight for the Bogen 3021BPro + 488RC2 (its got panning control, which is really useful for landscape, although for full disclosure: I have managed all these years without that control using a 486RC2...but if I ever get back to landscapes I WILL get a 488RC2)

2) If you find a Gitzo or Slik with the same dimensions (max height with center column extended), lighter weight, smaller when folded or cheaper then go for it.

3) The 3021BPro is built like a tank and the ONLY problem you will have is that you will get too lazy to carry it around (like me) and then you will start looking into the Carbon Fiber variety of tripods. If you have that kind of resources then you can start with Amnova (which is essentially an eBay knockoff brand but its pretty good for the price), Feisol, Gitzo etc.

There is an alternative light weight tripod which is cheap but its not the strongest (its stable but it wont look strong compared to the expensive carbon fiber varieties) Thats the Slik Sprint Pro Gun Mental with Ball Head. It works VERY well and I trust my equipment on it. But I will tell you more about that when you post another question about light weight tripods after a few months.

PS: I am assuming you have a shutter release cable. You cant use a tripod without a shutter release (or at least the timer, which is a pain)

Answer 3

1) The tripod needs to be well-constructed and work smoothly. Cheap tripods are none of these things.

2) It needs to be heavy enough to be stable and damp out vibrations, yet it also needs to be light enough that you'll actually carry it with you when you need it. A tripod that's too heavy to carry won't get carried; it'll just collect dust in the closet.

3) It should fold enough where you find it convenient to carry; that's a personal thing. It should extend enough to about chest height, IMHO.

Tripods have different purposes and different qualities. Basically though, I would look strongly at Gitzo, Bogen/Manfrotto, and Velbon/Hakuba. I have two main tripods that I use. One is from Velbon and it's small enough to carry internationally on an airplane. I use that one for vacations. It's not a super-steady tripod, but it's better than no tripod at all and it's really easy to carry because it's small and light. Here's the link to that family of tripods:
http://www.velbon-tripod.com/ultra_maxi.htm

For more stability when I'm not traveling by air, I like my Manfrotto 190MF3 (I probably should have gotten the 190MF4, which folds slightly smaller), which is a carbon composite fiber tripod. Very stable, yet not too heavy.

Finally, you'll have to choose an appropriate head. I like a ball head, but others like a pan/tilt head. Even the brand of head is open to debate. Just make sure you get one you like and that will hold your camera and lens combo.

Answer 4

Look at either Gitzo or Bogen/Manfrotto. Carbon fiber is the way to go if you can afford it.The tripod head should be a major consideration. They often cost much more than the legs. Ballheads are the answer.for most serious shooters. It's all a question of how much cash do you have.
My first serious tripod was a manfrotto 3021. It is NOT light. Weight often adds stability.
Don't waste money on a cheap tripod. You'll spend more making mistakes until you realize how important a good one is.
If you stick with the major players the resale value will hold up.

Answer 5

I agree with everyone else. I got one of those cheap tripods they warned you not to get. I got it because it was lightweight, cheap, and folded up really small. I got away with it because I was only using it for a compact camera for occasional recreation. Since you have an SLR, don't take any chances on a cheap tripod that won't support the weight. You might want to visit an astronomy club or photography club and ask what they recommend. You could also go to a photography store and ask a sales person.

Answer 6

Buy only name brands such as Bogen-Manfrotto, Slik, Velbon. Don't waste your money on a no-name one from a department store.

Make sure the tripod "fits" you. If you're 6' tall and the tripod only opens to 5' you'll quickly tire of bending over. The obvious "solution" is to simply raise the center column. Don't. It simply becomes unstable and the slightest touch or even a mild breeze induces camera shake. (Its called a 'moment arm" in engineering terms. Its similar to pushing open a door - the farther away from the hinges the easier it is. As you get closer to the hinges it becomes harder to push open.)

Get a true fluid tilt-pan head with a quick-release plate. Buy an extra quick-release plate in case you ever have 2 cameras or in case one gets lost.

Buy the carry strap or bag offered with the tripod.

Check your Owner's Manual or the camera manufacturers web site and see if a Right Angle Finder is offered for your camera. This is an invaluable accessory for tripod use or if you're using your camera low to the ground.

Answer 7

Stay away from the cheap "lightweight" tripods. Sunpak has lots of this type and they never last. Try a carbon fiber tripod. I got mine on ebay from amvona.com. Just never buy staight off their website as prices are insane. I got a $400 tripod for $60 thru ebay.

Answer 8

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