Image courtesy of BHPhoto.com
It's just a fact...camera's are getting cheaper, but if you take your craft seriously, you will still be spending some money. The first thing the serious Photographer notices is that many good lenses cost more than the bodies you put them on. Tripods are known to be quite pricey as well, but there are a few things to look for that will at least make the purchase much easier.
If you are firm on business, budget may not always be your main concern. Generally, if the purchase will help you do your job better - it will pay for itself, faster. With this technicality out of the way, you now have a wide selection to choose from, with prices ranging from $12 - $1200. Here are a few things to look for when considering what tripod to purchase:
1) Height. The height is very important to consider. You want to be sure your tripod is tall enough to handle any condition. You also may want to check the minimum height. Be sure this measurement is taken with the legs expanded. Many Landscape Photographers utilize shorter heights when looking for a different perspective.
2) Ball Head vs. Non-Ball Head (Pan/Tilt). Tripods have heads? Well yeah, they have legs right? A ball head is an apparatus that allows you to make quick leveling adjustments, rotating almost 90° each direction on some models. This is very helpful when you don't want to adjust the legs every time you change elevation. Ball Head should not be confused with Fluid Head.
3) Fluid Head vs. Non-Fluid Head. This is where smoothness comes in. Mainly for video cameras, and now video enabled DSLRs, a fluid head tripod is one that uses a liquid lubricant in the head. This enables the right operator to perform almost mechanical like movements, including silky smooth pans! These heads also provide dampening, as set by the operator.
4) Center Column. The center column draws a polular debate. Usually everyone that has owned one puts it to use, and anyone that hasn't owned one doesn't miss it. Some suggest the center column is great for hanging a bag on while you are shooting, which in turn increases stability. It also allows for quick height adjustment. On the other hand, it adds weight and increases the minimum distance you are able to setup from the ground.
5) Mid-level Spreader, Ground Spreader, Spreader? This is another user preference. Most Photography tripods don't have spreaders at all, and are not recommended for mobile use. However, the debate is stronger than that of the center column.
Again, this is mixed between Videography and Photography. Most complaints about spreaders are from people that want the quickest, lightest, simple and most versatile setup possible. They feel the spreader is an additional component that increases setup time, often making it difficult to setup on unlevel ground. However, those that swear by spreaders will testify for their rigidnes and increased stability. Tripods like the Miller Solo have locking hinges, but some still prefer the locking capabilities of a spreader. In all, the most benefits will be seen on level ground. It's easy to see how more parts can get in the way, but the good news is functionality has greatly increased due to new designs. Spreaders are much easier to handle on post 2008 tripods.
6) Carbon Fiber vs. All. Carbon Fiber tripods would be in every professional's bag if we all got our dream list. Carbon Fiber is still one of the lightest, most rigid materials on the planet. If you can grab a carbon fiber tripod with a fluid head, you will be hard pressed to find a situation where you can not use it. However, you can achieve similar performance results with a much cheaper solution.
7) Weight. The weight of the tripod may be important to some. If you move around a lot, like a Landscape Photographer, you might want to invest in a light tripod. Unfortunately, a light tripod can cost $12 or $1200. So which one do you buy? If it's a cheaper tripod, you will sacrifice stability; if it's more expensive, it will cost a lot more than $12 (see #8). Be sure to find a tripod stable enough for what you need to accomplish. If you are concerned about quality and budget, the Manfrotto brand is a great place to start looking.
8) Remember, "a tripod can be stable, cheap and light but you can only choose two of those."
You may not be able to afford a Cartoni, do spend within your limits. But be sure to invest in a tool you can use.
*Tips:
- Consider purchasing a Quick Release Plate to quickly move the camera from tripod to other forms of stabilization.
- A "photography tripod" usually uses a small, square baseplate to mount your camera on. A "video tripod" will usually provide a long rectangular plate; they also more commonly have spreaders.
- Sports Photographers love monopods!
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