A tripod is a device that holds your camera, phone, or other mobile devices at an angle so you can take some weight off of your shoulders and legs. You can use tripods for hiking, climbing, bird watching, and even taking self-portraits.
The best tripods are made from sturdy materials like nylon or polyester, which tend to be the most durable and lightweight. They should also feature features that make them easy to carry, such as large rubber pads on the bottom that protect your floor from any bumps and bruises. The height of your tripod will affect how much it helps you lift weights. The higher the leg, the better the leverage when you try to hold something. If you’re looking for one of these handy helpers, read on to learn what factors you should consider when shopping for a tripod and why the following models deserve cheers!
What To Consider When Choosing The Best Tripod
The best tripod for your needs has a sturdy base, good stability and balance, and an adjustable height. Before making a purchase, consider how you intend to use it.
Intended Use
Before deciding on a new tripod, think about how you plan to use it. If it’s a simple backyard photography expedition, then perhaps a lightweight model will do the trick. But if you’re looking at getting into professional photography or videography, then weight might be more important than anything else.
- Backyard photos – In this case, lightweight is better as long as it doesn’t wobble too much when you’re taking them. A small camera does not require a lot of gear, so a lighter one will be easier to manage.
- Pro photography/video work – You want something that can withstand being dropped on hard surfaces or thrown in rough terrain. Heavy-duty construction is essential along with extra-large rubber feet that will grip any surface securely.
- Birding/nature watching – While these activities typically take place outdoors, nature also calls for us inside our homes. For those who enjoy watching birds outside their windows, a rugged tripod may be just the ticket.
Material
Tripods are made from various materials, including aluminum, steel, titanium, carbon fiber, and resin.
- Aluminum tripods are among the most popular because they’re strong, affordable, and naturally resistant to corrosion. However, they don’t hold up well in direct sunlight and can get very hot (if used in warmer climates). They also tend to have a smaller footprint than other options, which makes them ideal for indoor use.
- Steel tripods provide maximum strength and durability but come at a price tag that’s higher than that of aluminum. These models are often designed for outdoor use and can easily handle tough weather conditions. Keep in mind that steel absorbs more moisture than aluminum, so they’ll need regular maintenance during rainy periods.
- Titanium tripods offer a middle ground between steel and aluminum. Titanium doesn’t rust like steel and won’t corrode like aluminum, though these models still aren’t suitable for high temperatures. They’re great for moderate environments.
- Carbon fiber tripods are built for efficiency and performance rather than style. This material is extremely durable, but it tends to cost more than both aluminum and steel. It’s also worth noting that CF is prone to cracking if dropped on uneven surfaces.
- Resin tripods are usually DIYer-friendly due to their lightweight build and flexible design. Resins tend to be less durable than metals, especially against impact damage. Also, keep in mind that resins can absorb water, so they’ll need some level of maintenance during rainy weather.
Stability
A stable platform is critical for keeping your shots straight and reducing blurriness while moving around. Stability is determined by two factors: the center of gravity and the base area.
- Center of gravity refers to the weighted average position of all the mass within a tripod. The heavier the item near the top of the tripod, the farther back the center of gravity will be. Conversely, the heavier the item at the bottom, the closer the center of gravity will be to the front of the tripod.
- Base area relates to the amount of contact area a tripod has with the ground. Large bases tend to give a stable platform, whereas small ones tend to sway more. Ideally, a tripod should have a footrest large enough to prevent slipping and a headrest tall enough to see over obstacles.
Ease of Adjustment
One key difference between tripods is ease of adjustment. Aluminum tripods tend to adjust quickly via knob or slider controls, allowing users to shift gears without having to readjust tools. Steel and titanium tripods tend to have knobs and levers, but these mechanisms can be tougher to operate one-handed or while wearing winter gloves.
Also, keep in mind that different types of tripod heads accommodate different ways of adjusting the angle. Some ball joints allow pivoting smoothly, while others require a wrench and screwdriver.
Weight Capacity
Consider how heavy you’ll need the tripod to be able to lift and carry before buying. Weight capacity varies depending on length, size, and type of tripod. Longer lengths generally weigh more than shorter versions, and larger tripods tend to weigh more than smaller ones. For example, a full-size tripod can support up to 250 pounds, while a compact tent tripod may only support 100 pounds. Also, bear in mind that carrying a tripod can be quite taxing on the arms, shoulders, and neck, so don’t go too heavy.)
Portability
When it comes to portability, there are two main categories: foldable and non-foldable. Foldable tripods make things simpler because they collapse into a smaller space; however, they sacrifice some sturdiness and stability. Non-foldable tripods are stronger than folding models, though they’re bulkier and harder to pack away. Most manufacturers recommend avoiding using a portable tripod in windy areas or when gusts exceed 8 miles per hour.
Types Of Tripods
Tripod is a generic term for any device with three legs. There are different types of tripods, each one designed for a specific type of shooting.
Baseplate tripod
The baseplate tripod has the standard three legs and an adjustable center column that sits on top of the camera lens or viewfinder. The baseplate itself typically features a large central area that’s open to the air (or filled with packing material) so you can attach your gear without getting fingerprints all over it.
Most tripods have some way to lock their center column in place, which prevents unwanted vertical movement when you’re setting up your shot. This style of tripod tends to be more stable than other tripods because there aren’t many moving parts to worry about locking down. It also makes changing lenses a bit easier since you don’t have to move the whole unit to do so.
Lensatic tripod
A lensatic tripod has two prongs that extend vertically from either side of the baseplate to hold a lens barrel or filter holder. Since these arms are directly under the camera body, they keep the entire setup level even as the center column is locked into position. This style of tripod works well if you want to use a wide-angle lens or need to support a heavy lens like the 300mm f/4 EOS lens. If you weigh your equipment carefully at the gun store, this may be the best choice.
Canonical tripod
A canonical tripod has four legs instead of the traditional three. Two pairs of legs intersect at the top to form a diamond shape. A center column rises through the middle of the diamond shape and locks into place. Most tripods lack the stability of a lensatic tripod but make up for it by having a much larger footprint.
Canonical tripods tend to be very sturdy and offer great balance between size and weight. Since most tripods are made out of plastic, they wear easily and should be replaced every few uses.
How We Chose Our Top Picks
We began by looking for the top-rated and most well-liked models on websites like Amazon, trade magazines, and other online stores. We restricted our search to items that were intended to be held in the hand or mounted. The selected tripods can be divided into two groups: telescopic handles and no handles. Because they are more adaptable, we concentrated on the former for this piece. Nevertheless, both choices are provided in case you ever need to deploy your tripod without its handle.
For this review guide, we also carefully considered each product’s cost and if it was cost-effective. In general, we looked for items that, considering all the tripod comes with, represented exceptional value. Additional accessories like laser sights weren’t taken into consideration because they would only be effective for particular jobs like hunting turkeys or long-range shooting.
Frequently Asked Questions About Tripods
How do I set up a tripod?
Follow the instructions. Most tripods are very similar and consist of three or four pieces that fit together like a jigsaw puzzle.
What is the best time to buy a tripod?
The best time to purchase a tripod is when they go on sale. You can usually find them for less than $100 during Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales. Also, keep an eye out for military surplus deals; those tend to be even better buys because you’ll often get free accessories with them. Just make sure you check out the specs before you hand over your money.
Can anyone use a tripod?
Anyone can use a tripod. However, some manufacturers advertise their products more heavily towards certain types of users (e.g., photographers). That said, there’s nothing stopping you from buying a product specifically for someone who works in another field.