Choosing a tripod is no easy task, there’s so much supply on the market that you can go crazy and decide, but as you well know, we love to help you, so I’m going to try to make it easier for you. .
With this article I want you to get an idea of the different types of tripods that exist and their differences so that you find the one that best suits your needs, because again I have to tell you that there is no such thing as the best tripod in the world, but the best tripod for you, the one that adapts to your needs.
- Let’s start with the basics.
- Know what a tripod is for and determine if you need it ?.
- A tripod stabilizes the camera and prevents the image from moving (or moving.
- Which is the same).
- After reading this.
- You might think.
- Oh.
- Okay.
- If my camera has a stabilizer.
- Then I don’t need it.
- Yes and no.
- If you only take pictures at fast.
- Or more or less fast speeds.
- The stabilizer will work for you.
- But it won’t be enough for prolonged exposures.
- Let’s look at some examples:.
Here are some examples of long exposure photography, but there are more, and there are also other situations or types of photography for which the tripod is also needed or helpful:
If you are going to see yourself in one or more of these situations, do you need a tripod? As you will see, it is not necessary to take photography, however, it opens up a world of possibilities.
Once we know its uses or utilities, I will introduce you to the parts of which it is composed, in this way, when I tell you below which one suits you according to what type of photos, you will understand what I am talking about; ).
The kneecap or head is the part that allows you to move the camera in different directions without having to move the entire tripod. There are different types. If you buy a tripod with interchangeable head, you will have the option to have different heads and change them depending on the type of photograph you are taking without having to have several tripods.
This is recommended when you are going to give it very different uses, for example, you do the same panoramas or action photography with telephoto objects, otherwise it is probably worth it with a fixed kneecap, which is more economical. in the types of kneecaps that exist, below you will see an image of each:
They are the ones who support the weight of the tripod. There are some that can be opened independently, which are best suited for rugged terrain; and those that extend at the same time, more suitable for studio photography, for example.
The legs usually have between three and five sections and can be opened and closed with quick release tabs or with a rotating tightening system.
The most suitable foot diameter for medium weight equipment is between 28 and 38 mm.
As for the feet, where the legs end, they can be plastic or rubber, more recommended for indoor use. Or metal tip, to fix on very slippery terrain, like ice. There are also those that can be modified to better suit different surfaces, although they are generally high-end.
This is the element that holds the camera and prevents it from falling off.
You can see that they are screwed directly or with a quick hitch system, that is, the shoe is screwed to the camera and when you want to place it on the tripod, you place it in the fast system, it is a much more comfortable system. because you can leave the shoe in the camera without having to screw every time. This quick-coupling system can be made of plastic or a stronger material. The disadvantage of plastics is that they can be broken.
Here’s the proof. I dropped mine and broke, what you see white was an attempt to fix it with a putty that obviously didn’t work for me (a session that I think lasted?). Fortunately, every experience is an apprenticeship and I had one with the strongest hitch system.
In this section, I’ll summarize the types of tripod you can find
Some elements influence the stability of a tripod, let’s see what they are so that when you choose one, you can look and know what you need.
As you can imagine or have seen, tripods can be made with different materials:
After all this information, you may be wondering which tripod to buy, as we have already said, will depend on your needs.
If your budget doesn’t reach more and you don’t know if it will catch up with you in a long time but you’re dying to try the long pose or take pictures at night, don’t be sad. Better to have a tripod than not to have it, purists will tell you that this is a waste of money, we will tell you that beyond the absolute clarity of great stability, there is learning. most of them and don’t get frustrated because you can’t have the most expensive tripod, there are some pretty decent ones for less than 100 euros.
Now, if you already know what makes you get out of bed at untimely hours; If you know what kind of photography makes you vibrate; If you have a tripod that no longer serves you You broke the one you had, or does not give you what you need, that is why our advice is that you properly analyze this article, once well analyzed make a list of the features you have. you need to meet these needs and take the time you need to save or find the tripod that best suits your list of features. A good tripod is always a good investment.
Here are some general recommendations. These are highly valued tripods with good value for money. The best tripods we can recommend:
Robust and stable, with a single ball joint and handle. Supports up to 6 kg. A marvel you can find for 151. 60 euros.
Lightweight and stable tripod, very compact and with kneecap too, ideal for traveling, for example. You find it on Amazon for (price not available at this time)
It is difficult to find a very cheap tripod and at the same time with kneecap system, but here you have it, complete and alone (price not available at the moment).
A tripod for testing, traveling, for very light equipment (max. 1. 5 kg) and for narrow pockets.
If you’re looking for a versatile tripod, this may be your choice. Made of carbon fiber, it can contain up to 10 kg, tripod and monopod in one, stable and with quick release shoe.
This other tripod is ideal for macro photography and for those who need a 360-degree turn. Supports up to 10 kg. Can you find it for 149. 99?
This is a tripod recommendation for night photography. Non-slip rubber feet, exclusive reversible column, high load capacity and 5-section aluminum alloy feet that open at 3 different angles. Do you find it on Amazon for 162. 99?
For the most demanding photographers. Maximum load of 7 kg, but has a central column mechanism at 90o, Quick Power Lock (QPL) leg locking system, which adds safety and robustness and XPRO spherical head with polymer rings that replace grease and add fluid movement. 322. 06?
If yours is video and you need a tripod, you have this one from Benro for 329. 00 euros.
Finally, I leave you with an essential element in terms of tripods, if you don’t learn how to properly mount a tripod, it won’t help you have the best tripod you can afford.
I hope that this article has helped you, that it will guide you now or when choosing a tripod, if it is useful I ask you a favor, share it on your favorite social networks. of your contact headaches ?. I’ll thank you very much.
See you!