The tripod delivers a portable, steady stand for fixing the camera. The three legs offer consistent, all-around contact with the ground. Using three legs ensures that the weight of the mounted equipment is evenly spread. No portion can be off the ground when it’s at rest. This steady position allows the camera fixed to the tripod’s top. It is usually mounted with a screw fitting to the platform.
These are most expensive for longer exposures, although nearly all shots will avail from being mounted. The objective is to keep the camera steady throughout the entire image. Its primary purpose is to stop the camera from moving. Photography tripods of several types are used to mount cameras, lenses, lights, radio triggers, and other photographic accessories.
Table of Contents
Components
Its system is generally comprised of the following parts:
Legs –Standard materials for tripod legs include aluminum, basalt, steel, and carbon fiber.
Head – The part that holds a digital camera or a lens. There are many types of heads, but the most popular are ball-heads and pan-tilt heads.
Centerport/Center Column – A separate leg that runs through the middle, allowing to raise the device’s head further.
Feet – It allows you to swap the device’s feet at the end of the legs for indoor and outdoor use. The cheapest devices have legs with an integrated non-replaceable head and feet and sometimes have a center post, while the top-of-the-line tripods have a modular tripod system that has replaceable feet and allows attaching a separate tripod head (the head is typically not included).
Disadvantages
These are friendly and can provide various possibilities to obtain the best photograph. However, using these has significant drawbacks as well, specifically:
- They are potentially heavy. Although there are lightweight carbon-fiber tripods, the setup can become rich once you add a its head.
- They are a hassle.
- Even though it is compact and collapsible, it still takes up room and is frequently improper to transport or travel.
- They are challenging to use in crowded environments.
- They can be expensive. Sound tripod systems can cost over Rs.3000/-.
- Because of the setup time, you can miss the finest opportunity.
- You can easily damage your camera and lens if you do not know how to operate it correctly or if the device system is cheap and unstable.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Tripod
Started your device purchasing frenzy but did not know where to begin. What aspects should you take into account when buying a tripod? Purchasing it can be a confusing affair, as I have mentioned above, considering the variety of options available, from small and lightweight to massive and heavy. Let’s go over each aspect and determine your needs:
Weight Rating
We would first consider how much weight this device can support. Many photographers mistake of buying this device that can only help a few pounds and is not made for heavy camera equipment. What happens is obvious – at one point or another, the whole thing collapses, destroying the camera and the lens. Always be sure what you plan to purchase can support at least 1.5 times as much weight as your camera and heaviest lens combined. Do not forget that you will sometimes apply pressure on your camera and sometimes even rest your hands on the setup if you shoot with long lenses, which adds to the weight. Keep in mind that you might later add a flash or a battery handle to your camera or that it might get hit with something heavier.
Height
To avoid bending over to look through the viewfinder, we always advise purchasing a device at the right height.
Once you have mounted your camera on a tripod, the viewfinder should be at eye level. It is acceptable if it exceeds your eye level because you may constantly shorten the legs. However, suppose it is much below your eye level. In that case, you will always find yourself bending, which can be a tiring experience, especially when you are waiting for some action and constantly looking through the viewfinder.
If you purchase a tripod with an attached head, the head’s point should be at eye level. Make sure the legs of any modular tripods you purchase with separate charges terminate roughly at your shoulder level. Its height is another thing to consider when folded for more convenient transportation. Are you concerned about it fitting in your carry-on bag? Without the feet, mine barely does diagonally, yet I carry it everywhere.
Weight and Construction
When selecting the device, weight is an important consideration. If your device is excessively hefty, you could decide to leave it at home rather than bring it with you when you travel. The most robust, solid, and rust-free tripods are composed of carbon fiber. They are also the lightest; while carbon fiber is the best material for a tripod, it, unfortunately, comes with a high price tag.
Although heavier than carbon fiber, aluminum is the most extraordinary material for construction. Aluminum now makes up the majority of less expensive tripods. Although stainless steel tripods are also available, they are often employed for video equipment and are too hefty for everyday usage.
Regarding total weight, try to keep the tripod legs without the head under 5 pounds. Generally, carbon fiber legs are between 3 and 4 pounds (but can be lighter or heavier depending on what they are made for). In comparison, aluminum legs can be between 5 and 6 pounds and more rotund, depending on the size and how much weight they can support. Basalt lava legs are somewhere in-between both in terms of weight and cost.
Legs
These legs generally come in two forms – Non-tubular and tubular. Aluminum, basalt, and steel tripods may come in various shapes with a flip-lock system, but all carbon-fiber legs are tubular and include a threaded twist-lock system to secure the legs. Depending on the device’s maximum height, there might be between 3 and 5 sections on the tripod legs. The more branches, the higher the tripod and generally less stable.
Feet
Some modern tripods feature replaceable feet that unscrew from the bottom of the tripod legs to accommodate various conditions and circumstances. There are multiple types of tripod feet for indoors (rubber or plastic) and outdoor use (metal spikes). Unless you plan to shoot in icy, rainy/slippery conditions, the standard rubber feet that come with your tripod should work just fine.
Centerport
Some tripods come with a center post – A single leg at the tripod’s center allows you to increase or decrease the camera’s height by simply moving the center post upward or downward. Although some photographers find it convenient and pleasant, we strongly advise against having a center post on a tripod. Since a center post is equivalent to placing a monopod on top of a tripod, it defeats the entire purpose of a tripod. If you only use a wide-angle lens, the effect might not be as noticeable, but if you set up a long telephoto lens, you will immediately see that using a center post will result in too much vibration. If you still want to get a center post for whatever reason, make sure it can decline to the same level as where the device’s legs meet. The center post should never wobble at its lowest level.
Head
This system includes its head as a necessary component. It is in charge of holding camera equipment firmly in place and managing camera movement. The authority for a modular tripod system must be purchased separately. Always be sure it’s head you choose can support at least the same weight as your tripod’s legs.
There are generally three types of heads commonly available:
Pan-Tilt Head – Either with two handles for horizontal motion or one grip each for vertical and horizontal movement. The most popular head design is the one that is frequently found on less expensive tripods.
Ball-Head – Compared to pan-tilt heads, ball-heads only have one control that loosens or tightens the grip. They are supple and allow smooth operation while securely pulling the camera/lens.
Gimbal Head – A specialized head for long and heavy 300mm+ lenses. Compared to pan-tilt and ball-heads, gimbal heads perfectly balance the camera and heavy lens and are best suited for fast-action photography. They are straightforward to use in any direction and do not require tightening the head every time the camera/lens moves.
Stability
It does not always imply stability. Several sturdy and hefty device systems are available, but they lack the strength required for various weather conditions. It must be able to endure wind when it is fully assembled, as well as possible field bumps and bangs. If the head is not connected securely or the front outweighs the back, and everything falls to the ground, you risk damaging your equipment. Always ensure that your camera and lens balance on that device rather than tilt in one direction.
Top 5 best tripods in India
Syvo WT 3130 Aluminum Tripod (133CM), Universal Lightweight Tripod with Mobile Phone Holder Mount & Carry Bag for All Smart Phones, GoPro, Cameras
Product Details
- Compatible devices: Projector, Camera, Cellphone
- Brand: SYVO
- Material: Aluminium
- Head: Type Pan Heads
- Colour: Brown
Tygot Gorilla Tripod/Mini (13 Inch) Tripod for Mobile Phone with Phone Mount & Remote | Flexible Gorilla Stand for DSLR & Action Cameras
Product Details
- Compatible Devices: Camera
- Brand: Tygot
- Material: ABS
- Colour: Black
- Item Weight: 120 Grams
Photron Stedy 600M Tripod with Mobile Holder for Smart Phone, Camera, Mobile Phone | Extends to 1345mm (4.4 Feet) | Folds to 515mm(1.6 Feet) | Weight Load Capacity: 3kg | Case Included, Silver
Product Details
- Compatible Devices: Camera, Smartphone
- Brand: Photron
- Material: Aluminium
- Weight Limit: 3 Kilograms
- Item Weight: 900 Grams
Digitek (DTR 480LW) (57 Inch) Portable Lightweight Aluminum Tripod for DSLR Cameras & Smartphones with Operating Ht. 4.75 Ft, Max. Load Capacity up to 2kgs with 360 Degree Ball Head, Carry Bag Included
Product Details
- Compatible Devices: Camera, Smartphone
- Brand: Digitek
- Material: Aluminium
- Head Type: Ball Heads
- Colour: Black
AGARO MTP 310 Flexible Gorillapod Tripod with Aluminum Ball Head, up to 2 kgs Load Capacity, Flexible Legs and Smart Phone Holder, Red, Black
Product Details
- Compatible Devises: Cellphone
- Brand: AGARO
- Material: Aluminium
- Head Type: Ball Head
- Colour Red: Black
