A tripod is a photographer friend. A tripod is not just an answer for clear sharper picture, but also serves to take photography in low light condition using lower shutter speed which otherwise generally tends for camera shake, it further improves good composition, greater depth of field, night photography and also allow to shoot without having to look through the viewfinder. In general a tripod can be used for all sorts of photography.It’s a big task and decision making on what sort of tripod to purchase and to make it even more complicated there is so much of brands to choose with price ranging from few dollars to hundreds.
The most important and basic question is which tripod should you buy?
Well, the answer lies within you. It depends on the type of photography you do most of the time, the weight of the camera, lens and any accessories you fix on the camera (e.g. flash).
Small and lightweight tripods are ideal for people who travel and trek long distances. Lightweight tripod doesn’t mean they are flimsy; they are quite rigid and depend on the material which they are manufactured. Carbon- fiber tripods are light, sturdy and expensive. Aluminum tripods are heavy for an equivalent amount of stability and less expensive. Always choose a tripod designed to handle the weight of the gear you intend to mount on it. Tripods are also available with bubble/spirit level.
Tripod legs play an important role in terms of weight and steadiness, also note different materials helps to handle better in certain weather condition and to dampen vibrations. Magnesium is most widely used material for the choice of leg that connects to the top (the first leg in the section) of tripod as they are lighter than aluminum and sturdy. Tripod legs are collapsed for easy packing and carrying. More, the sections the smaller the tripod, arguably more section legs provide less stability at full extension. Two- Four-section legs are more popular with outdoor photographers.
Centre column are available both geared and non-geared. Portrait and Product shot photographer generally prefer to use geared center column since it assist in making precise adjustments to the camera height. Outdoor photographers prefer a non-geared column as its assist in quicker and easier movement.
Tripod height is also an important factor when selecting a tripod. You definitely need to make sure the maximum height of the tripod is within the level of the camera viewfinder and your eye. If your interest is in Macro photography you need to check the minimum height and the angles the legs can be spread. Some tripod manufacturers either enable to remove the section of the center column to achieve the minimum height or tilt the center column for easy ground-level shooting.
Tripod feet are typically a metal spike, with rubber pad that can either be screwed or plugged over the spike.
Tripods are available both with/without tripod heads. The most common types of tripod heads are ball and pan-tilt heads. Consider the weight of the camera and the gears attached when choosing the tripod head to avoid creeping. Tripod heads are available with bubble/spirit level so as to conveniently adjust your camera level.
A quick release mechanism helps to quickly attach or detach your camera. A quick release mechanism lets your camera attach to the tripod head using a latch, instead of requiring the camera to be screwed or unscrewed.
Alternative to tripod are monopod and gorillapod. A monopod is great especially in areas where tripod are not allowed or if there is no enough space for opening the tripod legs. A monopod is a tripod with only one leg. Photographers use monopods with large telephoto lenses for sports and wildlife photography as it increases better maneuvering. A monopod will not give complete stability while shooting in low condition and night photography.
Gorillapod tripod are different than the traditional tripod. The Gorillapod is a flexible tripod with legs that are designed to bend and wrap. Gorillapod are designed to be used in areas that are impossible for a traditional tripod or monopod. The feet of the flexible legs are made with rubberized grips to ensure stability on any surface.
The camera attaches via a secure locking ring, allowing you to stabilize and secure the camera. The legs can be folded or spiraled around other objects, making them one of the most portable tripods on the market.Even though the Gorillapod is lightweight, it can handle a pretty hefty weight load. The SLR-Zoom options are available for heavier model. The Gorillapods are less expensive than tripods and monopods. Though the gorillapods are becoming quite popular there are equal amount of debate on its hype.
Can you advise if Benro Aluminium travel angel II A 2692TB1 is a good and stable tripod for using for heavy lens (say upto 500 mm). What is the best option available in Kuwait say in a budget range 70-80 KD. Thanks
I\’m not sure with the model you mentioned, I did a search on the Benro site and found no result. There is a model with product # A2691TB1 (Trans-functional Travel Angel AL Twist Lock) available which can take a maximum load of 12 kg. The Nikon 500mm f/4.0G ED VR AF-S SWM weighs roughly around 5 kg, in that sense the tripod should be capable to carry the load of the camera as well as the lens. AAB has recently shipped in few Benro Tripods, the other option is a Manfroto (Recommended Models 055xPROB / 055CX3 with either a Midi Ball Head or Hydro Static Ball Head). You will find AAB contact number in the forum. Don\’t forget to invite me for a test shot when you have this lens.