Tip #4652 - Buying a Tripod: What to Look For
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Buying
a Tripod: What to Look For
For shake-free
photography, a tripod is a must! Of course, you can rest your camera
on any solid surface and the effect will be just as good, but if you
use a tripod, you can tilt your camera any which way you want and
still take pictures without a blur. A tripod is especially important
if you're taking pictures of yourself or a person, place or thing
in low lighting. But, before you embark on a tripod shopping spree,
here are a few tips you should keep in mind. Let's check them out!
Weigh the Issue
This one depends
on the type of camera you're using. If you're a hobby photographer
who carries several camera lenses and flashes, it's important for
you to buy a tripod that can handle the additional weight of the lenses
and flash. On the other hand, if you use a point-and-shoot compact
camera that doesn’t have any additional flashes or lenses, even
the most light-weight tripod will do. Another thing to consider is
"how much is too much." A tripod is something you have to
lug around, so the lighter it is, the better it is for you. But going
for a solid tripod that can take on a lot more weight than you really
need isn’t a good thing either. Just go for the one that suits
your needs the best.
Go for
Stability
Some tripods can
take the burden, but aren't really good at standing on their feet.
By this, I mean they are prone to being knocked down even if someone
so much as brushes past them. Some might not be able to take heavy
wind either. So, the best way to test the stability of your tripod
is to place your camera on it and test it out with all its legs in
full position. If it feels awkward and wobbly, abandon it right away
and move on to another choice.
Watch
the Legs
Locking the legs
is as important as stability of a tripod. Since manufacturers differ
in their ergonomics, it’s best to check out half a dozen of
them before buying the one that suits you best. The ergonomics of
the leg angle release mechanism and the quick action leg locks allow
for effortless adjustments. Not only will it seem less cumbersome,
but it also promises safety of your camera equipment, as the tripod
has to be in place with the full weight of your camera on it.
Extensions Do Matter
Most tripods come
in two and three extensions. While some are most comfortable with
two extensions, some find three to be a lot better. In hindsight,
there are advantages to both. If you choose a tripod with only two
extensions, you’ll have a longer piece to haul around when it’s
folded up. On the other hand, there is less messing around with extending
and locking the legs. Three extensions will give you a smaller folded
up tripod and a more sturdy hold.
It’s
All in the Length
Tripods come in
all shapes and sizes. Go for one that’s about your height when
it's fully extended. That way, you're buying something that’s
custom made for you. Also, height matters depending on the kind of
photography you do. If it’s tabletop or group photography, a
tripod is a must and the higher it is, the better. But, if those are
shots you rarely take, you don’t really need an ultra-tall tripod.
Therefore, choose judiciously.
Look
for a Comfortable Tripod Head
Every
tripod comes with headgear that is uniquely different from one another.
Some are easy to use, while some are very cumbersome. It’s also
very subjective, so you need to judge it yourself by attaching your
camera to the tripod and testing it out. Does it take a lot of time
to set up your camera? Or, is it quick and secure? You need to look
at those things before you zero in on a tripod. Doing that will also
determine how much flexibility you have once the camera is attached.
Some photographers prefer tripod heads that can be removed very easily
so that they can hand-hold their cameras for a few of their shots.
Others like tripod heads that offer a lot more flexibility when the
camera is attached.
There are two
main kinds of tripods. The "ball and socket" tripods are
highly flexible and offer a smooth touch and feel. The second kind
is the "pan and tilt" tripod, which is inexpensive and it
locks its heads into place much more firmly and securely. However,
you can’t move out a lot with those heads. If you don’t
like the tripod head you're currently using, you can buy one separately
if your tripod allows for it.
And Finally...
Though it’s
best to ask your friends and relatives which tripod they use, the
best advice is to check out at least three to four shops before honing
in on one. That's because most of your relatives and friends might
be using tripods that are old fashioned and some may not even be on
the market today. So, the best thing to do is check out the latest
models and opt for the one that suits you the best!
~ Zahid H. Javali
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