Buying the Right Tripod – DSLR Tripod Recommendations
Tripods come in different dimensions with different degrees of motion. Tripods are actually made up of two major pieces: the leg and head. The typical tripod has these two components assembled; however, for higher-end tripods, each piece is purchased separately. The typical DSLR camera weighs 2 pounds. Add a few accessories such as a flash and long lens, and you’ll require an appropriate tripod to manage the weight of the camera.
Tripod Basics
A standard tripod typically has aluminum legs with a tilt and pan-head and a brace that connects the legs to a central column. You can upgrade to a more expensive tripod, and you’ll discover legs made of carbon fiber, magnesium, as well as another lightweight, sturdy materials, center columns that flip to get your camera closer to the ground, and sections that are protected from moisture and dust. Additionally, you’ll find a wide variety of heads, such as ballheads as well as three-way and five-way pan heads, as well as the pistol grip head. Tripods can cost as high as $1000 or more, however, and the majority are less than $250.
Tripods Below $100
Under $100, there are a handful of tripods that have stood above the others. Davis and Sanford, a respected manufacturer of tripods, produce their Fusion three-section tripod, which has a 3-way hydraulic head. The tripod can be extended to an extension of 61 inches as well as a capacity of 8 pounds. It has an easy release plate on its head as well as a gear center column. It weighs 3.7 pounds. Fusion weighs 3.7 pounds. It also comes with a carry case. This Davis Sanford Fusion retails for around $43. Sanford Fusion retails for approximately $33. Giottos is one of the sought tripod brands among professionals, producing an affordable tripod for less than $100. Its Giottos HD324 has a maximum height of 63.4 inches and an incline of 6.6 pounds. The HD324 features an adjustable pan head with three ways along with locking leg braces as well as a handgrip with grooves on the column’s center. The tripod weighs 3.5 pounds. And cost about $45.
$100 to $150
Manfrotto is another sought famous brand of tripods used by professional photographers. Around $130 is the price to buy the Manfrotto293 tri-section aluminum tripod that comes with a QR (quick release) ball head. The 293 tripods can be extended to a max height of 62 inches. It has a maximum capacity for a load of 8.81 pounds. The tripod is equipped with an anti-shock collar and weighs 3.85 pounds. Additionally, in this price bracket is a Slik Pro 500HD tripod with a three-way pan head as well as a rapid shoe release. The 500HD can support up to 11lbs. and can reach the maximum height of 65 inches. Pro 500HD Pro 500HD is made from an alloy of magnesium, aluminum as well as titanium alloy. It’s priced at about $150.
Tripods Above $150
Tripods over 150 dollars include Benbo’s Trekker MK3 tripod set with Ballhead, carrying box and. The tripod is capable of a support weight of 17lbs. It can extend up to the length of 61 inches. It weighs 4.5 pounds. It comes with an articulating ball-head that allows for a fast and quick move. This Benbo Trekker MK3 retails around $179. Three-Legged Thing makes the X1 Brian carbon fiber five-section tripod that comes with an Airhed 1 ball head that retails for $399. The X1 Brian can be extended to a maximal size of 81.1 inches and is able to support a maximum load of 17.6 pounds. The tripod is a magnesium head that has an Arca Swiss-style clamp and the ability to reversibly turn three sections of the central column.
