Everything You Need to Know About Tripods

Tripods are extremely important in photography. They are an essential piece of equipment that every photographer should have, from hobbyist to professional. There are many things that you need to consider when choosing a tripod, from the size to the weight limit.

This blog will discuss everything you need to know about choosing a tripod, whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned photographer.

What to Consider When Choosing A Tripod

When you are choosing a tripod, there are several considerations that you need to take into account. These things are essential to make sure you get the best results from your equipment. 

Some of the things you need to think about before buying your tripod include: weight, size, load capacity, tripod legs and feet, the head of the tripod, and quick-release. 

Tripod Weight

Tripod weight is an important factor to consider when choosing your tripod, as well as the material it’s constructed of, because, if the tripod is too heavy, then you will likely end up not using it. Choosing the material the tripod is made from is the best way to determine its weight. Carbon-Fiber is the most lightweight, however, it is also expensive. Aluminium is one of the most popular materials for building a tripod, and this material is still manageable for portability.

Tripod Size

Considering what size tripod you need is also important when selecting your tripod. If you want to use it for vlogging or action shots or videos, then a mini tripod may be best for you, if you want to take stunning landscape or nature photos, then a classic tripod would be more suited. Make sure you always have an idea of what you will use the tripod for before looking at your options. 

Load Capacity

Probably the most important consideration for choosing a tripod is the load capacity; how much weight can it take? This is important to consider because your tripod needs to be able to support your camera. A good tip is to always make sure your tripod can support at least 1.5x more than the total weight of your camera and heaviest lens. 

Tripod Legs and Feet

Making sure you have tripod legs and feet that are designed for both support and stabilisation is key to making sure you choose the right tripod for you. Some tripods have a variety of feet that are suitable for different surfaces, and some have adaptable feet. The legs are also important, because, the higher the number of sections your tripod legs have, the more unstable they can become.

Tripod Head

Your tripod head is another major consideration when you are selecting a tripod. There are generally three types of heads commonly available, these are:

1. Pan-Tilt Head – either with a single handle for horizontal movement or dual handles for both horizontal and vertical movement. This is the most common type of head that is typically built into cheaper tripods.
2. Video Fluid Head – This is a version of the pan-tilt head but made specifically for video. Decent fluid heads actually have fluid in them and are reasonably expensive in order to execute panning and tilting for video, whereas cheap pan-tilt heads on budget tripods are unsuitable for video.
3. Ball-Head – compared to pan-tilt heads, ball-heads only have one control that loosens or tightens the grip. They are very flexible and allow very smooth operation while keeping the camera/lens securely tightened.

Knowing what you intend to use your tripod for can help you decide which head option to choose.

Quick-Release System

The final key consideration when purchasing your tripod is the quick-release system. This is important for ease of use and convenience- they come with plates that can be attached to your camera so you can quickly clip it off and use your camera handheld. They are also used to keep your camera safe if you are on rougher terrain, or moving. 

Choosing a tripod with a better quick-release system allows you to use your tripod and camera together more effectively.

The Best Tripods for Beginners

If you are just starting out on your photography or videography journey, then you may be wondering which tripod to buy, especially if you’re not familiar with all the terminology involved. If you are a beginner, the best types of tripod you can buy are usually known as “compact” tripods, or tripod kits. 

Tripod kits such as the Vanguard Alta Pro Tripod Kit generally include all the parts you need for your tripod, which means that you will not have to spend your time working out which individual pieces will work together- it gives you an out-of-the-box solution. 

Compact, or traveller, tripods are also great for beginners, as these tripods usually fit basic and entry-level DSLRs, which a lot of beginners will start out with, and they are easy to use and set up. Tripods such as the Manfrotto Befree Travel Tripod are perfect for those just starting out with tripods.

Mini Tripods

Another tripod option you can consider is the mini tripod. Mini tripods are compact and portable, and are designed for shooting on the go; whether that’s vlogging, travel photography, or providing a stable base for your smartphone. 

Mini tripods such as the Joby Gorillapad allow you to stand, wrap, or hold your camera onto various surfaces, making them ideal for shooting and filming on the go. 

We also stock a range of tabletop tripods, including the Manfrotto Pixi Mini, which are perfect for grip support and stabilisation. These mini tripods are also perfect for smartphones and entry-level DSLRs, which makes them ideal for amateur photographers and videographers. 

The Best Tripod Brands

When it comes to tripods, we believe the best brands are Manfrotto and Vanguard. These brands are well-renowned as some of the highest-quality tripod brands in the world, and they manufacture tripods for every need.

Manfrotto and Vanguard continually invest in the latest technology, which enables them to manufacture the highest quality products with the most up-to-date technology available. This allows you to ensure your cameras are fully equipped with some of the best accessories in the market. 

Shop Tripods and More from Digitech

At Digitech, we stock a wide range of tripods and other photography and videography equipment to enable you to get the best shots available. Whether you want the best digital cameras to take beautiful photos, or video cameras and microphones to create top-quality videos, we have everything you need.

With free shipping in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and the UAE, Digitech can give you the entire setup you need to get your epic photos and videos. Browse our entire range and make your photography dreams come true.