Tripods: three legged race
Jun 26 '01 (Updated Aug 09 '01)
The Bottom Line Once you start using a tripod, you'll feel lost without one and future flexibility is important to consider in your purchase. Without emptying your bank account, of course.
My wife inherited an old tripod from her late aunt. We tried to use it with our modern day cameras, however the legs would not stay extended and it had a habit of sinking off-level during a time delay shot. We have several unwanted, but interesting angle shots in our album as a result.
So we wanted to get a different tripod. There are many choices, just like any other consumer product these days. There is everything from a $15 folding table top tripod, to $700 professional tripods that a wedding photographer or news reporter might use. However you don't have to break the bank to get something that works. I am going to write this opinion based on the needs of the concerned consumer.
Why would anybody want a tripod? A few reasons. If you have a camera with a self-timer, you can put that feature to good use with a tripod. Also with the combination of a self-timer and tripod, no longer will you have to ask a complete stranger to take your picture - and have it come out blurred, heads cut off, crooked, etc. And with a tripod you can make sure you don't make those same mistakes yourself.
Here's what to look for when going shopping:
The tripod should be lightweight and easy to carry. If you get something heavy and awkward, you're less likely to make use of it on a regular basis. Just because you want something lightweight, doesn't mean it has to be weak. Aluminum is the material of choice. It is strong and lightweight.
The tripod should work with your camera. There is an industry standard threaded mounting hole on the bottom of most camera equipment. Better check to make sure, just in case. You'll also want to make sure the tripod is beefy enough to work with your equipment: a large video camera, for example. Some tripods have weight ratings for the equipment they are designed to support.
The tripod should be adjustable. There are several areas where you want to look for adjustability: each leg height should be set individually so you can get the tripod level. The legs should be linked together when they are deployed. This will assist you in getting the tripod level. There should be some sort of height adjustment, independent of the legs. Because once you've got it level, you don't want to fuss with the legs anymore.
The mounting base should be flexible Besides fitting your camera, the mounting base should be adjustable by 90 degrees to take portrait shots with a still camera. It should be able to be tilted forward and back, and rotated 360 degrees. Level indicators are helpful for setting up, but if the tripod you choose doesn't come with any, you can purchase a round bubble level at the hardware store or photo shop. A quick release base is also handy so you can temporarily remove your expensive equipment from the tripod when moving between shots. It also makes attaching your equipment a lot easier since the screw mounting is on the removable base.
Here is an important piece of advice: never fold a tripod for storage with your equipment attached, especially heavy equipment.
The tripod should be solid The original problem my wife and I had with the old tripod, was that it didn't stay adjusted when you finally had it set up. Check that any adjustments you make to the tripod are solid and won't move. Look for tightening knobs to secure the tripod in place. How good are the feet on the end of the legs for gripping wet or uneven surfaces?
Don't sell yourself short Once you start using your tripod for a 35mm camera, you might want to use it with some other piece of equipment, like a video camera. Or may start longing for something more after purchasing that tiny tabletop tripod you thought was enough.
Test Drive If you can find a good photo shop in your area, you may be able to try out different tripods with your equipment before you buy.
Bottom line
Once you start using a tripod, you'll feel lost without one and future flexibility is important to consider in your purchase. Without emptying your bank account, of course.
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Epinions.com ID:
macgyver24
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Member: Corey R
Location: USA
Reviews written: 30
Trusted by: 16 members
About Me:
Computer and technology nut, jack of all trades, master of none
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