Camera tripod FAQs
Why use a tripod?
Although correctly using a tripod can be a fine art, it is easiest to think of it as an elaborate stand to stop the camera shaking. One of the main reasons for using one is to increase the sharpness of an image – by securing the camera you can decrease the ISO and increase the shutter speed, which makes it perfect for low-light conditions and gloomier landscape environments, where the margin for error is smaller.
Additional reasons to use a tripod might be to secure heavy and cumbersome equipment, like big lenses, or to add a degree of precision to your photography in terms of framing and composition. They’re also often used in studio spaces, to ensure portraits and subjects are well framed, sharp and fully in focus.
What to look for when buying a tripod
A good tripod strikes a balance between a number of different factors: if you are intending on travelling with your equipment, weight is obviously going to be a factor and it’ll give you a significant advantage to purchase a lightweight, portable tripod that folds down easily and quickly. The downside is that these tripods tend to be a bit more flimsy and less rigid for obvious reasons, so it’s worth testing a few out to strike the right balance for you.
You’ll also need to think about what kind of head you want on the tripod itself – this is what keeps the camera on the tripod – and you can generally choose from pan and tilt heads, ball heads and gimbal heads, the latter tending to be for heavier equipment and the first two being for more general use.
Also look at the quick-release plate, which is an aluminium plate at the top of the tripod used to take the camera on and off. Inspect its quality – lower-end tripods can use plastic plates and these are not as sturdy as metal ones.
The verdict: Camera tripods
Vanguard’s multi-angle centre column (MACC) system is one of the most enjoyable to use, and allowed for a greater degree of freedom in our photography. The Vanguard 3+ 236AB would be our choice here – it’s a little on the pricier side but, in our opinion, it’s worth it for a solid all-rounder.
If you’re in the market for a slightly lighter model for travel, we’d choose the 1.5kg element MII aluminium from Manfrotto as the best option here, as we were impressed by its ability to hold our heavier setups.
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