Choosing a tripod for the camera

Each user of the SLR camera wants to achieve really high-quality images. This desire leads to the logical purchase of relevant accessories and accessories for the camera. One of them is a tripod - a device designed to facilitate the work of the photographer. Modern manufacturers offer a wide variety of these parts - and not least due to their obvious advantages.

Advantages of using a tripod

In the classic sense of its purpose, the tripod serves to photography device supports. By installing a technique on it, a photographer can experiment with shooting and camera angles. There are such advantages of working with a tripod:

1. Getting a stable picture even at low ISO. For example, shooting on the nature of sunsets and sunrises to obtain a minimum level of "noise".
2. Sharp shots even at long focal lengths. Even if the camera has an optical stabilizer, it does not always work correctly with a long-focus lens.
3. The ability to more efficiently use the shutter timer for taking group photos.
4. Removing the load from the hands (especially when it comes to monopod).

Tripod Types

There is a convenient classification that will help determine the type of tripod that is relevant to the user:

• monopod;
• tripod;
• mini format.

Monopod

The name alone states the design features of the fixture - the tripod has only one leg. It is rational to use monopod not only for freeing the hands of the photographer from the weight of the technique. It also allows you to get the maximum focus for the subject, which significantly reduces the noise level in the frame.Simply put, the camera is fixed at a certain level and distance from the object.

Another bonus is the extension of the shooting angle; much more space is placed in the frame.

It is logical to use such a device for quick reportage shots. Another level is selfie photoswhich with monopod become better quality. And although professionals strongly oppose such photos, their popularity is increasing every day, it is enough to find the statistics for viewing such images on the network.

Tripod

This accessory name for the camera was due to its "anatomical" features - three legs. This design enhances the stability of the support. The feature of tripods is that they are suitable for any photo equipment.. As for the material of manufacture, it can be represented in plastic, in aluminum, and even in carbon. From this will depend on the weight of the installed structure and, of course, the price:

• 1-1.5 kg (about 30-60 dollars for budget options);
• 3-10 kg (up to $ 400 for professional models).

Dimensions of the tripod itself matter. Being a mobile device, it can weigh 1.5-2 kg, can be in the folded state about 50-70 cm,and in the "working" form 140-190 cm.

Mini options

Owners of lightweight small cameras - "soapboxes "and budget" DSLRs"- you can purchase mini-articles. These devices can not lift equipment to a great height. They are presented in two variations:

• the desktop mini tripod has sliding legs;

• There are models with flexible mounts - they can be attached to trees or fences.

The weight of the desktop tripod varies within 150-200 g, the height is 20-30 cm, which allows you to place the device even in a backpack.

It is worth noting that the maximum weight of the installed structure is limited - it should not exceed 1 kg.

Therefore, it is better not to experiment with professional equipment. There is a risk that everything will break and fly down.

Choosing the right tripod

To understand which tripod to choose, you need to know the main criteria for choosing it:

• height;
• load;
• production material;
• number of sections for legs;
• the possibility of a tripod head;
• platform for fixing technology;
• availability of additional devices.

Elevation height

This aspect is worth checking in the very first place. Ideally, comfortable use is when the tripod is set at eye level. However, in practice this selection is accompanied by difficulties, especially for tall people. In this case, you should first take away 10-12 cm from your height (this is the level at which the eyes are located), then another 6 cm (distance from the base of the camera to the viewfinder) and focus on the resulting figure. For example, a 160 cm tripod is ideal for a photographer with a height of 175 cm.

It should also provide the dimensions of the device when folded. It is necessary for the selection of bags or covers with handles, for easy transportation.

Load on fixture

This factor should be considered with the expectation of the installed equipment. Tripods, "heavyweights" are usually more expensive and stronger.

Here the formula is useful: the tripod should weigh 2-2.5 times heavier than the camera itself.

For example, a standard "SLR" with a net weight of not more than 600 grams and a five-gram lens is designed for a tripod weighing 1.5-2 kg and priced at 30-50 dollars. When using professional equipment weighing 1.5 kg and a lens of about 4 kg, something more serious is needed.

Variety of Tripod Heads

This detail is one of the key in the design. There are removable and non-removable types of heads.In the latter case, the part cannot be replaced.

Also distinguish these types of parts heads:

• ball;
• 2D and 3D versions;
• panoramic.

Ball construction It is a platform attached to the ball, which can move in all planes. Adjustment is carried out only by one lock. But this type of attachment turns out to be inconvenient for shooting panoramic photos: it will be very difficult to smoothly take a perspective without angle changes and smoothly turn the camera horizontally.

Compact ball head Manfrotto 496

2D and 3D models heads provide additional tilt capabilities. But if the first one does this only up and down, then the 3D head fully liberates freedom of movement in any direction, which is an excellent find for panoramic photos.

Manfrotto MHXPRO-3W 3D tripod head

Panoramic headas the name implies, specially designed for shooting panoramas. Its capabilities are especially impressive during the subsequent “stitching” of frames in the editor. All the work here is based on the smooth rotation of the camera around a single selected end point - this will avoid parallax (problems with matching one picture with another).

Tripod Leofoto PAN-02 panoramic head

Mounting area

Such a part is first wound on the camera and then mounted on the tripod head itself. The site was invented in order to remove something “from the hands,” the camera did not have to be unscrewed for a long time. The universal solution in this case is two piece platform: one part will remain on the support, the second - directly on the camera. This circumstance will allow, if necessary, to quickly remove the camera from a tripod.

By the way, almost all manufacturers produce identical platforms. For example, Canon is suitable for Nikon and other brands - they all have the same socket for mounting.

Manfrotto 200LT-PL Tripod Head

Gadget Material

In inexpensive tripods "legs" are made from aluminum, and the handles on the latches and pads are made of plastic. For professional photography choose titanium, carbon or magnesium as the main material. Plastic elements are also present in them, but of higher quality. Such fasteners will not play, but weigh the entire tripod.

Among the solid options can also advise wood. It absorbs the vibration pretty well.

Legs and number of sections

This factor is also important when choosing a device. If there are two sections, then the user gets a large tripod in the folded state, which does not fit into each bag. With three or four sections, the construction will be more stable and will take up less space when assembled.

And important materials, used for stable mounting feet. There are several varieties:

• with pointed supports for softer soil;
• rubber for studio photography;
• combined (for all).

Leg clamps There are two types: eccentric, allowing you to quickly disassemble / assemble fasteners, and more reliable coupling.

Useful additions

Among other support capabilities, it is worth highlighting hooklocated under the retractable column. It usually hangs a small weight, which will provide additional stabilization. In addition, such a detail is often mobile - it can always be removed if there is no need for it.

Another option is when the central column can move both up and down. This will allow to get unusual angles.

Overview of manufacturers and popular models

The market offers a range of tripods from a fairly large number of manufacturers - from American and European to Asian. Among others, it is worth mentioning the Italian brand Manfrotto, Japanese Slik, Chinese Gitzo, Benro Cullmann, Hama, Arsenal, Unomat, Soligor, Rekam, Velbon. The main thing when choosing a tripod - so that it meets the requirements that the user makes. The best tripods for cameras the industry leader Gitzo, where the cost can reach $ 1,000. Plus, you will additionally have to purchase a head, for example, the BH-55 will cost from $ 500. High class offers and brand ballhead. Such a tripod will provide smooth operation and reliable stability with ease of construction.

Beginners can be advised to choose a tripod for the Slik Sprint Pro II Tripod camera - the cost does not exceed $ 100.

Below is a description of three tripod models most popular with photographers.

Vanguard Alta Pro 263AT

The subject of particular interest among photographers is the Vanguard Alta Pro 263AT, priced at $ 135 (with the head, the cost will be $ 210).

The characteristics of the tripod are as follows:

• height with all legs extended sectors - 130 cm, if you also include the central column - 162.5 cm;
• minimum height is 16 cm;
• weight - 2.2 kg;
• ability to withstand up to 7 additional kg;
• three-section support.

From other bonuses:

• the central column rotates and bends up to 180 degrees;
• there is a retractable hook for fastening;
• excellent optical image stabilization;
• Comes with carrying bag;
• vibration suppression.

For some, the downside is the price. Here you can recommend cheaper options: Slik Sprint Pro II (up to $ 90), Benro A297EX or Giottos MTL9361B.

BENRO IT25 Pro

Speaking about the other recommended model BENRO IT25 Pro (from 8000 rubles), you can immediately note the most important advantage - tripod tripod can transform into a monopod. Thus, for the price of one tripod, you can purchase two at once.

Among the technical characteristics of the tripod:

• maximum length - 1545 mm;
• weight 1.6 kg;
• maximum load 6 kg;
• 545 mm with folded version.

In addition to the possibility of transformation, there are other bonuses:

• ball head included;
• easy and fast assembly;
• manufacturer gives 6 years warranty.

GorillaPod Hybrid Eco

For mini-tripods, Gorillapod can be recommended. Prices in the line start at $ 20. Brand makes miniature tripodsIt is easy to move from place to place. They are also easy to manage.

Here stands out, for example, GorillaPod Hybrid Eco. He makes "fall in love" with himself for the following reasons.

1. Its dimensions of 25 cm allow you to carry the device, even in a jacket pocket.
2. Weight is only 190 grams.
3. There is a removable mount on the tripod head. The last part of the ball type and has a built-in level for mounting, which allows you not to fall down the camera when shooting.
4. The maximum load is 1kg, which is suitable even for a SLR camera.
5. It has flexible legs thanks to the 30 hinge-type connecting elements installed in them.
6. The angle for panning is 360 degrees. At the same time, it is possible to tilt up and down 90 degrees.
7. Production material - high-quality ASB-plastic.

The only minor drawback is fixed "ball"Fixed on the adjusting screw. The flexible tripod Joby GorillaPod Hybrid Eco is useful for travel lovers. It can be perfectly used in camping for nature photography. Another area of ​​application is macro photography, for example, jewelry.

General recommendations when buying

Before purchasing any model, the operation of the whole structure should be checked:

• first unfolding and folding the device;
• check how smoothly the leg sections and head locks move;
• check the height (maximum - at least 15 cm below the height of the person);
• check with the budget.

The last point should coincide completely with the future features of operation and technical characteristics.