Tripods in photography: how to choose it? A complete guide
Last update: 04/19/2024
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If you’re new to photography and have just bought your first camera and lens, chances are that a tripod will be the next expense you already think about. It may take some time and a little bit of progression in photography to realize why you do need now a tripod in your daily use.
When starting in photography, we already spend quite a lot of time understanding the first adjustments of your camera. Like you, I went through the same process: reading my user manual, searching on Google for the barbaric terms such as ISO sensitivity, depth of field, hyperfocal, etc. As you progress, you then firstly think about changing your camera lens, either because you want to improve your skills in a specific field or because you have reached the limits of your equipment.
Finally comes the (often pricy) moment to buy your accessories. What do you think about then? Most of the time: camera lens filters and a tripod. Here is the interest of this article, to quickly explain you for what a tripod is used in photography, and why you need it in certain fields. Above all, I hope I’ll be able to clarify how to choose a tripod, and I’ll give you some recommendations for your future purchases at the end of the article.
I will deliberately not talk about tripods for smartphones or small compacts, as they do not require very large features. If however you’re wondering which tripod for DSLR or mirrorless camera to choose, you’ve come to the right place! Note that I myself started with a Gorillapod, a small, versatile, foldable and modulable tripod, perfect for slightly atypical shots. Load capacity depends on the models, but it can do very well even for a small compact DSLR, if it’s just to take selfies from time to time! There is even a small bubble level! This ultra-compact tripod fits neatly into a backpack and can be unfolded in seconds!
While you are considering buying your tripod, I suggest you take a look at our full article summing up everything you need to know about choosing your camera bag.
Benefits of having a tripod
As an introduction, I wanted to quickly explain why using a tripod, and in which field they are more than indispensable.
From a purely technical point of view, using a tripod allows:
- A better stability: it seems obvious said like that but that’s the main reason. A tripod allows you to fix your camera + lens stable on the ground and you won’t have to worry about blurred movements,
- To take pictures more slowly: this is a very interesting because it will refrain you from looking at which (shutter) speed you are going to take the picture. In some cases, you may not actually have enough light (in the morning or evening, for example) and you have pushed your camera to the maximum (ISO at maximum, aperture at maximum, etc.). In spite of this, the announced shutter speed is still too low for a handheld shot. Here, the tripod becomes your lifesaver. This is very often what happens during the famous Golden Hours (a few hours before and after sunrise/sunset),
Two examples of tripods, the choice is huge and difficult…
- Improve your framing and compositions: using a tripod will definitely improve the quality of your pictures. Why this? Think about it for a second: you’re going to have to set up the tripod, choose the exact location, height, shooting angle, and so on. So many things that will require you to think about your image first, instead of shooting on the fly, as we all have done while thinking “it’s going to be pretty good there”. In the end, pictures shot thanks to a tripod are more composed, more thoughtful, better framed, because you simply have the time. You’ll get fewer pictures, but better ones,
- Better framing: the tripod indeed allows you to place yourself in incredible positions that would normally involve acrobatic or funambulism skills! The typical example is a picture at ground level to increase perspectives, like in architectural photography,
- Improve the sharpness of pictures: there’s a good reason why even sports photographers use a tripod or a monopod. Indeed, it’s a great way to minimize camera shake. An image shot on a tripod will always be sharper.
In some situations, and depending on your camera equipment, you may be able to work without a tripod until some time. Here are the photography areas where the use of a tripod is almost indispensable:
- Night photography: stabilizing with a tripod will make your life easier,
- Long exposure: a must for shooting waterfalls/sea with an ND filter.
Example of a situation where a tripod is required (night photography on the left – long exposure on the right)
- Stars,
- Light Painting,
- Time Lapse: good stability is mandatory,
- Fireworks,
- Panoramic views,
- HDR: need to be very stable to have the exact same pictures,
- Selfies (because it’s fashionable and it’s nice to be on pictures from time to time, isn’t it?).
In other cases, or field, it will be a great help:
- As soon as the light is low (morning/evening, to avoid camera shake),
- Macrophotography (easier to focus on a millimeter when not moving),
- Wildlife or sports photography: you’ve already tried carrying 3 kg of photographic equipment at arm’s length for several hours.
How to choose a tripod?
After having convinced you of the utility of a tripod, let’s come to what really interests us: how to choose it and on which criteria should we base ourselves? I’ll detail below all the points you need to know.
Maximum load
This is by far the most important aspect you have to consider when buying your tripod. It is just the maximum capacity your tripod can support. It is absolutely necessary to have a tripod adapted to your heaviest equipment and which is stable in any possible condition, even the most delicate ones (wind, seaside, etc.).
To evaluate the maximum load required, all you need to know is the maximum weight of your complete equipment (body + lens). Many people advise to take 2 times your maximum weight as the maximum load of the tripod. If your set weighs 2kg, at least 4Kg of maximum load is recommended. Usually, the higher the maximum load, the heavier your tripod (and therefore more stable). If you don’t carry your tripod for hours, then it should be fine. This is a point we will discuss later on.
Maximum height
This is the second important point when choosing your tripod. There are two maximum heights: with and without the center column raised. There is no ideal size, but it is usually recommended that the tripod reaches your shoulder. To this will be added the height of the tripod head and of the camera, which is about 20cm. Also keep in mind that your eyes are about 10cm higher than your upper body.
A tripod (with closed center column) with a maximum height of about 1.50m will be fine for a person measuring about 1.75m, for example. Don’t count the center column in your calculations as it will be much more subject to the wind once out. I only take it out when it is truly necessary.
Keep in mind that it’s better to have a higher maximum height, which you can always adapt by slightly lowering your feet, than to have chosen a tripod with a maximum height that is finally too short (too late!). Obviously, the higher the maximum working height, the more expensive the tripod.
Example of tripod folded (left) and unfolded (right)
Folded size and number of sections
This is the most important criterion to take into account for hikers and backpackers who practice photography: the compactness of the beast. How much space does my tripod take lengthwise? The folded height is simply related to the number of sections your tripod has, or concretely: into how many pieces it folds (each section fitting into the other). The more sections you have, the less long and stable your tripod will be. It is about finding a compromise, but as a general rule, a maximum of 3 sections is recommended. So, take a good look at tripod size once folded.
Minimum height
This is a point to be especially taken into account in macro photography, where it’s very often necessary to get down to the ground to shoot insects. You can also use a low height for architectural or landscape photography to increase the perspective. The most important thing will be to look at the maximum angle of the tripod legs. In some of them, the center column can be rotated to place the camera at the bottom, close to the ground.
Weight
Last point to know, the weight. It is just a matter of thinking whether you are really going to carry your tripod or not. And I’m not talking about 500m to go for a long exposure at the seaside, isn’t it? If you travel a lot and/or want to go hiking with it, its weight will be an extremely important element you’ll have to consider before purchasing it. Otherwise, it will be almost just a detail and a heavier tripod will be more stable. Which brings me to the next point. Keep in mind that a too light tripod will not necessarily be stable.
Type of materials
There are basically two types of materials: aluminum and carbon. Here’s what you need to keep in mind:
- Aluminum is the most commonly used material for tripods. It remains a good compromise between stability/weight/price,
- Carbon tripods have a much better reputation. They are lighter, more stable, and better withstand vibrations. On the other hand, prices can sometimes be multiplied by 2 for the same carbon model.
Is the extra cost worth it? It’s up to you, depending on your needs and your budget!
Other essential elements to consider for a tripod
Legs of the tripod
During your research, you may have noticed that there are tripods with connected legs. To avoid absolutely. Sure, they aren’t expensive, but you will more than limit your possibilities. In the vast majority of cases, you will need to either lengthen or shorten one leg more than the other, which is totally impossible with this type of tripod.
Locking system
There are essentially two systems available for locking: the rubber twist and the quick release. Here, I would say that it is a matter of taste, in reality. Everyone will have their own preferences. I personally have the rubber twist system. The quick release one is very easy to use: you just lift the flap and then press to lock it. Many major brands have chosen this system. The rubber twist system is also very fast in my opinion, since you only have to loosen/unscrew the system by one notch and the section telescopes automatically. Then, it’s up to you to screw it in. I would advise to go see in store and test both so you can get your own idea.
Centerpost/central column
This is the end of the tripod, located in the center. It can be more or less long, fixed or tilting. In some situations, it allows you to gain quite a bit of height. However, be careful with the wind grip and the extra vibrations when outside.
Macro photographers will take a closer look at the system, its length and its inversion possibilities, since it allows to put the camera down, closer to the ground.
Tripod head
If you thought buying a tripod was simple, you forgot one thing: you have to place a tripod head on it! Often sold with it as a package, this is not a requirement either. Of course, for you it is! For photographers who are just starting out and don’t want to get into things like panoramas, there are two kind of heads:
- The 3D head is a 3-dimensional system with three screws allowing you to adjust the placement of your shot in all three directions. It is for me slower than a Ball head (see below), but still very precise. If you are specialized in landscape photography and don’t need to change your orientation quickly, then this is a good option. Note that it takes up a little more room in the bag,
- The Ball-Head is a completely different system. There is only one screw that basically releases a ball. All you have to do is choose your frame and tighten this screw when you are satisfied with it. Some quality Ball heads have an extra screw to adjust the friction, the resistance of the ball when you tighten/untighten. I do think it’s preferable when you need to quickly modify your shots (wildlife or sports photographer).
It’s once again a matter of taste. It’s always better to test it before in store. Note that there are also panoramic heads, to capture the immensity of a landscape on several photos, for example. Or even Gimbal Head, specialized for long and heavy lenses over 300/400mm.
Quick-Release System
The quick-release system is an accessory mostly sold with the head-ball nowadays. The purpose of this little piece of metal that you fix under the camera (on the thread) is to be able to then quickly attach (as its name suggests) your camera body to the tripod. Same for removing it. Check it when you buy it, but it should be included.
Little extras
I’ll finally end this long presentation of everything you need to think about when buying your tripod with a few little extras you can find depending on the model and the brand of the tripod. To mention only the main ones:
- The bubble level: to check if the tripod is standing straight, in landscape/architecture photography. On the beautiful Sirui tripod heads, a bubble level is included,
- A ballast hook: located under the central column, it’s useful to ballast and stabilize the tripod even more,
- The retractable iron tips (at Sirui again): allow to easily grip a smooth surface,
- A grip sleeve: a very practical protection when it’s cold outside,
- A carrying bag: not to be neglected as it is not that cheap,
- The monopod option (as on my Sirui…obviously): not mandatory but may be useful. I used it for example on safari, in the car, instead of the too bulky tripod.
Points to think about: 4 important remarks
Think about the evolution of your equipment
I’ve already talked about it quickly above, but always think about your photographic evolution. I will mainly say:
- Are you thinking of buying a heavier lens, essentially a zoom/telephoto lens?
- Are you considering an evolution towards Full-Frame? Be aware that camera bodies and associated lenses are always heavier.
- Would you be interested in macro photography? Important to know so you can look in detail at the spread of the legs angle and the central column. I have written this complete article to help you choose your macro lens.
This is also the reason why I recommend checking the current maximum weight of your equipment, and to double or even triple it to get a large margin if you are considering this kind of evolution. It would be silly to have to change your tripod only 1 or 2 years later, right?
Are you going to evolve towards something else: a big zoom (left), a Full-Frame (center) or macro photography (right)?
What kind of photography practice?
At the same time that it seems obvious to me to think about the evolution of your equipment, your photography practice is another very important point. If you just take pictures with a tripod next to your house by the sea, 300m from a parking lot, or if you go hiking for several hours or days with it, it would be still very different, isn’t it? Think about:
- What will be the main use you will make of it?
- Are you going to walk with it? This will determine either weight is important or not (i.e. type of materials and budget),
- Do you travel often? This is also a point to consider as you will have to fit it into the luggage as well as surely limit the weight.
In short, as you will have realized, the kind of photography practice you’ll have is a very important point to consider when buying a tripod. If you travel, I recommend choosing a carbon tripod, light but solid, for example. I’ll talk about it below in my recommendations.
Prices
As with many other accessories in photography, budget is often the most important factor in the scales. Usually, everyone agrees not to spend less than 100, or even 150€ for a tripod. This is the bare minimum. Mind you, if you bought a camera body + lens set at 1000€ and the tripod falls at the first strong gust of wind because you wanted to save a little, you’re going to freak out, aren’t you? If you can afford it anyway, then you should invest in it.
Well-known brands
Although more and more brands are manufacturing tripods, some stand out from the crowd as being of high quality. To mention only the main ones: Manfrotto, Gitzo, Vanguard or Sirui.
In general, I would advise not to stray too much from well-known brands. Each brand has different ranges or series, depending on the weight supported and the type of materials used. If you can, I would advise you to go and see some tripods directly in store to get an idea of the beast, the choice of the type of head, the locking system, etc..
Which tripods to choose: my recommendations
For those who don’t want to bother looking at every tripod and associated features, here are some personal recommendations.
First of all, to help you in your research, I have selected all the tripods of good quality and very well rated by users, for prices between 150 and 300€.
Obviously, a special attention will have to be paid to your needs, the maximum weight, the desired height and the photographic accessories delivered with it. The best thing to do is to know what you need first and then look at the models mentioned above in the links. Below, I’ll give you some details about each brand mentioned in the article and give you a particular recommendation every time. To be adapted according to your needs.
Manfrotto Tripods
- The 190 series: it is the main choice when starting with a first tripod. Maximum load between 4 and 6 Kg, for prices between 150 and 350€. Not suitable for heavy equipment such as Full Frame + telephoto lens.
- The 290 series: this is a derivative of the 190 range, divided into three categories (Dual, Light, Extra). More affordable than the 190 series, generally recommended for beginners, but lower than the 055 series in terms of specificities.
- The 055 series: it is the highest range of the brand, oriented for amateurs + and professionals. The maximum load is higher than the 190/290 ranges, around 7 to 9 Kg. Prices range from 300-350 € (aluminum) to more than 600 € (carbon). This is the range you should opt for if you want high quality material. Perfect for heavy body + lens sets.
- The new Befree series: perfect for travelers or hikers looking for a light and still relatively stable tripod. Beware of the maximum load which is about 4kg. Not suitable for heavy sets (Full Frame + telephoto lens). It is a good compromise for light sets, for those who travel.
A very good product at a correct price is the Manfrotto MK055XPRO3 with the MHXPRO-BHQ2 head. A well-finished, stable product that supports up to 8kg of load capacity.
Example of Manfrotto tripod – More details on Amazon
Sirui Tripods
The brand has a rather large number of series, here are the main ones.
- The T series: this is the lightest range, perfect for hikers and travelers looking for something light. The maximum load varies from 4 to 6 Kg, and the maximum height is around 1.15m (quite low therefore). Prices vary from 150 to 400€, depending on the material used, the height and the maximum load.
- The ET series: this above range has higher maximum admissible loads (between 8 and 12 kg) and more or less similar maximum heights (1.15 to 1.25 m).
- The TX and NX series: the maximum loads are even higher (between 10 and 15kg), just as the maximum heights (1.2m to 1.6m). 4 or 5 sections again here. Light tripod for the TX series and heavier for the NX series
- The W-series: here, we completely change the range with higher maximum heights (1.3 to 1.4 minimum) and maximum loads from 15 to 18kg. 4 sections for better stability.
I personally own the excellent Sirui M3204X, in carbon. You will find on this page all the models available of the brand. An excellent tripod that I recommend is the Sirui T-2004XL, delivered with the Ball E-20 head. It has a load capacity of 15kg, for a weight of only 1.67Kg.
Example of Sirui tripod – More details on Amazon
Vanguard Tripods
Last very famous brand for tripods, I present the main ranges:
- The Alta Ca and Espodo series: the first entry-level series, perfect for small DSLRs and without breaking the bank. The admissible load varies around 5Kg,
- The Alta Pro series: this is one of the above ranges. Maximum load between 4 and 6 Kg, and prices vary around 200/250€.
- The Véo and Véo2 series: the ranges to travel light. Admissible loads vary from 4 to 8Kg according to the models. Prices are around 150 to 250€. Some carbon models are very light and therefore perfect for travelling.
I particularly recommend the superb VEO 2 264 CB carbon tripod, weighing only 1.6kg for 8Kg of load capacity. The perfect travel companion.
Exemple de Vanguard tripod – More details on Amazon
I’m coming to the end of this long article and I hope that it has helped you understand how to choose a photo tripod. The choice is huge, the competition is tough, and you will have to be patient and make some comparisons before buying one. If you like photography, I invite you to come and see how to improve your travel photos!
If you have any questions, need help or clarification of the article, leave me a comment! If you liked the article, feel free to share it with friends who are also photography lovers.
Written by Sylvain PONS
I've been passionate about photography since 2010, learning as I went along. Today, I dedicate myself to guiding others in their choice of camera gear and sharing a variety of tips to improve their photography skills.
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