Comments on: An Introduction to Tripods

By: Steve Issak

Steve Issak — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 20:32:59 +0000

Two thoughts about tripods – I have found that Vanguard makes some of the best and affordable tripods available, (http://www.amazon.com/Vanguard-VT-560-Aluminum-Digital-Camera/dp/B00009RUCA). However, there is one caveat that I believe applies to almost all tripods – the mount. Pan and tilt, and ball type mounts just seem to have a bit too much movement after they are locked down. No matter how careful I am, once the camera is set and the mount locked, as soon as I let go, there is about 1/8 to 1/4 inch of ’shake’. I invested a bit in a Gimbal mount, (http://www.thecinecity.com/tcc/product.php?productid=21&cat=273&page=1), and it is rock solid. It locks down where you place it, and doesn’t creep, squirm, or shake. It is probably the best mount for the money.

By: maddy

maddy — Sat, 28 Feb 2009 12:07:48 +0000

i am always unsure about tripods while going outdoors just because of the time it takes to screw and unscrew the camera on it …..and the time it takes to adjust the length .

By: Natahan Taylor

Natahan Taylor — Sat, 23 Feb 2008 20:01:10 +0000

Someone asked “what is a ‘good’ tripod?” I have a SLIK that I bought from Amazon for about $100. SLIK calls it their ‘professional grade’.

http://www.amazon.com/Slik-Pro-400DX-Tripod-Legs/dp/B00009R6RB/

Although I’ve seen heavier duty tripods, this one is very very good. It has an excellent head on it and the controls and locks are all very sturdy.

I met a guy in Hollister CA that as a hobby takes pictures of rock climbers at a great distance in Yosemite. When he saw the SLIK that I was using – he told me that he was impresed. He explained that with a remote control and a better tripod – he could drastically improve the quality of his pics because he would not have to touch the camera to get his shots.

Nathan Taylor

By: Angela

Angela — Tue, 08 Jan 2008 18:24:24 +0000

I really want to buy a Tripod, my dad says he got his for $10.
But I want a good one. And I don’t even know where to start.

I have a Nikon Coolpix P50. It’s little, and not a DLSR or whatever, but I want to learn to shoot with a Tripod.

Any suggestions?

By: ari4u

ari4u — Wed, 02 Jan 2008 19:54:24 +0000

I’m all for using a tripod. I never do landscape photography without a tripod. I also use it for wildlife and fireworks.

Manfrotto has come up with an extremely easy to use tripod (Neotec 458B) that you can setup in less than 30 secs. It has no levers, no screws or knobs. Just pull and push.

http://services.manfrotto.com/neotec/

I have this tripod and love it even though it is a bit on the heavier side. Combine this with a manfrotto 322RC2 grip head and you are good to go.

By: JR

JR — Sun, 30 Sep 2007 03:35:52 +0000

In response to “The Mighty,” http://digital-photography-school.com/blog/an-introduction-to-tripods/#comment-210:

One slightly breezy evening while I was doing some landscape photograhy of the sunset and moon I had my Canon 30D with an attached 400mm Sigma lens mounted on a typical $40 plastic tripod that I got at a department store. Under the circumstances I immediately realized I needed a much sturdier tripod, as I couldn’t get one clean shot with the gusts of wind that kept blowing through. I anticipated the trade-off for a good tripod, besides cost, to be one that is somewhat heavy(ier). I spent time in comparing the Manfrotto Bogen (upwards of $300+) and the Amvona Dynatran (upwards of $200+). My purchase decision was based on my budget and I went with the Dynatran. Believe me, I don’t regret my purchase and have quickly gotten over the fact that it’s heavier than I was typically used to. Now I’m also prepped for portrait photography, sports, and whatever else.

(OK, the other reason I’m really happy about my purchase is because I patiently bid on my AT-828BL tripod with the ATH-918 head on eBay for $44 shipped from Amvona! ;-)

I went to the zoo recently. I didn’t think that I’d need my tripod, and I wasn’t looking forward to luggin’ it around. But here’s another tip: it’s better to have it with you and not need it, than to not have it with you and wish you had brought it along after all.

By: Sjmata

Sjmata — Sat, 29 Sep 2007 14:03:20 +0000

Night shots without tripods are almost impossible… I love to take long exposure shots at night…

By: Aime

Aime — Tue, 29 May 2007 13:43:35 +0000

It’s possible, too, to get a small tripod for your point-and-shoot digital camera that’s easy to carry around daily. I invested in a 6-inch-tall tripod for my little digi that I can carry with me every day, and it’s proved great for quickly setting up an impromptu shot that still requires a little extra stability. It only weighs a few ounces, and it was only around $8.00.

I haven’t tried it with my DSLR, but I imagine as long as you didn’t have a ridiculously heavy lens, it would work with that too.

By: Zibri

Zibri — Wed, 27 Dec 2006 01:56:53 +0000

Canon 400D, Sigma 70-300, 2km distance.
I have a tripod but i put the camer on top of a wooden pole :)

http://www.flickr.com/photos/zibri/331156608/

By: B Jawo

B Jawo — Sat, 07 Oct 2006 05:03:43 +0000

Tripods seem studioish for me. I’ll tote one when I know I’ll be parked for a while or shooting really low light settings. As an avid hiker I opt for the stabiltiy of the resources around me a threaded treking pole & an object.