Digital Camera World » tripods

How to choose the best tripod: 10 things photographers should look for

jmeyer — Mon, 13 May 2013 23:01:17 +0000

If you thought all tripods were essentially the same, then think again! What looks like a small difference in design can have a big impact on usability.

So how do you choose the best tripod? If you want your tripod to be a trusty lifelong companion and not just an overpriced, overweight millstone, you need to read our top 10 tips for choosing the right one!

How to choose the best tripod: 1. Balls of fire

Tripod heads come in two types: ball heads and three-way heads. Ball heads have a single locking screw – when you loosen it you can move the camera in any direction.

Ball heads are (usually) cheaper, lighter and more compact. This makes them perfect for travel and most other types of photography, but they’re less effective for precise framing and small adjustments.

How to choose the best tripod: 2. Three way precision

Three-way heads have separate pan, tilt and swivel movements.

They take a little longer to set up, but they allow you to make small accurate adjustments, and to move the camera along one axis without disturbing the others.

They’re ideal for studio work or more demanding landscape photography.

But they’re bigger and heavier than ball heads, and the handles stick out so they’re less convenient to carry around.

PAGE 1: How to choose the best tripod 1-2
PAGE 2: How to choose the best tripod 3-4
PAGE 3: How to choose the best tripod 5-6
PAGE 4: How to choose the best tripod 7-8
PAGE 5: How to choose the best tripod 9-10

Advanced tripod tips: beat camera shake in any weather or terrain

jmeyer — Mon, 08 Apr 2013 10:00:38 +0000

Camera shake is one of the most common photography problems you’ll encounter. And if you’re having trouble getting a solid base for your camera, you’ll want to read these 4 advanced tripod tips for beating camera shake in any weather or any terrain.

Setting up your tripod should be a pretty straightforward task, but it’s surprising how many people make a fist of it. Actually, maybe it’s not that surprising, as most tripod manuals are perfunctory to say the least.

Obviously you should follow a few basic guidelines, such as making sure the head is level, using a cable release and locking the mirror up, but when the terrain or weather conditions become more challenging, you need some more advanced tripod techniques.

In this guide, we’ll show you how to set up quickly and create a solid base in any type of photo location (essential for capturing long exposures).

So next time you’re setting up your camera and composing an image, don’t just extend the tripod to its full length and start firing away: take a moment to work out how to compose your shot without the tripod.

Then, as you’re adjusting your tripod, use our guide to ensure shake-free shots.

Advanced tripod tips for beating camera shake

01 Fat legs first
When buying a tripod, choose one that combines strength and weight (we like the Giottos 9361B model with MH5001 head). When setting up, extend the fatter legs first, then release each of the other leg sections in succession until the tripod is at the correct height.

02 Vertical central column
Make sure that all three legs are on firm ground, giving them a slight push to ensure they don’t move. Adjust their length to ensure that the central column is vertical rather than at a slight tilt. If your tripod includes a bubble level then use this to ensure that everything is straight.

03 Weigh it down
Attach your camera bag to the central column hook; the extra weight will help to lower the centre of gravity, creating a firmer base. If it’s very windy, attach a bungee cord between the hook and bag and then adjust the length so that the bag is just touching the ground.

04 Get down low
Low-angled landscapes really benefit from a steady tripod base and most tripods are designed with a removable central column for this reason. With the column removed, position the tripod flat to the ground, then use the angle and length of the legs to level the camera.

Best tripod head: 6 top models tested and rated

jmeyer — Tue, 26 Mar 2013 00:00:39 +0000

For quick framing and stability, you need a good tripod head. We test six to see which is the best tripod head in terms of features, capability and value for money

Even the best tripods can go weak at the knees without a decent head attached, spoiling your shots. The smart solution is to buy the tripod legs and head separately, so that you can get the best combination to suit your needs.

Even if you’ve bought an all-in-one kit, it can make sense to upgrade the head to a more versatile and stable model. What’s more, new heads are usually easy to fit.

Unlike video tripod heads, which only offer pan and tilt adjustments, photographic heads need to enable triple-axis movement.

This is so you can shoot in portrait (upright) orientation as well as landscape (horizontal). This ability to pan, tilt and swivel is the reason conventional photographic heads are called three-way heads.

The more popular option is a ball-and-socket head, but you can also buy a pistol or joystick variety. Both are variations on the ball-head theme. But which is best tripod head type for you? We find out…

Best Tripod Heads: Benro BH2

Price: £55, $72
Buy it: www.kenro.co.uk
Benro’s ball head is a basic affair, with a single locking screw, no additional, adjustable friction-damper and no pan-only lock.

However, releasing the locking screw by about half a turn enables smooth and easy adjustment while maintaining fairly high friction. Undoing it a full turn facilitates free movement.

The scissor-action quick-release lock is easy to use and offers good security against accidental loosening. A bubble level on the camera platform makes for easy levelling, too.

Our only complaint is with the mounting surface that connects to the camera. It relies on two narrow rubber strips, which make the connection feel quite spongy, especially with heavier camera and lens combinations.

The BH2 is compact and light. Its size bodes well for storage, and the ball head deals with movement efficiently, making it easy to adjust position.

Weight: 400g
Max Height: 9.7cm
Max Load: 8kg
Pan-only Lock: No

WE SAY… Simple but performs well. The rubber strips on the mounting are our only niggle.

Score: 4/5

PAGE 1: Benro BH2
PAGE 2: Giottos MH 1311-652
PAGE 3: Manfrotto 494RC2
PAGE 4: Manfrotto 496RC2
PAGE 5: Manfrotto 324RC2
PAGE 6: Vanguard SBH-100
PAGE 7: Five things to look for when choosing the best tripod head

Best budget tripods: 6 top models tested and rated

jmeyer — Fri, 08 Mar 2013 11:30:48 +0000

Mixing stability with advanced features to suit all kinds of shooting scenarios, here are six of the best budget tripods available. Find out how we rate them.

Even with image stabilisation lenses, you can’t beat a portable yet stable shooting platform for sharp shots, especially under dull lighting conditions. More than just three legs and a head, some of the latest tripods go one step further.

You might get multi-angle legs for shooting on rough terrain or in tight spaces, or pivoting centre columns for close-ups, low-level shooting and keeping tripod feet hidden when you’re using ultra-wide-angle lenses.

Benro FlexPod A297EX + BH2-M head

Price: £170, $265
Buy it: www.benro.com

The aluminium-based FlexPod A297EX tripod legs and BH2-M ball head have maximum load ratings of 10kg and 8kg respectively, making them suitable for even heavy camera and lens pairs.

The combined weight of the legs and head is 2.7kg, and the tripod extends from a folded length of 75cm to a maximum operating height of 184cm.

The three-section legs have sturdy clip locks and can be used in three angles, while the centre column has an effective pivot facility with 180-degree rotation vertically.

The ball head lacks an adjustable friction damper or separate panning control, but stability is great.

We say… The ball head lacks features, but this is a highly stable tripod for heavyweight cameras.

Features: 4
Build Quality: 4
Image Quality: 4
Value for money: 4

Score: 4/5

PAGE 1: Best budget tripods – Benro FlexPod A297EX + BH2-M head
PAGE 2: Best budget tripods – Giottos MTL9361B + MH1311-652 head
PAGE 3: Best budget tripods – Hama Omega Carbon II
PAGE 4: Best budget tripods – Jessops Major Carbon Fibre
PAGE 5: Best budget tripods – Manfrotto 055X PROB + 496RC2 head
PAGE 6: Best budget tripods – Vanguard Alta Pro 263AGH + GH-100 head
PAGE 7: 5 things to look for in a budget tripod

Advertorial: stay sharp with Vanguard’s new ABEO Pro 283CGH, ABEO Plus 323AV tripods

jmeyer — Wed, 27 Feb 2013 11:23:59 +0000

Vanguard is celebrated around the world for its well-constructed tripods, and the manufacturer regularly wins awards in Digital Camera magazine and its sister titles here at Future Publishing.

And Vanguard’s latest additions to its range carry on the company’s legacy of quality.

Vanguard ABEO Pro 283CGH

Aimed at advanced photographers and those seeking an adventure, the Vanguard ABEO Pro 283CGH may be the tripod for you. Designed for any angle on any terrain, the ABEO Pro range combines several of the company’s award-winning innovations.

The ABEO Pro gives photographers incredible versatility by bringing together our GH-300T pistol grip ball head with Hot Trigger shutter release, Multi-Angle Central Column with Instant-Swivel-Stop-N-Lock system, Quick Adjustment central column pivot lock, individually adjustable leg angles (adjusting to 25, 50 and 80 degrees) with ergonomic release buttons, and 3-in-1 All-Terrain feet.

Serious photographers will love being able to move the central column from 0 to 180-degree angles in vertical and horizontal positions, whilst using the Instant Swivel Stop-n-Lock System to reposition the central column in just one movement.

And you can simplify your shooting by using the GH-300T grip head with built-in remote shutter release control to trip your camera’s shutter without removing your hand from the tripod – perfect for fast-moving subjects.

Getting into video? Dual panning axes, including a 72-click-point panning base, ensure precise panoramic photography, and smooth movements for following the action, even when shooting HDSLR video.

And if that wasn’t enough, the ABEO Pro also boasts the fastest setup in the world!

Other key features include:

Legs

Hexagon-shaped central column
Tension Adjustable Leg Locks
Available in heavy gauge aluminium (also available with carbon fiber legs)
Accessory hook and low angle adaptor

GH-300T

GPR (Grip, Position, Release) System
Versatile Movement
Two bubble levels
8-stop Handle Positioning
Friction control system
38mm standard Quick Shoe
Ergonomic Grip
360-degree panning
72-point click function

You can see this tripod in action in the short video below:

Vanguard ABEO Plus 323AV

Aimed at versatile photographers, the Vanguard ABEO Plus 323AV kit offers a unique Quick Height Adjustment centre column locking mechanism that lets you instantly position your camera along the vertical axis with minimal effort.

Meanwhile, Tension Adjustable Leg Locks keep the tripod safe – and your camera stable – so you never waste a shot. Users will also appreciate its 3-in-1 All-Terrain feet, which utilise threaded spikes to dig in an hold the tripod firm on soft terrain and ice, while their angled rubber material keeps it secure on hard ground.

Other features include:

Includes PH video pan head
Legs individually adjust to 25, 50 and 80-degree angles
Available with heavy gauge aluminium (tripod also available with carbon fiber legs)
Anti-spin center column
Anti-shock ring
Accessory hook and low angle adaptor

Still not convinced? Watch the ABEO Plus in action in this short video:

All mentioned tripods and heads are also available separately. For more information about these new kits – and where to buy Vanguard products – visit Vanguard’s website.

Camera Shake: the ultimate cheat sheet for tripods, monopods and shooting handheld

jmeyer — Thu, 31 Jan 2013 16:00:03 +0000

Camera shake is one of the most common photography problems that plagues every photographer.

There are many factors that contribute to how sharp your pictures are, including the quality of the camera lens and how accurately it’s been focused, and the choice of aperture and shutter speed. However, camera shake remains the biggest concern.

First and foremost, you can improve your chances of taking sharp pictures by developing a stable hand-holding technique. First, wrap the camera strap around your elbow and pull it taught. Cradle the lens underneath with one hand, grip the

However, no matter how stable you can handhold your camera, there’s no getting away from it: using a tripod or monopod will give you the best chance to avoid camera shake and get sharper pictures.

That is, as long as the support is sturdy enough to hold the combined weight of your lens and camera, and you follow good technique.

Our latest photography cheat sheet shows you the best way to avoid camera shake by showing you the best techniques for using your choice of camera support.

Our cheat sheet shows you step-by-step how to avoid camera shake when shooting handheld, when using a monopod, using a tripod and, finally, how to avoid camera shake when shooting HD video on your DSLR.

To view the larger version of this cheat sheet simply click on the infographic, or drag and drop it to your desktop to download.

How to carry a tripod: pro tips you won’t find in any guide book

jmeyer — Sat, 19 Jan 2013 13:00:28 +0000

What’s the best way to carry a tripod when out on a long shoot? Below we show you three of the best techniques every professional photographer uses, which you won’t find in any guide book.

When you have to carry a tripod over field and glen between suitable shooting photo locations it can become a bit tedious.

Taking your camera off your tripod and packing it away in its holdall may seem like the safest option, but as light and scenery changes, picture-taking opportunities can rear up out of nowhere.

Having your gear ready to rumble will encourage you to take that award-winning shot.

How to carry a tripod

1 Over the shoulder

The best way between short stops in the field. Ready to rock and roll without messing around for every composition.

2 One hand carry

Excellent for longer jaunts, or in cities where tripods are a menace. Angle the lens upwards to prevent knocks.

3 Hands free

Tackle rough terrain by tucking the tripod underneath your backpack’s front straps. Sit the lens on your shoulder.

Advertorial: Have a bargain carbon-fibre Christmas with Giottos!

jmeyer — Sun, 18 Nov 2012 17:30:01 +0000

Giottos is celebrated worldwide for its fantastic tripods, which regularly win awards in Digital Camera magazine.

The company’s carbon-fibre models are high on every serious photographer’s wishlist, as they strike the perfect balance between stability and portability – allowing you to capture those special Christmas moments in pin-sharp quality every time!

But if you think a Giottos carbon-fibre tripod will eat up all of your Christmas budget, then think again.

Giottos has recently released a great package for the festive season, comprising a three-section tripod with carbon-fibre MTL legs and fixed three-way head.

Even better, you can get this kit for an incredible price of £100.

Needless to say, the Giottos Carbon Fibre Christmas Kit offers total support to the serious photographer.

As well as a sturdy yet lightweight build, it can carry a maximum weight capacity of 3kg, more than enough for an enthusiast DSLR camera and telephoto lens.

This tripod is easy to carry around too. It weighs only 1.1kg and folds down to a compact 58cm. It can also cope with a wide range of photographic challenges, as its maximum height with the centre column extended is an impressive 140cm (116cm without the centre column extended).

Click here for more information on the Giottos Carbon Fibre Christmas Kit

6 top budget tripods tested and rated

jmeyer — Mon, 05 Nov 2012 16:30:13 +0000

Why spend a fortune on keeping your pictures sharp? We’ve found 6 of the best budget tripod kits for around £100 and put them to the test.

Back row, left to right

Benro A350F N0

Price: £90
Buy: www.kenro.co.uk
The travel-friendly Benro weighs just 1.3kg, folds to the smallest length in the group (50cm) and comes with a bag. It’s the only tripod here to include a ball-and-socket head, and has a decent maximum load of 4kg. It’s well made, but maximum height is an under-average 143cm.
SCORE: 4/5

Giottos MTL9351B + MH5011

Price: £105
Buy: giottos-tripods.co.uk
Extending from 70cm to 180cm, the Giottos is sturdy with lots of clever design flourishes. It’s the only tripod here to feature a pivoting centre column, ideal for ultra-wide-angle and macro photography. The kit weighs in at 2.2kg and has a 4kg load rating. Overall build quality is superb.
SCORE: 5/5 

Hama Omega Premium III

Price: £80
Buy: www.hama.co.uk
At 3.8kg, the beefy Hama is the heaviest on test, and has a 7kg load rating. At 74cm, it’s also the longest tripod when folded, and stretches to a useful 171cm. A carrying bag is included and, uniquely in this group, the detachable centre column also works as a monopod.
SCORE: 4/5 

Front row, left to right

Jessops Major Carbon Fibre

Price: £88
Buy: www.jessops.com
Inexpensive for a carbon-fibre tripod, the 1.75kg Jessops is nevertheless heavier than the Benro aluminium kit. At least it extends from its 64cm carrying length to a maximum height of 153cm (10cm higher than the Benro). Despite the 5kg load rating, the lower legs are thin and wobbly.
SCORE: 2/5

Slik Able 300DX

Price: £70
Buy: www.sliktripod.co.uk
The Slik has a maximum height of 155cm, folds to 65cm, weighs 2.6kg and takes loads of up to 5kg. All the other tripods on test have clip-locks, but the Slik has unusual thumbscrews for each leg section. They’re a bit fiddly to use, but in other respects the Slik is sturdy and capable.
SCORE: 3/5

Velbon Sherpa 600R

Price: £80
Buy: www.velbon.co.uk
Easy to use, the Velbon’s three-way head has one locking arm for both pan and tilt. Build quality is good, and the tripod easily lives up to its 4kg load rating. Stowage length and weight are 63cm and 2.1kg, and a bag is included. Maximum operating height is a lofty 170cm.
SCORE: 4/5

How to set up a tripod for any type of shot

jmeyer — Sun, 28 Oct 2012 05:00:38 +0000

Have you bought a new tripod with features you’ve used before? If pivoting centre columns and multi-angle legs are new to you, our quick guide to how to set up a tripod will have you ready to start shooting in no time.

Gone are the old days when a tripod was just three legs with a head for your camera stuck on the top. Many of the latest models have a large number of features that can seem a bit confusing at first.

However, using a tripod can add enormous versatility to your shooting, and enable you to react quickly to changing set-up requirements.

Manfrotto tripods often have a pivoting centre column that you can use in either regular upright orientation or as a horizontal boom.

Makes such as Benro, Giottos and Vanguard, meanwhile, offer a full 180° pivot facility, so you can use the centre column at almost any angle.

1 Clear obstacles
The ability to swing legs out at angles is useful on uneven terrain or around obstacles, and it’s also handy for low-level shooting.

2 Ultra-wide shooting
It’s easy for tripod legs to creep into the frame if using an ultra-wide lens. Rotate the centre column to extend the camera forwards.

3 Macro shots
Close-up shots are easier when you use the centre column as a boom. Hang a weight off the tripod to help stop it toppling over.

4 Get grounded
For ground-level shots, pivot the centre column 180°. If you lack this feature, you can usually remove and invert the centre column.