Camera Tripods
Getting started with DSLR camera tripods can be a daunting task. There are many different types of tripods, each with unique and different features. Below will will discuss all the different parts of a camera tripod, hopefully allowing you to make a better decision when it comes time to buy one.
Parts of a Tripod System.
Any tripod system can be broken down into about 4 unique parts, some come with all the parts integrated, while other allow you to purchase separately and build your own unquie system depending on your needs. The four parts of a tripod consist of the legs, head, center post, and the feet.
Legs – you have two main options when it comes to tripod legs: tubular and non-tubular. Tripod legs can also be made out of carbon fiber, aluminum, steel, or even basalt.
Center Post – The center post is really just another adjustable leg mounted in the center of the tripod. Center post are typically made out of the same material as the legs, which depends on the model you purchase. Many expensive models do not have center post as this usually defeats the purpose of a tripod in the first place.
Head – The head is the most important part of the tripod and is what holds your DSLR or lens to the tripod. Some tripods have integrated heads while other, typically more expensive ones, will require you to purchase your own. There are many different types of heads as we will discuss below.
Feet – Feet of course are mounted at the bottom of your tripods legs. Some tripods have changeable feet for both outdoor and indoor use. Outdoor feet typically have more grip to be used on a variety of terrain.
If you are completely new to tripods, you can purchase cheaper models, in the $100 range, that come with with everything integrated together. As you will see, more expensive models have separate parts and allow for more options and settings for your tripod setup.
Now before you go out and purchase your first tripod there are a few things to keep in mind.
1) Weight Ratings – First and foremost you should always check the weight rating of the tripod you are looking to purchase. Many newbies make the mistake of getting a tripod that doesn’t support the weight of their camera just because they are cheap. While the tripod may work for a while, eventually the tripod will give out and you risk breaking your DSLR. Don’t forget to factor in any lenses you plan to use, battery grips, flashes, or any other accessories you plan to shoot with. It’s always best to have a tripod weight rating well over your intended use for safety precautions.
2) Height – Once you have the correct weight rating, the next thing to keep in mind is the tripod’s maximum height. You don’t want to be bending over every time you want to shoot do you? A good rule of thumb is to get one that matches your height. You can also adjust lower if need.
3) Weight – A tripod’s weight will be dependent on the material it is made out of. The most popular materials are carbon fiber and aluminum. Carbon fiber tripods are the lightest of the two, but are also the more expensive models. Aluminium models are a bit heavier, anywhere from 2- 4lbs, but are not near as expensive as carbon fiber models. Depending on how much traveling you plan to do will depend on the model you want.
4) Legs and Feet – As we mentioned before, tripod legs can either be tubular or non-tubular. This is also dependent on the material as all carbon fiber legs are tubular. Carbon fiber legs typically have threaded twist locking system. Basalt, steel, and aluminum legs come in all sorts of shapes and have flip-locks to secure when adjusting. Tripods also have different extending sections based on maximum height. The higher the tripod can extend the more sections it will have. Obviously the higher you extend and the more sections you use on the tripod, the less sturdier it becomes. Some tripods also have changeable feet depending on your environment. Indoor feet are typically rubber or plastic while outdoor feet consist of spike. Some feet are actually adjustable themselves from outdoor to indoor.
5) Center Post – The center post is basically a single leg mounted in the middle of the tripod and allows you to adjust the height of your mounted camera. As we also mentioned above, many tripods do not come with a center post, and some allow you t0 even remove it. Don’t get to carried away with your center post, the higher you raise it, the less stable your camera will be. Most professionals will suggest you completely remove or purchase a tripod without one. You will notice that more expensive tripods to not include this componet.
6) Head – the head is the most important part of your tripod system and is what connects your camera to your tripod. Cheaper tripods come with integrated heads, for more expensives ones you will need to purchase your own. For tripod heads you have three different options:
Tripod Head
6a) Ball-Head – ball heads are very flexible and allow for smooth movement while keeping the camera secure and tight on to your tripod. Ball-heads are what you will more than likely need if you buy a tripod without an integrated head.
6b) Pan-Tilt Head – Pan tilt heads come in two styles, single handle or dual handles. Single handle control horizontal movement while dual handles allow you to control both horizontal and vertical movement. Pan-Title Heads are typically found in integreated tripod systems.
6c) Gimbal Head – Gimbal heads are specialty heads designed for long and heavy lenses. The reason being that long lens disturb the balance of the camera on the tripod. Gimbal heads fix this problem.
6d) Quick Release Systems – If you own a DSLR you know that it has a thread on the bottom of the camera allowing you to attach it to a monopod or tripod. Instead of having to thread you DSLR into your tripod every time you want to use it, you can purchase a Quick Release System. A release system is basically a plate (shown below) that screws into your DSLR thread, in which can then be slid in and out of the mount on your tripod setup. This makes it incredible useful and easy to attach and detach your camera from your setup and we highly recommed getting one, espically if you plan to use your tripod a lot.
Quick Release Plate
Wrap Up
Now that you have a basic overview about tripods for your DSLR you should be able to make a better decision when it comes time to purchase. Remember that with anything you buy, you get what you pay for. The same applies to camera stabilizers and tripods. Use the guide above to help you and above all, remember to check the weight and height of the tripod before buying!
If you looking for any other type of camera stabilizer, be cure to check out our Getting Started with Camera Stabilizers post to learn about all the other different models and types.
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