Why
use a tripod?
Many picture problems such as exposure, cropping and color balance can
be corrected later, but if the image is blurry due to camera shake, there
isn't much that can be done. This is as true with digital photography
as with film cameras. But with prices for tripods ranging from $20 to
$600, how do you select one? The type of photography you do may be the
best starting point. A wildlife photographer will need a different tripod
than a studio photographer. While many pro photographers have different
tripods for various situations, the average person will purchase one tripod
and use it for years, and they want to do it right. Things you should
ask yourself are:
• How heavy of a load will
it need to support?
•
How tall should it extend?
•
How short does it need to collapse?
•
How much weight can I carry?
•
How much do I want to spend?
Most tripods under about $75 have pressed aluminum legs with plastic knobs
or locks. These tripods will generally have non-removable heads and have
a variety of weight limits, but most will be for the occasional shooter
who stays predominately indoors or on the beaten path.
The Vivitar line works well for this type of photographer.
For the traveler, Velbon has the MAXI series of tripods. Each of these
is small and light enough to put in a suitcase or carry-on luggage, yet
extend to a comfortable height for shooting without stooping. The various
models in the MAXI line give you a selection of sizes, head types and
other features.
For serious amateur and professional users, Bogen tripods set the standard
by which all other tripods are compared. The legs are precision-machined
spun aluminum with metal joints and knobs. Most Bogen tripods are sold
as legs and heads separately, so you can customize the tripod for your
type of shooting. For example, someone doing videography will want a fluid
head for smooth pan and tilt adjustments. A portrait or wildlife photographer
would do well with a joystick ball head. With one action, the head can
move 360 degrees to accommodate any angle needed. Many Bogen tripods have
adjustable leg spread angles. This is particularly helpful when the terrain
is rough, there is high wind, or you want to shoot very close to the ground.
For landscape and wildlife photographers who are dedicated to their craft,
carbon fiber legs may be the solution. They are just as sturdy as the
aluminum Bogen tripods but because they are made from carbon fiber, they
are very good at dampening the vibration and are only about half the weight.
This is particularly important when there is a lot of foot travel with
a backpack full of supplies. |
|
|
|
