Tripod Purchasing

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Tips on Buying a Tripod

Picking a tripod is like selecting a camera. You must decide what type of photography you are planning to pursue. A studio photographer's needs are different from a natural photographer. An amateur photographer may only need an inexpensive utility tripod whereas a professional may spend a great deal of money on numerous tripods to match his or her needs.
Definition Tripod: A three-legged supporting stand used to hold the camera steady. Especially useful when using slow shutter speeds and/or telephoto lenses. Source : wwwca.kodak.com

Questions:

How much do I want to spend?
What do I want to do with the tripod?
How much weight will it need to support?
Will it be used for video or still photography?
Is weight important to you?
Do I want a basic tripod or one with additional features such as a quick release?*
How high do I want the tripod to go?
Am I planning to spread the legs for ground-level shooting?
* Good idea is to buy an extra quick release.

Basic Tripods-$75. or less

Construction: Aluminum Legs with plastic knobs, non-removable heads.
Weight: Varies 3-5 lbs or more.
Extension: 55-65 inches.
Folds: 22-26 Inches
Camera Support: 5 lbs.
Suitable for most amateurs.

Travelers Tripods-$50-$125.

Construction: Aluminum, alloys and plastic parts.
Weight: 2 lbs.
Extension: 60+ inches.
Folds: Compact 16 inches
Camera Support: 6 lbs.
Suitable for amateurs and professionals.

Heavy Duty Tripods-$100-$500.

Construction: Precision-machined spun aluminum legs, metal parts which are sold separately to suit the needs of the photographer. Legs can be adjusted to meet terrain and photographic needs.
Weight:4-12 lbs.
Extension: 60 to 37 inches
Camera Support: 11-26 lbs.
Suitable for all professionals and serious amateurs.

Tips on Construction Materials

You generally have a choice of aluminum, spun aluminum and carbon fiber tripod legs while the knobs and attachments can be made of metal or plastic. For stability and durability I recommend the the newer carbon fiber tripods since they are very sturdy, versatile and weigh less than the aluminum versions.

Tips on Storage

Store your tripod in a suitable bag when not in use. This will prevent damage from water, sand and and dirt in the many movable parts.

Source: Porters Camera Store