Buying a Tripod

[berserk]

hello every one,

I am just planning to buy a tripod. so that i can take some good landscape pictures.
Could anyone please tell me, what are the basic things that we should keep in our mind
while taking a tripod and why...?

camera model : Olympus pen epl1

 

[jodellny]

Tripods aren't cheap lol I just bought a tripod from BH Photo. I don't use one often so I didn't want to spend a lot. I paid 179 for it. I wish I would have spent a little extra. The tripod is nice but when the camera is dropped to a 90 degree angle portrait shots, it is not the best. Good Luck with finding one. Let us know what you bought. Polaroid PLTRIC75 75" 5-Section Carbon Fiber PLTRIC75 B&H

Greensboro Photographer

 

[Big Mike]

When talking tripods...

1. Light weight
2. Strong & sturdy
3. Doesn't cost a lot

You can only pick two of the three.

 

[Big Mike]

Well, the first thing to do, is consider how much weight you think you'll ever put on the tripod (and head). (Most 'good' tripods come separate from the head).
You want to get something that is rated for the weight of what you'll put on it.

Consider how & where you will be using the tripod. If you're using it in a studio, a big heavy tripod would be great, but if you're hiking up a mountain, then you will want something smaller and lighter. This leads to the materials used. Many are made from aluminum, but a lighter material is carbon fiber, but it's more expensive.

You will probably want a tripod that is tall enough to be comfortable. Preferably without raising the centre column, as that really reduces it's ability to hold the camera steady. You may also want want that allows you to get low to the ground and/or set up in a place that is very uneven.

How small do you need it to collapse? A 5 section tripod will likely collapse smaller than a 3 section tripod.

When it comes to the tripod head, it's largely a personal decision. 3-Way, Pan & tilt, Ball, Gimbal etc.

And of course, budget is always a factor. You could easily spend $1000 but that's certainly not necessary for most photographers.