10 tips for buying a camera tripod

Photo courtesy of Mike Lynch.

HERE ARE THE TOP TEN things you’ll want to know before investing in one:

Cost

Everyone wants to get the best deal they can but, a cheap tripod will not enhance your photography. The little $10.00 aluminum ones are good for nothing, unless you plan on taking all your photos while it’s set up on your coffee table.

For a point and shoot camera, you may get by spending under $50.00. If you have a DSLR, plan on spending at least $100.00. There’s always the option of buying a used tripod to save costs as long as you know what to look for.

Folded Height

For travel, you need to know how small you can fold your tripod. Will it fit in a suitcase, backpack or a carrying case that you can wear comfortably on your shoulder?

Make sure it’s not too large that you can’t carry it on a plane.

Weight

See how much it weighs; you’ll more than likely be carrying it a lot in your travels. The best tripods are wooden but they are extremely heavy. Aluminum, titanium and carbon fiber have made modern tripods much lighter. Just make sure whichever you buy, it is sturdy.

Maximum Height

This is as important as minimum height. With your camera mounted on it, make sure you can elevate the tripod to eye level. If not, you’ll be doing a lot of bending over.

Maximum Weight

This is the maximum weight the tripod was designed to support. If you have 10 lbs of camera and lenses to mount on a tripod designed for a maximum weight of 8 lbs, it will bend or break. At a minimum, it will be moving while you’re trying to shoot.

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Community Connection

If you’re wondering which accessories are the most important to buy for your camera, check out 3 Items Worth Buying Now for Your Travel Photography as well as our resource page focused on travel photography.