In a previous blog I featured some excellent mini tripods. The smaller versions of the original are affordable, compact and easy to use. However, if you are a die hard loyalist or you are trying to get your photography business off the ground, then you’ll want to invest in a traditional size tripod.
When shopping for a standard size tripod, be prepared to shell out a few hundred dollars. It may seem like a big investment, but there are ways to get the most bang for your buck. For example, you want to find a tripod that will match your needs and wants. Some notable tripod features include:
*A grooved center column, which prevents unwanted column rotation
Reversible center column for low angle shooting
*Reversible tripod head mounting screw, which assures compatibility with virtually any tripod head
*Built-in bubble level, which allows adjustment to prevent uneven pans and tripod head movements
*Spring loaded weight hook for additional weight mounting during windy conditions
Examine the bottoms of the tripod’s legs too. Some tripod feet have pins or spikes that dig into the ground while others have flat bottoms with rubber pads that grip both indoor and outdoor surfaces.
Some larger, sturdier professional quality tripods that have received outstanding reviews from pro shooters include:
Manfrotto 190XPROB3 Section Aluminum Pro Tripod: This is a three-section aluminum tripod from Manfrotto is one of the best selling models on the market. It weighs a mere four pounds, but provides sufficient stability for heavy cameras. Standout features include quick action leg locks and a center column that can be tilted to a complete 180 degrees, which provides great comfort when shooting in macro mode.
Celestron Photographic/Video Tripod 93606: This tripod folds up to 27 inches and can extend up to 63 inches. It also comes with a three-way panhead with quick release plate, making it easy to pop off your camera in an instant.
Induro Carbon 8X C-Series: These carbon fiber tripods offer the ultimate in strength, while still being lightweight and reliable performance. They’re ideal for nature and landscape photographers, as each of the tripod’s leg locks have a specially designed dust and moisture-resistant seal.
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