What To Look For When Buying Tripods
Choosing a tripod can be an overwhelming experience, given the different types and choices that are presented to us. On the one hand, a tripod is a very simple tool to keep our cameras still when we use them in difficult light conditions. On the other hand, there are so many different variables that come into play when choosing a tripod: how high should it be? How light should it be? How stable should it be? What kind of weight can it support? How much should I spend on a tripod? These are just some of the questions that may arise while trying to purchase a new tripod.
What to look for when buying tripods
Compressed size
The compressed size indicates how long the tripod measures when fully folded. This is especially important if you are traveling and need to pack your pod in a bag. This number will let you know if it fits.
Cut it
The maximum height extension is the height of the tripod when each leg is and the central post (a tube on which the camera rests, usually adjustable) is raised all the way.
Load capacity
Do not confuse weight with maximum load capacity. The weight is how much the tripod weighs. Maximum load capacity is the heaviest combination of camera and lens that the tripod (or tripod head) can handle. If you place a camera heavier than the maximum load capacity on a tripod, you run the risk of a piece breaking or collapsing, causing damage to both the tripod and the camcorder. Therefore, it is important to know how much the camera weighs with the heavier lens and flash and buy a tripod that can handle it.
Head type
Most tripods have a head, but it may not be the ideal one for your purposes.
Feet
The feet are made of non-slip rubber (used for most indoor and outdoor shots); tip (ideal for outdoor shooting, the tips hold the tripod firmly in the ground); and customized (which could be anything, including ball bearings).
Legs
The leg locks are available in Twist (rotate the leg to extract it, rotate it in the reverse direction to lock it in position), Lever (open a lever to extract a leg, close it to lock it) and customized options.
Common material
(What is the substance of most of the tripod) both in plastic (the least inexpensive, not very resistant), in aluminum (inexpensive and most commonly used, but in heavy-duty tripods they can add a lot of weight), carbon fiber (a Relatively new material for tripods, it is durable, light and flexible - ideal for most uses - but it will cost you ya) and wood (typically used by nature photographers who don't mind using large format cameras).