BetterPhoto Q&A: Best Camera Tripods

Wondering which are the best camera tripods out there? Some say flathead tripods, others say domehead tripods - join the debate! Also, check out this great article by Kerry Drager: The Accessory Photographers Love to Hate.

Log in to participate | All New Questions | All New Responses
Digital Photography | Online Photography Courses | Deluxe BetterPholio™ Websites | Photo Contest | Careers and Making Money | Problems with Images | Problems with Equipment | Buying Digital Equipment | Film Photography | Buying Film-Based Equipment | Further Resources

  27 Questions
Replies
Last Activity
 
  Tripod Buying Tips
Someone told me I shouldn't be attaching my camera directly to the tripod - that I should buy a piece to attach to the top so I don't wear out the top of my tripod. What is this piece calle...
10
January 06, 2010
 
  Need Lightweight Yet Sturdy Tripod
Hi, I have a really good tripod but it is very heavy to carry for hiking with camera, and all the equipment. Can you suggest to me a light but steady tripod for this kind of situations? I have a N...
5
November 13, 2009
 
  Tripods
What is a good tripod for traveling? I need a sturdy and safe travel tripod that can be packed in a carry-on bag on airlines that will support at least a standard 50mm lens or a wide angle 19-35 mm...
8
July 16, 2008
 
  Best Monopod
I'm going on a hiking trip to Utah in a couple of weeks and am considering buying a monopod that can be used for a hiking stick as well as a monopod for my camera. I would like a quick releas...
8
September 15, 2007
 
  Monopod & Quick-Release Head
I own a Canon S3 IS camera. I have always wanted a monopod. After lengthy research, I have decided between the Bogen Manfrotto 676B and 679B monopod along with the 3229 QR Swivel Tilt Head. Is eith...
8
May 22, 2007
 
  Reversing Center Column of Tripod: Why?
I see lots of tripods that have reversible center columns. What is that purpose of that?...
2
January 20, 2007
 
  Monopod - What It Is, Why Use It
What is a monopod?...
2
September 06, 2006
 
  Tripod Buying Advice
Hi there! Please point me in the right direction - I shoot with a Nikon D50 and want to shoot some night photos, as well as macro photography. I plan to purchase a tripod, but wanted to ask the ex...
9
August 23, 2006
 
  Tripod Buying Tips
Any Nikon shooters out there with advice on a good tripod, not too expensive. I plan on using it for portrait photography. Thanks:)...
11
August 02, 2006
 
  Choosing That Tripod
Howdy,I've read through all the "What Tripod?" Q's and A's, and although I can now spell "Manfrotto" and "Gitzo" (not "Ginzu"- they're the knife people.), I can't do this alone....
12
June 09, 2006
 
  Which Tripod Is Best?
I'm looking at the Gitzo G1228 C/F but noticed that the Slik Pro814 C/F looks very similar and is considerably less. Velbons 630 C/F is also considerably less. I understand you get what you p...
12
October 29, 2006
 
  Tripod and Ball Head
I am looking to buy a good tripod and ball head. I would also like the tripod to be lightweight. Please provide suggestions on the best on the market. Thanks....
8
June 22, 2005
 
  Shutter Speed Vs. Tripod Use
In general, at what shutter speed would you typically start to use a tripod or stabilizing device?...
8
June 15, 2005
 
  Best Camera Tripods
My current tripod is too small. Unless I raise the center column to its max height, it is not at eye level. Without raising the center column (which I would prefer) to have more stability, I find m...
10
June 01, 2005
 
  Tripods for Photography: Fixing a Squeak
I have a Bogen 3265 head (about 6 years old). In the last year it has been making an awful squeak when I move it. I am afraid to use anything on it--like WD40. But the squeak has to go. Any ideas? ...
6
April 20, 2005
 
  Monopod or Tripod?
I've never used a monopod and am still learning my new Canon Elan 7E. However, I am considering taking the Elan with me to China, which we'll be touring in April.Recalling our trip to Prag...
8
February 22, 2005
 
  Bipod ... Or Monopod or Tripod?
Do any of you know whether any of the tripod manufacturers actually make a bipod? I am purchasing a Sigma 50-500mm zoom lens and think a bipod would help eliminate blur, etc. Thanks in advance....
11
November 19, 2007
 
  Tripod for Vertical Shooting
I've read many of the comments regarding tripods, but not sure I've found my answer. I need a sturdy tripod to support vertical shooting. My current one (which isn't professional) will ...
7
December 01, 2004
 
  Simple Rules for Using A Tripod
I have a Nikon D70 and I just purchased a Promaster 6400 tripod. When I put my camera on the tripod with a 70-300mm lens, I am still having problems with camera shake and also getting the camera no...
11
November 28, 2004
 
  Handheld vs. Tripod
As a general rule, what should be the slowest shutter speed to use before going to a tripod? ...
3
November 02, 2004