How to select a tripod? Which is best for you?

Today we take a look at tripods. A complete look at tripods: how to select a quality tripod, which is best for you and best support for your camera, the pros, the cons and the criteria that I use when I am going to buy a new tripod.
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Jay P. Morgan has been working as a Commercial Photographer and Film Director in the Los Angeles area for more than 20 years developing an impressive list of clients from Paramount to McDonald's. Jay P.'s experience with elaborate set design and extensive lighting are key to the success of his illustrative work.

[@JasmineApple]

Great discussion! Picking a tripod is so hard when you're first beginning! My 1st tripod was something like $25. It taught me all the things I didn't want in a tripod, but it was a great price to learn from! I've upgraded since then, but I kept my cheap one & still use it.

[@TheSlantedLens]

That's a great point. I think we all learned on a cheap one to start with. Or when you realize you forgot your tripod and you have to buy a cheap one to fill in.

[@pbsalfen]

After lugging around my Bogen 3033 for the last 25 years, I finally bought a "travel" tripod. Still aluminum, but 1/2 the weight of the Bogen. And SO much smaller. I've always hated lever locks because they catch on any/every thing. I understand the proprietary mount issue. An Arca style head/plate is the only way to go. Fits just about everything, except Manfrotto. I've been using a couple of cheap Neewer ball heads on all my stuff (3033, Platypod Ultra and some cheap thrift store tripods). I'm on the Colorado Tripod list for notification of when they get their ballheads back in stock. I like their heads as they are rugged, solid and, best of all, affordable. I bought the Sirui T-1004SK T-S (no head) from B&H, when they were cleaning out their stock of the discontinued tripod. It's not a tall tripod and I've removed the long center column and installed the short one. I'm still going to keep the 3033 in my van, for those super long exposures, as it's PDd stable. Just not as readily accessible as in the past.

[@TheSlantedLens]

Sounds like you have had lots of experience trying different tripods. Glad you have come to a good conclusion for your work!

[@p.burley4533]

EXTREMELY helpful. Needed this years ago-and still do for replacements. There are a lot of odd tripods out there with a random mix of hits & misses, and I used to spend too much time shopping for, to save money.

[@TheSlantedLens]

I think we have all been through that. Good luck buying the best one for you!

[@jacobsjourneyside]

Great video! Thank you for sharing your experiences, picking my first tripod for my phone became way easier. I enjoy taking videos and photos with my phone and will use it to the fullest until I will get a camera one day. Thanks a ton!

[@TheSlantedLens]

Glad you enjoyed the video. Keep on clickin!

[@ffjim]

Looks like twist locks is the "modern" approach, i still prefer lever locks, you can see if they are locked or not. I would always be checking if the twist lock was secure......

[@TheSlantedLens]

That is a good point. But I can't stand they way the lever locks catch on things.

[@MichaelLaing71]

I have made some dreadful mistakes, when it comes to heads for tripods. Years ago I was going out to Israel to film a documentary and we had 60kg weight restriction. So instead of taking the normal big heavy video tripod, I took a my lighter Manfrotto 055, which in itself wasn't the issue but I didn't take the video head, just a 3 way head and it plagued me the entire job and I couldn't really pan and tilt well. Shockingly stupid of me. So it maybe worth doing a separate video on heads, the advantages and disadvantages of 3 way heads, video heads, ball heads and pistol grip heads. Also, covering what size head you should get. Another mistake I made was getting too large a ball head. I bought the Novoflex Classicball 5II, which is a great head in it self but far too large for me needs. Certain photographers just recommend getting huge ball heads (normally Really Right stuff 55 ballhead) but most people don't need something that size. I would have done much better getting the Novoflex Classic ball 3. So in the end I had a ball head that was too big to fit in the tripod bag, which was heavy and cost more than my carbon fibre tripod.

[@TheSlantedLens]

Great points to think about. Thanks for sharing!

[@JasmineApple]

I agree with you about doing a video about ballheads - that would be really helpful!!

[@quantachromeG]

Tripods... the only gear you carry 95% of the time, to use 15-25% of the time, but when you use it, you really NEED a good one. Also the only piece of gear that will last nearly an entire career (if you buy a good one). Still using a 7lb Gitzo from the 70's bc I have yet to find a good replacement.

[@TheSlantedLens]

Thanks for your comment Joe. Yeah I have an old Gitzo as well. Great tripod.

[@SinaFarhat]

That was great! Last year I finally upgraded from my old 1980s tripod into something I actually wanted to carry with me! I got a manfrotto befree travel tripod with a ball head! It is the right height for me, is a joy to carry and easy to use!

[@TheSlantedLens]

Sina Farhat Finding the right tripod is like a best friend for life.

[@adude394]

Very good stuff, helpful, and informative. Thanks for posting!

[@TheSlantedLens]

My pleasure. Glad it was helpful!

[@jessestarks3128]

I still use my Slik Able 300DX aluminium tripod and it's old fashioned pan and tilt head. My only (small) issue these days is the weight but it's not a show stopper.

[@TheSlantedLens]

True, those old tripods are heavy duty and heavy! I find I don't like to carry so much weight.

[@awanderingmelody]

Will I need to purchase a new collar for my Sigma 150-600 mm lens in order to mount it to the gimbal?

[@TheSlantedLens]

No, it is an Arca Swiss Plate and will work with anything that is Arca Swiss.

[@heyjustj]

Yes to EVERYTHING you mentioned with what you look for in a tripod. A couple things you didn't cover that are high on MY list (for travel tripods) are the reverse folding legs like the X-GO Max. It makes the tripod fold down SUPER small but still get higher than my eye level when fully extended. I also want a tripod that uses standard nuts and bolts so if anything gets loose I can tighten it up or replace it. I hate when companies use rivets that can't be serviced or proprietary bolts that require a strange tool. I run into this with light stands too. Usually the cheaper brands do it. The last thing is I like to be able to remove the head. I have two matching travel tripods that I can pop the heads off attached them to the ends of my slider then use one of the heads for my slider. It becomes like LEGOs being able to mix and match the parts and even put a small video head on my tripod when I need that.

[@TheSlantedLens]

Excellent points! Appreciate you sharing your knowledge and experience!

[@jemimaa2003]

Wow. This was so helpful. Thank you.

[@TheSlantedLens]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks for watching and for your nice comment!

[@num159]

“A little more expensive tripod” it’s over double the price of the first 😂

[@HanieBCreations]

I have heard using a tripod for macro images gives them crisp clarity, but I've never used one. I bought a table top manfrotto. It feels limiting to me. I've won many photo contests for my macro photography images. 😁 Still always aiming for that perfect crisp shot! I have a ton of junk photos also. Practice makes perfect.

[@TheSlantedLens]

Very true. Practice, practice, practice!

[@vlaney21]

Hi Jay, I'm going to purchase a Fotopro tripod...probably the T-Roc Max...but can you clairfy if you can take out the Center column? I want the ablity to shoot low without having to have my Camera Hang upside down. Why is the T0Roc Max so much more money than the X-GO? I know it can hold more weight, but is that the only feature that makes it so much more money (unless I'm missing something here)? Thanks so much for your amazing video!

[@TheSlantedLens]

I think the X-Go is nearly as good as the T-Roc Max. You can remove the column on either of them but then there is no place to attach the head unless you under sling.

[@smashexentertainment676]

Manfrotto BeFree for $100. Super compact, light, does basically everything any other tripod does.

[@TheSlantedLens]

Haven't checked that one out. Thanks for watching.

[@sblackmagics]

Great info! Is there any type of tripod with a small foot print base that is still stable..maybe a tripod monopod hybrid type?

[@TheSlantedLens]

The best solution is the FotoproUSA X-Go Max. It is a great tripod and lighter weight.

[@rickvestuto]

Have a look at ProMedia Gear Made in Chicago IL. Best tripod I ever owned Regards, Rick

[@TheSlantedLens]

Haven't used them. Pretty pricey. I'll have to take a look.

[@rickvestuto]

@@TheSlantedLens They would probably send you one to do a review I like them better than Really Right Stuff And their products are made by Photographers They have a unique way of keeping the legs of the tripod coming loose as so many do after years of use best regards, Rick

[@Quetzalcoatl0]

I love my Vanguard Alta Pro 263AB 100, it's not perfect but it's all i need for now. I'm starting to get into astro and i have to get a star tracker. I hope it can handle the weight. Also love the 4K !

[@TheSlantedLens]

Quetzalcoalt Vanguard makes a great tripod. Depending on your star tracker it might not be heavy enough. Find out the weight of your camera and lens and star tracker. It will probably be ok.

[@Quetzalcoatl0]

@@TheSlantedLens I have a 6D and the longest lens i have is a 200mm FD f4, Both are no more than 1.5kg. The 263AB with the head says it can carry up to 7kg. i don't think the star tracker would be more than 2-3kg. I'm not getting those big ones that need a counter weight. It's the cheap ones. But will see. I'm also gather money to get a vehicle to get to more remote locations too.

[@kryptic9227]

What’s the best tripod for a canon EOS 80d and can these tripods be used for that camera?

[@TheSlantedLens]

The most cost effective one would be the Fotopro X-Go Max. That would work well with the 80D. Here is a link: bhpho.to/3jJWi0f

[@kryptic9227]

@@TheSlantedLens Thank you soo much, you're super helpful and I didn't think you'd actually reply!!!

[@Eugene2ndW]

My tripods have a lot of spring making fine adjustments difficult. It tends to spring back both in horizontal and vertical. This is most noticeable when taking photos in astronomy. Are there models with a screw adjustment for fine panning and tilting?

[@TheSlantedLens]

That is a good question. Let us know if you find something.

[@jerryfortenberry1956]

I am a total amateur concerning tripods. Just this summer started some astrophotography shots. My tripod is a 20 year old Sunpak my daughter bought me for Christmas many years ago. It is way too short for me . I am just over 6' 3". I have read several posts stating the extension will be unstable allowing the photos to be out of focus. I am having a difficult time finding a tripod that is within my budget and also about 6' tall at the base or bottom of the ballhead. Can you give me any advice? Thanks

[@TheSlantedLens]

This one goes up to 67". I don't know of any that are higher. bhpho.to/32HHp3S

[@stankotecki1519]

Carbon fiber is the only way to go. Would like to know more about the gimbal and see how it is used with camera?

[@TheSlantedLens]

Very nice lightweight gimbal. You can read more about it here: www.fotoprousa.com/ Look at the Eagle series.

[@EssexCountyPhoto]

Great video, very clever ajustable gimbal heads. You mention tripods with non-arca swiss plates, I have a quick question: I recently bought a Bresser BX-5 Pro tripod, it came with a 50mm wide base plate, and they sent me two more plates for free when I asked if I could buy spares (very generous!). However, and I know I'm a newbie, I cannot find 50mm wide plates anywhere... is it an old standard or more a dedicated video standard for heavy video cameras? Cheers!

[@TheSlantedLens]

The most common video plate is a Manfrotto quick release plate and for still it is an Arca Swiss plate. Your tripod company probably created their own proprietary plate.

[@EssexCountyPhoto]

@@TheSlantedLens Cheers! (Goddamn non-standard German engineering... 🤣)

[@i18nGuy]

Good video. Maybe devote a video to just ball heads, selecting, and how you use them. (And gimbals.) Is friction setting that important? Regarding the video, I dont shoot birds and didnt understand your point of tracking birds as I would think you would want the freedom to move up and down following the bird not just panning left right.

[@TheSlantedLens]

A gimbal head allows you to pan right and left and up and down to follow an animal or bird. That is why they are so useful. The ball head friction is great because when you set friction to give you resistance for the weight of your camera it allows you to reposition the camera and then let go and it stays. It's a great way to work.

[@i18nGuy]

@@TheSlantedLens thanks. I thought from the video that somehow the gimbal was limiting the direction in a way that benefitted you. I must have misunderstood.

[@wasee6694]

Thanks sir very helpful video💓💓💞

[@TheSlantedLens]

You are very welcome. Thanks for watching!

[@meriamelmansour2913]

which trypod would u recommend for a camera nikon coolpix p1000?

[@TheSlantedLens]

You might like this Vanguard Tripod: bhpho.to/38cxzZ8

[@meriamelmansour2913]

@@TheSlantedLens thanksssssssssssss a lot!!!

[@Lukrafiveman]

I bought a tripod and it doesnt fit my R6 camera.. am I dumb?

[@TheSlantedLens]

Most tripods have an Arca Swiss plate that you attach to the bottom of the camera and then the plate locks into the head of the tripod.

[@pauloclemente8892]

thanks for your information

[@TheSlantedLens]

You are welcome. Thanks for watching!

[@49er1680]

What type of tripod can I get for a decent price. I like Freelance photography. Like to shoot animals, mountains, beaches, people, family events....

[@TheSlantedLens]

The FotoproUSA X-Go Max would work out great for you!

[@TheSlantedLens]

Here is the link: bhpho.to/32HHp3S

[@bhalchandrakapatkar1710]

🙏 thanks 👍👍

[@TheSlantedLens]

You are welcome! Thanks for watching!

[@charanjeetsingh5145]

This trypod is best i like

[@TheSlantedLens]

They are some good ones. Keep on clickin!

[@HomeIdeasYT]

Great job!

[@TheSlantedLens]

Thanks! Hope you learned some useful information!

[@okmchl]

Seems to me what he’s calling a “three section tripod” has four leg segments and the “four section tripod” has five. No?

[@TheSlantedLens]

That's correct. Three sections untwist and extend out. The top section attached to the head would be the 4th section that doesn't extend.

[@prashantsahani8645]

Gimbel head vs manfrotto 502ah

[@TheSlantedLens]

Yes, Manfrotto does have some great products as well.

[@infringinator]

I lost a $50 tripod I had for 9 years. I bought a $200 tripod and I like those twisty leg locks

[@TheSlantedLens]

Yeah, I prefer those twist locks as well.

[@ykirk4592]

What if I cant afford a tripod over $150?

[@TheSlantedLens]

It's best to save your money and buy a quality tripod.

[@lwrncrd]

Thanks thanks(^_-)👌🏾

[@TheSlantedLens]

You are welcome! Thanks for watching!

[@johnhjic2]

There is never the right one, I use a Manfrotto 806 with a geared from Benro (used to use the 410) I have a range of Manfrotto tripos from the old ART 075, 190, 55 and more with different head. At the moment I am using a Benro TMA38cl with there geared head that seem light big and stable. I did look at the Fotopro but not available it the UK in 2019.

[@TheSlantedLens]

Yes, Manfrotto has good products as well. Thanks for your input John!

[@thesharpercoder]

Nice informerccial.

[@TheSlantedLens]

Hope you learned a few pointers in the process.

[@kilohotel6750]

The only one I was interested in you didn’t even talk about.

[@TheSlantedLens]

What one are you interested in?

[@kilohotel6750]

@@TheSlantedLens The E9 was the one I was interested in. I shoot with a 1DX2 and 600/4 IS II and also a Pentax 645Z so a big sturdy tripod is a must, always looking to see if something is out there better than what I'm using now.

[@glennsak]

Or get a camera that has 5-axis internal stabilization

[@TheSlantedLens]

5-axis internal stabilization is amazing but it doesn't replace tripods needed for long exposures, time-lapse, using ND filters, etc.

[@zanomi7695]

First?

[@TheSlantedLens]

Yep, I think so! Thanks for watching!