Tripods-Choosing and buying camera support for video and photography

[@TonyAndChelsea]

⭐Some of our favorite tripods⭐ Dolica on Amazon help.tc/dolica Manfrotto BeFree on Amazon help.tc/befree

[@royhornyak8596]

hi Tony, what was the model number of the tripod with the horizontal function for the centre column please. Great video again, many thanks.

[@rjkral]

Roy Hornyak yes is like to also know this. I can find it on the K&F Concepts site but thatcone has twist legs instead of flip levers. I much prefer the levers but can’t find it on a tripod with the horizontal bar.

[@TheGreatLoco]

Was thinking to buy a very tall systematic tripod, to complement by ground and table tripods. I guess that will probably also need a monopod with a simple tilting head. What I wanted to ask is if it's recommended to have a travel tripod and how tall should be this type of tripod?

[@sadikulsk5478]

I Geo owwgegwegw e w ooeiwieiew wieoeieegoieoegieieowoeiwfoooooeooooooowoooie

[@sadikulsk5478]

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[@RajivDesai1955]

Tony & Chelsea are the masters of photography and related training. I have learnt some of the best tricks and techniques through their video clips and their classic book. Thank you so much, Tony & Chelsea!

[@FrostByte_AC]

It would be awesome if this guy could teach things like physics or calculus. I like his clarity.

[@akioyakushi7055]

his outfit in this video in particular is awesome, envision him on billboard some day

[@DaphneMaine]

His ability to explain clearly is a real gift. He makes things so clear and he's interesting.

[@bt10ant]

Yes, Tony, if you could film an updated version of this and mention prices, it would be appreciated.

[@Dimasphotographer]

SO nice to see your older videos and see how far you both gone ! Congratulations! :)

[@TonyAndChelsea]

You're welcome, John, and thanks for buying the book!

[@TonyAndChelsea]

Generally the fluid heads are pan-tilt heads. If you want smooth panning and tilting, a fluid head is the way to go. Pan-tilt heads are good for video because, smooth panning aside, it allows you to pan without worrying about going off-level. Just level the tripod once, and it will stay level. That's not the case with a ball head.

[@TonyAndChelsea]

As you wish; links added to the description. They're the Manfrotto 685B and 222.

[@TonyAndChelsea]

Well, a pro will use whatever gets the job done, but I can think of a couple of features that would distinguish the two: replaceable heads and available parts for repairs. For higher-end tripods, you can order replacement parts when they break. For cheaper tripods, you just toss them when they break. I've had to repair a couple of my tripods, and Manfrotto is good about having replacement parts. BTW, this isn't an ad for Manfrotto, I don't have any relationship with them, I just buy their stuff

[@peterlabiak1051]

Stumbled upon this old vid, brilliantly cheesy compared to your current productions, made my evening :)

[@workoutlui]

Thank u guys for all your tips. My wife and I learning about photography and your videos are helping tremendously! 👍🏽👍🏽😊

[@TonyAndChelsea]

Believe it or not I actually under-charge on the shipping--I lose about $2 of profit just to make it available. Unfortunately, your only option is to get the ebook--zero shipping! Paperbacks are my preference, too, but our ebook is really well done, and can be read on just about any device.

[@badjujuwan]

The review of the samsonite tripod was awesome - probably the kindest way I've ever heard someone describe an absolute piece of junk. Crouching @ 4ft LOL. Didn't know samsonite made tripods for children.

[@TonyAndChelsea]

It's the i.Trek Super Mount F. I added a link to the description for you.

[@TonyAndChelsea]

Yeah, definitely use a bit of fill flash to avoid raccoon eyes. Check Chapters 3 and 6 for some information and examples.

[@TonyAndChelsea]

Condensation is definitely an issue... ideally you'd let your camera warm up gradually. You could put it in a plastic bag filled with air, and put it outside for a while before you plan to use it. I realize that sounds insane, but I'll do that on cold nights. Anyway, I've never had it break a camera, but it can't be good!

[@caylamu8684]

My favorite tripod is “HILLPOW Q6 plus tripod”,I felt safe with my camera on it. The legs are easy to extend and tighten,the head is very smooth in all directions. I can use it for many years.

[@nicolemichael3515]

May I have the link? I'm very interested.

[@baccus61]

Just subscribed as you do very good tutorials and speak very clearly. Not easy to do! Thanks for these videos and all the others you do.

[@TonyAndChelsea]

Hi, Shareef. you can use the third link in the description (the one with the coupon code). Thanks!

[@PeterFritzWalter]

It is clear that the Manfrotto tripod is the best one, and they are really the best ones. I have one since 2011, one of the cheapest ones, but mine doesn't have lack of stability. The second Manfrotto he is presenting from about 5.00 min. is much more expensive, but the ball head is really a fantastic idea… Actually I wanted to buy the Monopod from Manfrotto that he reviews after that, but there are so many negative reviews on Amazon that I did not buy it. Of course, the last one is really very expensive but it's the best for videography.

[@TonyAndChelsea]

Our current Kindle version should work great when the HD comes out (the videos and images are already very high resolution). If we do need to update it, the update will be free.

[@stevetqp9152]

HiTony. For a tripod that's in a different class in terms of build quality, stability and functionality, I recently came across a unique and extremely high-quality travel tripod...the FLM "CP26 Travel Tripod". It has super-strong 10x Carbon Fiber legs (26 lb load capacity!) with well-made twist locks, and a ball head that has several unique features that I've not seen in my 35 years of photography using tripods...For example, the "Pan" function permits butter-smooth normal panning, but in addition, adds a 15-degree ratchet function that is fantastic for us landscape/panorama photographers! There is also a "Tilt" knob that locks the ball head so that only one vertical/up/down plane is available. And finally, there is a "lock" function that locks the ball head from panning/turning, so that it can easily be unscrewed and/or mounted solidly. The kit comes with very well-made screw-on metal spikes, and folds up to a compact 15.5" for travel. Quite ingenious and precision design overall, and highly recommended for travel!! Bottom line: This FLM tripod simply exudes Quality. Here's the link to that awesome tripod: www.flmcanada.com. Thanks, Tony, and I think you'll find the FLM CP26 Travel Tripod perfect for Panoramic (and all) photography!

[@buicuong7]

The most handsome professional photographer!!

[@libation14221]

Tony, you married above your paygrade...great video guys, as always. 😀

[@exxeshauffen]

Boy you two have come a long way

[@LibanPhotography]

Nice collection there! :-) I only use 1 tripod. it's a manfrotto but don't remember the model, but it's not the joystick looking heads. just a normal quick release. I laughed when you talked about your old aluminum tripod because i had the same one for years. lol. The day i got my manfrotto, I wondered how i used that old junk for so long!

[@ГеоргиСтоянов-г2м]

The info in the video description seems really useful

[@JohnArnoldPhotography]

Thanks Tony for your overall view. I have your book and love it. I have the Kindle Tablet version, very informative and great video integrated. You seem to post these videos reading my mind. I just started researching to buy my first "real" tripod. My only other one is like the cheapo aluminum one you mentioned at the beginning of this video. Thanks again for all the great info. I cannot wait to put all your tips in play. And to purchase my tripod.

[@TonyAndChelsea]

Hi, Shareef. The specific model numbers are in the description of the video.

[@nicolemichael3515]

I’ve got a “HILLPOW Q1 tripod”from my boyfriend. It’s great for beginners. It’s lightweight but can load 5kg,3-section legs with locks that can be adjusted to several different angles. I love it so much.

[@kennylane1]

After watching some of your KZbin videos (and Chelsea calling me a cheapskate (lol)) I bought your Stunning Digital Photography book. I just wanted you to know that i learned a ton from both your videos and the book. Great work both of you. Thanks!

[@davidviner4932]

Been using the Pedco UltraPod II with my Nikon A1000, it's brilliant

[@LocoLynx]

Lol my parents bought me the Manfrotto 475B for 4x5 photography when I was in College. Hardly ever use it anymore although I'd love to, it's so nice. I have the older Manfrotto Panhead on it. You could probably use it as a car jack, built like a tank.

[@TonyAndChelsea]

My username on Flickr is Northrup, but Facebook is where we post new pictures, answer fans, etc. You can still view the page without signing up.

[@mohammedsanoon8844]

Hi Tony and Chelsea you are a dynamic couple and thanks for all the videos, I enjoy all of then and great info.

[@TonyAndChelsea]

With camera gear, I don't think of "professional" as capable of making better images, I think of it as meaning "built for specialized use and heavy abuse." That's why I thought of replaceable heads and parts on tripods. With photographers, I don't think skill is a criteria. Amateurs take pictures of what they love; they have total freedom. Pros take the pictures their paid to take, because it's a job. Amateurs succeed if they have fun, pros succeed if the client is happy.

[@rsingh4668]

Superb information for beginners like myself. Pace is a bit fast but can be managed. Overall I liked the information as I am thinking to buy one.

[@TonyAndChelsea]

We're still getting setup on Amazon Canada, but you can order it directly from me using the third link in the description. The worldwide shipping costs are a little higher than they need to be for Canada, so use code 'SorryCanada' for $7 off shipping.

[@DanaBrown1984]

Tony Northrup Your monopod/joystick-head combination looks incredibly useful. I haven't been able to find that particular style of joystick head. Can you share the model # please?

[@cyork1288]

I am having a hell of the time getting my paint box lined up for the quick release to work...I just bought a Sunpak QSX 95020TM. Paint box is 9x 12 and will weight less then 10 lbs. I got the tripod on sale at Adorama...I wish the Operating Instruction were better. Chelsea at the end of this video mentioned that when she had a heaver lens she had a sliding quick release so that she could slide the lens to find the sweet spot balance. Hope this makes sense. loved this video.

[@YoungTheFish]

Watching this remains me of my Transformers model collection when I was a kid XD... so much fun!

[@TonyAndChelsea]

Manfrotto, I think, but I'm not sure. I bought it from B&H. It's not great, actually, it's kinda wobbly.

[@DWaltho]

From what I can see, it's the Manfrotto 055CXPRO4, a carbon-fibre tripod. On amazon.com, it's $435. A (slightly) cheaper alternative would be something like the 190CXPRO3 ($265), which is very similar, but shorter. If you're fine with a bit more weight, try the 055XPROB ($175) or the 190XPROB ($145), both made of aluminium.

[@RamonLerma]

Very nice, Enjoyed watching!

[@AU_Films]

Thanks, Tony and Chelsea for all your hard work and inspiration. I recently bought your book and finding it really useful along with these videos. Cheers!

[@GamerWolf78]

Hi Tony, I'm a wheelchair bound photographer. My disability has progressed a bit in the past year or so. I'm trying to find out if there are tripods with legs that can expand using a remote bases the heads, which I've found there are a variety of remote control options. Thank you for your time. Jackie

[@TonyAndChelsea]

It depends how you use it. Check the Tripod Buying Guide chapter of my Photography Buying Guide (available using the 'Worldwide' link in the description). It tells you everything you need to know about how to select the best tripod, with specific recommendations for different uses.

[@BenjiFinktunes]

What is the name of your "travel tripod"

[@lawrenceneri2412]

Those are some freaking cool tripods.

[@astromanicdave]

Just got your book. Amazing. using it to shoot my project for college

[@heyitsablackguy9553]

502 head. Just silky smooth, recommend it!

[@TonyAndChelsea]

Thanks! Usually Chelsea gets all the love :)

[@TonyAndChelsea]

You're welcome!

[@quite1enough]

1:21 this things is known for being not so reliable and losing the tension of mechanism after certain period of use, so eventually that thing wouldn't be able to hold any position at all

[@Cdudesproductions]

the incontinuity is strong with this one.

[@ricalee8025]

I bought Pantan Q6 Plus Big Size Professional Aluminum Magnesium DV Tripod last month on Amazon, I am so impressed by its high performance and solid quality, one amazing tripod I must highly recommend to all since it only cost at 99.99$.

[@buibao1991]

Thank you Tony, i will put it in a plastic bag and leave it outside before using it, cause yesterday i was driving home and saw the sky was full of cloud, look pretty drama, so i immediately took my dslr outside and took a photo, and thing happened

[@MichaelManus]

Great video but one correction, pan-tilt heads are terrible for video, its the fluid heads that are used primarily for video.

[@wriggly40]

great video showing choice, but may I make a small suggestion? maybe next time say the makes of the tripods so we can see if they are available or affordable?

[@tonychang3927]

I bought Pantan Q6 Plus proffestional tripod on Amazon, it is super solid and sturdy, very impressed. You can search Pantan Q6 on Amazon.

[@willog501]

Great info ... Thanks ... I was just looking at some tripods wondering what types do what!

[@w4cky7]

I am looking forward to another, more updated look into tripods. After searching around, I would have to say this is one the best videos done to date. It is such an important piece of kit and yet so few cover it well. I find myself in the market for a new tripod, something more an intermediate skill level. Mine is a bit old and still works well. Honestly it's hard to choose with reading some of the reviews between Amazon and B & H about Manfrotto. I think it's fairly easy to say that they are the most popular and many will say they are the best. Things like customer service experiences and even quality of the unit itself tend to stand out in reviews. I've worked in customer service before and hearing about various inquiries go unanswered is never a good thing. I suppose that can happen with a lot of companies though. What I have found thus far is they definitely do offer the biggest selection of tripods and heads. Anyway, just a bit of rambling from someone trying to make an informed purchase someday.

[@TonyAndChelsea]

Casey M Agreed, this is due for an update. It's really hard because there are SO MANY tripods available, like HUNDREDS. I don't even know how to narrow it down.

[@joebeard7387]

Hi Tony, please advise the name of the super monopod which you demonstrated as it would suit me with its one handed movement, as being somewhat disabled, moving to undo the various sections of my existing monopod, makes it a chore, whereas the smooth action between hand and foot you demonstrate and also the cool joystick type head please. Apologies if you do mention the names, I simply did hear. Thanks and regards, Joe.

[@Rufiowascool]

I found this exceptionally helpful, thank you!

[@takeme2urmac]

Thanks Tony! I'm still reading your ebook and so far, have found it very informative. :)

[@SN-oy2ou]

Hi Tony, Appreciate your efforts and thank you very much for the same. Very precise and informative.

[@TonyAndChelsea]

Well said, Marion.

[@SenyaLitvin]

great video, would be great to have links to the tripods inside the video description.

[@TonyAndChelsea]

Thank YOU, Adnan!

[@nikitastsaousis4927]

hi Tony! Nice and informative video as always! this is a 5D mark1 ,isn't it? what do you think about it? may you do a small comparative video with lets say, a newer model? so we can actually see what this old camera can still do? thanks!

[@fredericktaylor1801]

Hi Northrups! First - Thanks for all of your wonderful videos, I'm relatively new to this hobby and you two are a huge inspiration to me! Have ya'll used SLIK tripods? What do you think of them? What do they compare to? Thanks!

[@gcastguy]

Chelsea, while demonstrating the final Manfrotto tripod, you have an accessory attached to the tripod holding the Zoon recorder. What is the make and model of that accessory?

[@nikeshkotecha3612]

Nice Video and very informative. Wish you had given model names/numbers for your travel tripod. I am about to venture off to the Caribbean in a week for a well deserved holiday after 23 years. I already own a manfrotto 055b...a great tripod but to heavy to take on holidays. I intend to shoot with my 1DX with the cannon 24-105 and the 70-300 L lenses. Many thanks.

[@spitfire83]

lol

[@matthewcopperpot229]

I thought you would be using an Android phone. I was shocked to see you pull out that iPhone as you and I seem to have the same views on technology. Nice video, once again :)

[@TonyAndChelsea]

Matthew Copperpot I've since switched to Android :)

[@matthewcopperpot229]

Tony Northrup Cool. I have only just begun in this industry and your videos are very helpful. Thank you for your contribution.

[@RitchieRosson]

Brilliant video Tony. Do you know the name of the kind of stand that you can put behind a desk without big tripod legs that come out? F that makes sense.

[@TonyAndChelsea]

Maybe you want a C-stand? Or you can buy camera mounts with clamps and just clamp it onto the side of the desk.

[@DalsPhotography]

Pls Tony, could you tell me the brand of the last tripods you used, except for the one for filming, I live in Uruguay, we get lot's of ocean winds here, and I am looking for a sturdy tripod, wich can support my Canon 7 D mark ii and my Sigma Contemporary lens, I don't like screw legs at all, way to complicated to quickly change the hight on the fly... and last but not least it should be affordable and not too heavey.... hmmm I guess I'm asking for too much? Thanks a lot!!!! Great video again!

[@TonyAndChelsea]

Thanks, Dave!!

[@gregm.6945]

How about tripods that have a hook or similar at the bottom of the centre column, which allow you to hang something heavy (e.g: sand bag) to stabilise it ,either on unstable terrain or in wind ?...or even mentioning it can be done ?

[@1uniquechyck]

The biggest tripod, that you said you use for photography, what is the name of it and where did you purchased it from?

[@alexxerick]

Tony is fantastic! Thanks for the info.

[@TonyAndChelsea]

Thanks!!

[@myyoutube5422]

Thanks for this very informative video. Tony, I'm amazed at how you can balance your IT career with mastering the details of photography.

[@jb678901]

OMG...I have that same SAMSONITE tripod...I think I got it back with my Canon A-1...a "few" years ago!!!!!!!

[@dudeofchicken]

I don't know what your standings are but you guys are going to be huge one day.

[@scottyofeden]

I know y'all aren't an advice forum, but I gotta ask... what's a good stabilizing solution for taking photos from ground level? Most tripods can get low to the ground, but I'm looking for a solution where the base is naturally compact and not too tall (so I'm not constantly lowering something). This is for night photos, so I need it secure (FYI, I've seen the bean bag options).

[@culinarykid92]

I would like for you to do a video on how to choose a tripod head. Everyone breaks down the different types of heads, but take for instance the ballhead (popular for stills). How do I determine which is best for me? And to make it fair, say price is no object. Is an Acratech head at $400 much better than a Benro $130 head? How can one tell which is right for them and how can one narrow down the choices? For example, if I want a head that can support at least 17lbs, is a ballhead, and is arca-swiss compatible (and I'll limit results to 5 star heads only), I get 79 results. So how do I find the one that is right for me?

[@suresh1957]

Great, informative video. Thanks to both of you for your videos that are a boon to amateurs like me. Incidentally, how tall are you both? Do your heights influence the choice of tripods? Suresh Strasbourg, France

[@vsighi]

Can I ask what is the brand @ 5:20 min into your video !? You called travel video tripod :)

[@JAGSPhilip]

Great info,I've your videos. Who makes the tray attachment for the light stand? Keep up the great work

[@CurtTweedle]

What is the make and model of the arm holding the Zoom H6 on the big tripod at the end of the video? Looks very heavy duty. I tried to look it up in your book but no luck. Thank you.

[@patpathinayake3586]

Hi Tony & Chelsea, Beautiful and a very informative video, thank you very much. Please could you recommend a Carbon Fibre travel tripod suitable to support a Canon 5D MK II with the battery grip, 1.4 Sigma extender and a 150- 600mm Soprts lens? Manfrotto aluminum tripods are much heavier with the same pistol grip you had. Best of luck.

[@Heymimi]

Really helpful. Thanks!

[@anandblackstraw]

You guys are great.. I need some help.. I recently upgraded to D810 with a Tamron 24 70 (Based on your suggestion!) and also to support my landscape photography I got lee filters. I love the camera but I immediately faced a problem with my long exposure photos due to stability issue of my old tripod.. with the lee filters wind adds to the problem.. what would you suggest for a long exposure travel tripod for such heavy camera/ lens?

[@silentcreeper2424]

What is the name of the travel photography tripod you talked about before the travel video tripod.

[@iam_henriknilsson]

I wonder if Northrup gets some of the photography equipment for free or if he has purchased all of it, I´ve gone through some of his videos and the net value of all his stuff (and they seem to have a lot!) should add up to hundreds of thousands of dollars

[@TonyAndChelsea]

+Henrik Nilsson We purchased all these tripods, just for different purposes in our business. We actually own a few more now. We purchase or borrow all cameras and lenses; no freebies from those manufacturers to keep us unbiased. Often, for less expensive items (like bags, straps), the manufacturers don't accept review copies back because the shipping is expensive and the value of a used product like that is almost zero. In other words, we bought or borrowed all the big stuff, but some of the bags/straps/etc manufacturers sent us for testing.

[@chuckrossi]

Thank you Tony, I was also wondering if you brought the stuff you test.

[@digitalfotosolution6747]

i find a store which sell various kinds of tripod, don't miss : digitalfoto.aliexpress.com/store/228291

[@ij6738]

he can afford it cause he makes about 5 thousand dollars a month just off youtube alone..

[@morrisgetman9827]

Thanks for a great video! Should have excluded the on-cam mic from the mix though.

[@matthewsilverman2851]

at 2:15 the correct terminology is coldshoe

[@xhappy425]

I love Photography

[@zoomin_josh7183]

What is the best table-top tripod for a Nikon D3300 with a 70-300mm lens? The lens is heavy and I am not sure whether or not these table-top tripods would be strong enough.

[@bllpagepapa]

Thanks another good informative video.