Tripods: How to Use Them, and Choose Them

www.steeletraining.com - Learn how to use a tripod for photography and how to choose the right one for your needs. Video tutorial by Phil Steele.
For more free tutorials and photography courses visit: www.steeletraining.com/

[@steeletraining]

Watch more of my free tutorials that are not on KZbin: www.steeletraining.com/

[@jasonjones544]

Yep, I just watch a dude talk about tripods for 20+ minutes and enjoyed it. Thanks for the information.

[@steeletraining]

Haha, thanks man! The secret to making 20 minutes about tripods interesting? I spend weeks making each video to make the info very dense and compact. Because I value your time! -- You can find more of my vides on my website at www.steeletraining.com/

[@jasonjones544]

steeletraining and the least I could do is tell you I appreciate it. And visit your website tutorials.

[@benframe3880]

Your expertise, attention to detail, and respect for peoples time definitely shows mate.

[@JorgeGuzman-sg9gv]

What’s the tripod that’s holding the 70-200mm lens?

[@arthurwagar6224]

Mr Steele I like your presentation style. I'm getting a Nikon p1000. Would it work to glue a tripod mount to the average balance point of the cam? Art Wagar.

[@roadhouse8604]

As a semi-professional photographer of nearly 30 years, I wish I would have had this condensed tutorial available to me when I started. Great stuff.

[@abhishekgs967]

.

[@rogats]

The last tip was the cherry!

[@ELBlDu]

Party on Yuri

[@HugoBechstein]

I love the way this guy's mind is structured, he's a born lecturer. And, yes, I watched (and enjoyed) the 23 minutes and 14 seconds of this video about... tripods!

[@Bobby74892]

I have been trying to decide on a tripod for about a week. I watched 20 plus videos on KZbin about them. None of them compare to this complete and informative presentation. I appreciate your “Tripods 101” approach. That is extremely helpful to beginners like me. However, you also provide information that experienced photographers can find valuable. Thank you for your help!

[@ScottandTera]

I have googled this subject to death and never could find the answer to my question. watch a 20 min video and all the questions I have ever had about a tripod were answerd and the super secret tip was golden

[@steeletraining]

Thanks Scott!

[@dadude4960]

a small addition: go to flee markets. i bought a 450€ tripod for 10€.

[@ELBlDu]

@@dadude4960, way 2 go.....excellent tip. Esp now while allot are moving to mirrorless, lots of gear will e up 4sale/ grabs/ dibs for the early bird... Thanks 4 the great idea

[@islamayoub2221]

I love when he says "believe me, I've done it" ^^

[@Neilx14]

Can't believe I just watched 20mins of tutorial just for tripods. I was hooked because you were interesting and not boring and gets to the point without any unecessary diversion. Subscribed!

[@marykrigbaum9021]

As a new photographer doing a workshop in August this is the best advice I have heard in all the videos I've watched! Your content is excellent.

[@toonw669]

I bought my tripod in 2011(Cullmann Magnesit 528 + CW30 head). I carefully took a look at what I wanted and based on my "technical knowledge" about photograpy and such made a purchase. So happy to say that looking at this video I made the right choise at that time. Just to say; this video will help you out to buy the tripod that fits you well. Oh and years later (ie. last week) I had a small issue. The quick-release-plate fell apart and I lost some parts.... Needless to say I couldn`t use it anymore...... So I emailed the people from Cullmann (the claim to give a 10 year waranty when registered) for help. No worries, the`ll send a new releaseplate under waranty....... How good is that! Just great!

[@l3f799]

I agree with the comments about watching a video on tripods for 20 mins. I thought it would be boring but it went by in a flash - which means it was interesting and useful. I know more about buying a tripod than ever before. Great job Phil!

[@joaniejohnson3346]

I looked up how to KZbin. Im wanting to use my iPad to record....

[@ELBlDu]

@@joaniejohnson3346 so? Who cares?....was that a question or a statement?

[@xeenslayer]

Me too, I thought I'd have to forward through most of it but I actually watched the entire video! Really informative, great job!

[@MajorAddiction]

I see what you did there PCOM

[@sabaof8]

Congratulations. This is the first (of many) that actually instructs the USE of the tripod and not merely its features. You might expand this to show the use of the three types of heads. Nobody actually packages this instruction. Thank you.

[@KikiPurchases]

i was about to buy tripod and happened to end up on this site. You touch every important topic and don't talk too much of unnecessary things like 99% of the articles out there do. Thank you, you got a subscriber right now. I know what to look in tripods now!

[@mskittylulu]

You don't even know how grateful I am to have found your channel 🙏🏼

[@skymedic48]

So when I clicked on this vid, I said to myself, probably not much content I don't already know. Man, that crow sure tastes good. 20 mins of stuff I totally didn't know about tripods. Damn, well done dude, the last tip specifically....huge life saver!! Lol.

[@YourMajesty143]

😆😆😆 Great to see all the humble comments in here admitting their skepticism. I made the same mistake too.

[@Jasmine_Sangma]

I didn't even realise when the 20 minutes flew by. Such a holistic information on tripods. I have been running crazy looking how to buy my first tripod and I didn't know so many aspects of a tripod to be kept in mind before buying one. Thank you so much Phil! You provided the information in such crisp and precise manner. I didn't get bored for even a second although I thought I would be in the beginning. Great job!

[@JenutTN]

I watched this 2 years ago and I spent 23 minutes again today. Great video and super informative!

[@w6263]

There is not too many videos I can sit through for 20+ minutes...informative and resolved some questions for me. Much appreciated!

[@morteza-k]

I came in for a few seconds and stayed until the end. This might be the best thing I've ever watched about tripods. Thanks.

[@TheLumpRulz]

Just getting started with photo and video. This tripod video was by far the most comprehensive and helpful video on this topic I have found. Your advise definitely helped me decide where to start for my tripod. Thank you!!! Your last tip was absolutely a life saver. Now I know which quick mount is right for me. Well done sir.

[@mr.nicememes2097]

Came to learn about tripods, stayed for the special tip at the end. Sure glad I did.

[@hudsonshires6141]

Phil, I'm more of a video guy than a photo guy, but I stumbled on your video on lens hoods and the next thing I knew I was several videos into your playlist. I love your clarity, professionalism, humor, and humility in these videos and have learned a lot. You gained a subscriber!

[@christheswiss390]

I'm floored by this video on such an important - yet completely overlooked - topic. Having watched a number of tripod videos on youtube before this one, I can safely say you are one of only very few you-tubers that has actually thought through the many tripod issues and made an insightful video on this topic. Some guys actually make a living of calling a few tripod manufacturers to get 2 units for free in the mail and then, after 2 days of taking a few pics and beers, create a video where they struggle with even the most basic principals of ANY tripod, but then rant on and on about what they perceive as deficiencies of their new equipment and the color of the stripes on the carbon. It would almost be comical, if it didn't hurt the very companies that just sent them expensive equipment to test! But then your video came along and made my (tripod) day. It's obvious you have a LOT of experience and are willing to share it with us photographic neophytes. Thank you very much for all your insights and sharing your knowledge! BTW: wouldn't the hammock be far more safe to weigh down the tripod as opposed to using the "convenient" hook? It would seem to me you don't want extra weight pulling down on your extension. I think weighing down the three legs themselves should be preferable for vibration reduction, especially on carbon tripods that are stiffer than aluminum and already have a propencity to reduce vibration. Do you have a different view?

[@steeletraining]

I agree that the hammock is probably more stable than the hook, but have not tested that theory.

[@jomacornelio2334]

As I started to watch this, I tried reading the comments and saw that the last tip is somehow very important. Did'nt expect that but it's mind-blowing 😂. Overall, this is a very educational video. *automatically pressed the subscribe button

[@ThePeggy39]

I have never heard anyone give clearer explanations than Phil Steele

[@steeletraining]

Thanks Margaret, you made my day!

[@thehumanityoflife6460]

Your voice was so soothing that I nodded off on and off. Quite informative. I will check out your other videos.

[@bobefitz]

Absolutely the most complete explanation of tripods on the planet. Thank you for a great video.

[@jobaecker9752]

It's easy to assume you know everything about a "simple" topic like this - but that IS tip is profound - I was getting a correction blip every so often in my videos and didn't know what was causing it. (Thanks!) - and that last tip - woah!

[@steeletraining]

Thanks Jo! Comments like this keep me inspired to produce more.

[@murphdog1529]

I started this video thinking "really, I'm about to watch a video on tripods?! Lets see where this goes..." Well it's a great video. I'm watching it again. Thanks for posting this, well done.

[@steeletraining]

Thanks, Dan! Comments like that keep me inspired.

[@muxxainnaxim1935]

Hahaha! i was thinking the same though i learnt lot in that 20mins. #NotaWaste

[@ASMROW]

You were born to teach. Very clear easy to follow information. Thank you

[@terrygoyan3022]

This video just got you another subscriber! Fast moving and very informative. I’ve watched a number of videos about tripods yours stands out.

[@vasanthviswa7295]

The best video on Tripod in this very Planet, without even asking you answered all my questions, this video is the so called "Guru(Master)" of all Tripod related vids, WOW!!

[@rentmossbeach]

I’m just getting back into photography after many years and have been watching all kinds of instructional videos on KZbin. Even though it’s 3 years old, this is one of the best I’ve come across - a very refreshing, straight-forward approach and presentation. Some folks get carried away with affectations or are so full of themselves you worry they might explode. This is clear and to-the-point. Thank you, I’m going to look for more of your videos.

[@DaveSincere]

PHENOMENAL video. Easily the best I've seen on tripods

[@seemantadutta]

When I first clicked the link, I was like, WHAAATZ??!! 23 mins of talking about freaking tripods. But the whole video was not only informative but also extremely entertaining. By far, the beer tip was the best! :D Love your teaching style - concise, precise and entertaining.

[@chelin7023]

Finally! The mystery of the hook at the bottom of the tripod’s center pole has been lifted! Thank you so much! Tons of useful information ❤️

[@henrydesrosiers3583]

This is the most thorough tripod tutorial I have ever seen. Excellent job. I think you touched on every aspect of the tripod and it's usage. Thank you.

[@ShaanSundar]

Now that's called as the evolution of Tripods.. From basic till the top notch high end Tripods., Really informative and lucky me to have subscribed to your videos.. and a satisfying end...

[@mfahlers]

Your video is a prime example of talent combined with hard work. This is the best KZbin has to offer.

[@steeletraining]

Thanks, comments like that keep me inspired!

[@jessicashelton310]

Can't believe it's taken me this long to find this channel. What excellent information with a concise and easily understandable delivery. Thank you!

[@jitters083]

That final tip was the icing on the cake. Good job!

[@joycemeyer9804]

Of all the photography videos on KZbin , I've found yours to be the most informative and pleasant to listen to. I've subscribed to your channel and will be checking out all your other videos. Thank you!

[@TenthElementGraphics]

This man just referred to being able to open a beer as a life or death situation. You sir... have just earned yourself a subscriber. CHEERS

[@AbuInsights]

This might be the best compelling and informative tripod videos on youtube. covers a lot of areas, simply explained and easy to follow. I learned so much . Thank you!

[@jasonwright2641]

I didn't know how little I knew about tripods! I was about to run out the door but got distracted for 20 minutes watching this! Very informative, very enjoyable to watch. Subbed!

[@mirto5663]

This is just a note to let you know that I recently discovered your vlogs on YT. They are very informative and extremely well done. Thank you.

[@drMonaf]

To be honest, your videos are really good and better than multiple other new style youtubers who are only trying to sell one brand of something and make the other one looks ugly Love the way you teach

[@prokanda]

Subscribed after watching the first video on this channel, and just let it keep playing videos in the list. Super informative and clear. Incredibly useful information. Thank you, Phil, you're a gift.

[@Stevie1422]

Phil's videos are always a joy to watch as his means of delivery is so relaxed. Great stuff...

[@chrissalerno1116]

Yes, the last tip was the best. Great information on the entire video.

[@US15522]

I tried an experiment to decide whether I could settle for an aluminum tripod or if I wanted to spend the extra couple of hundred $s on a carbon fiber tripod. I brought my camera with a 400mm lens mounted on it to a store and shot some video of the displays in the store with the camera mounted on both types of tripods. Both were an appropriate size for the lens/body/ballhead combination. When I tapped the aluminum tripod legs they rang like a bell and the image bounced for quite a while. When I tried the same on the carbon fiber tripod the video image jumped and then immediately settled out. I bought a carbon fiber tripod and have not looked back.

[@steeletraining]

Thanks for sharing the results of your experiment!

[@bruzote]

Nothing reduces vibrations like a shoddy, plastic tripod. The loose joints and softer material dissipate the vibrational energy quickly. Of course, the tripod or camera might shift each time the tripod is touched, but what's life without little surprises? ;-)

[@pratham1161]

I love the way how you just stick to the point and never let your audience get bored!

[@ParkingChor]

What a remarkable tutorial! Elegant, comprehensive, kept me interested all throughout.

[@flowhero5949]

Best camera channel you tube!!!! Thank you for sharing

[@photologics3761]

My all time Favourite Person with very simplistic but informative content. Thanks Steel😊

[@Wasur1959]

Experts ALWAYS save the most useful tip for last, lol! Great vid thank you for the lesson.

[@sephiroth127]

To check for vibrations, use a telephoto, put camera on manual focus, disable image stabilization, and magnify the live view 10x. Then tap the camera and count how long it takes for the image to be perfectly still.

[@PhilippKraut]

Very informative. This video answers pretty much all my questions i had! It is obvious that you know what you are talking about. Thank you!

[@TheAugustarian]

Very informative video full of all type of Tripod related details. You covered even the smallest of the things like how to walk with a Tripod or tricks like Coin placement, Camera bag hanging as weight with a bungee chord etc. I learnt a lot about all Types of Tripods in this single video which I didn't get in probably 20 other videos which I watched before this one. Good Work Mr. Steele, you got a follower now.

[@markharris5771]

It seems like ages since I've seen one of your videos, they are always informative no matter how long you've been using a camera.

[@brickcityphotostudio7748]

The best and most complete video I've seen on tripods. Thank you !!!

[@mikerosa6311]

Wow, I didn't know what I didn't know! (I hope that makes sense.) Another great video Phil, thank you!

[@steeletraining]

Thanks, Mike, I know what you mean. Before I started researching this one, I didn't know how much I didn't know about tripods. Glad you found it helpful.

[@jamesledger2742]

Extremely good information. Easy to watch. I learned more about tripods in this video, than I’ve learned in the past week.

[@patrickelliott-brennan8960]

You know when you watch a video and think "I wish I'd seen this years ago"? When you watch a video and think "whoa, that's so much information...I'll stop here I'm a bit overloa...oh, that's interesting I'll...oh, that's a good idea...oh, it's finished"? This is one of them. Sure, it's nearly nearly 25 minutes long but it is crammed to the brim with tips, ideas, useful comments and helpfulness. I've seen videos that are nearly as long that have had one or two ideas sandwiched between a mountain of filler and 'stuff'. @Phil Steele. Mate this could easily have been two or three videos :) As a frequent viewer of KZbins cornucopia of educational videos, you've got good timing, a nice style and a very approachable and friendly manner of presentation. I really like how you present options and while saying 'this is what I prefer' you don't then move on to say what's *wrong* with the other choices. I like how you present the pros and cons and then allow the viewer to decide what fits best. Thanks enormously for the time and effort you put into what could easily have been a rather dull, lifeless subject.

[@steeletraining]

Thanks, man, you made my day!

[@nailpicker]

Great video series, informative and not filled with extra stuff / advertisements. On point!

[@Ella.Grande]

I know what I'm about to say others had said it all but I'm still gonna say it. I have been googling for days and have watched other videos to find out what i want/need but i got nothing from them but everything from your video. I love how you state the pros and cons. I really enjoyed to watch every second of your video, seems like I'm not the only one that amazed with themselves that watch a 23 mins video about tripod LOL. Thank you for your video 😄❤️

[@reachanandkumarify]

Awesome! the one-stop video that clarifies all I need to know about the tripod. Thanks for such clarity!

[@icedlatt3]

Excellent presentation, sir. You maintained a good flow throughout the video, establishing each topic and relating it to the next seamlessly, all without sounding monotonous or droning. Nicely done!

[@danielho5635]

Phil, thanks for the info. I learned something new today. I am a tripod aficionado myself: owning a carbon fiber Gitzo with Arca Swiss head. I am surprised that you didn't address a few small topics: 1. Arca Swiss plate system. 2. Tripod stiffness or lack thereof of the yoke. For example, I've run across some carbon fiber tripods that use yokes made of plastic. It makes the whole tripod wobble like a bamboo forest. 3. Carrying a tripod -- bag for the entire tripod, bag only for the head, and/or strap. 4. Brand names to look for: Manfrotto, Gitzo, (ugh) Velbon, etc.

[@pizzafroth1521]

Tripod yoke? What do ya mean?

[@TonyTarantula]

This video was very informative. Many thanks for making it. Your business deserves to succeed.

[@chrisgenovese8188]

This guy's content is pure gold.

[@steeletraining]

Thanks, comments like that keep me inspired!

[@deanimator5829]

Nice video. Very concise without being overly dry. Well done.

[@gracecheung-schulman1965]

Very well-made and informative video about tripods! Thank you so much!

[@mirtaarriaga9314]

Loved it! Very well explained. Thank you!

[@panhaveng6788]

Man , it has been such a very long time waiting for your new vids ... as always , it is detail , helpful and very easy understand . Thanks

[@firefoxx46]

This tutorial is a masterpiece. He is absolutely a professional. Thank you. Amazing

[@jsr8884]

All in one video. Concise precise clinical...thankx a million.

[@iu1191]

This is an amazingly helpful video. The best I have seen and I have come back to it again years later. I was just about to put a like on it and realised that I have already done it. Thanks for doing it and making it so informative. Very grateful!

[@MaxColudro]

Best tripod tutorial video on KZbin. Thank you for posting it! 😀

[@NunoCernadas]

Fantastic tutorial, informative, full of great tips and with a hint of humor/usefulness in the end. Watched the whole thing!

[@induplicable]

Solid! I am in the market for a new tripod. I have watched a few hours of different reviews etc. Your video is by far the best video of the bunch especially for beginner to intermediate level photogs. Detailed, casual and insightful with the added bonus of helpful usage tips when on location.

[@steeletraining]

Thanks for the kind words!

[@sinenhlanhlasithole969]

The best video I've seen about this topic, he answered all of my questions. 3 years too late, but I'm just getting in to the photography field and I really wanted to know about tripods as I'm looking to get one for myself... Thank you so much for this.

[@CMC5961]

Love the tutorial - It covers everything one needs to know how to choose and use a tripod.

[@makeupandbrunch]

This has been one of the most educational videos I have seen in KZbin. Thank you so much for making this. I love the last tip btw!

[@Sammy1970]

Best tripod vid ever, thanks buddy!👍🏼

[@OliverSalzburg]

These videos feel pretty complete and to the point. Great content.

[@saulmirandaaliaga]

You're the best, Phil. Thank you very much!

[@abhisekde6841]

Probably the most complete guide on tripods!

[@Plasteel1]

Thank you for the excellent tutorial! One of the best (if not the best) out there on tripods!

[@sedefcanbazoglu9435]

Best tripod video! Thanks for your great time and effort in making this very useful video :)

[@RudeRichDallas]

FABULOUS! I've been shooting since 1976 and love coming across info that I didn't know or realized. This video is packed with GREAT information that I didn't realize I didn't know... not to mention that very useful final tip! Thank you very much!!!

[@Joostered]

Professional, thorough and to the point. You've earned a sub.

[@steeletraining]

Thanks for the kind words, Joostered!

[@vendtech]

Absolutely enjoyed this video. Thank you so much for your time in making it.

[@BharatKhemlani]

Loved how you made info about tripods interesting. I actually watched the whole 23mins.

[@dinokonik]

this is absolutely perfect video.

[@davidkyle5017]

Who knew that would so informative and well done? After decades of not using one, I'm looking to buy one and that was massively helpful. Cheers.

[@Glen.Danielsen]

Hugely helpful. Thanks so much brother Steele!

[@flashdublin9828]

Fab videos. Very thorough and easy to listen to. Thanks

[@flightmaster999]

That last tip is a life changer! Thanks so much Phil!👍👍👍 ✨