Which Tripod Should I Buy?

[@MikeBrowne]

Hi Kieran. Good on ya! OH - and don't get too worried about branded stuff. If you find an old tripod from 40 years ago in a second hand shop that's heavy and doesn't wobble it'll work just as well (if not better) and hardly cost anything.

[@MikeBrowne]

Hi - Yes you are absolutely correct. A monopod will help you get about an extra stop or two of shutter speed and is perfect for sports photography. I just don't happen to like them and prefer to use a tripod with a ball head that can be used un-locked so the camera can swivel on it. Provided the tripod's heavy enough of course. - Mike

[@MikeBrowne]

Hi Abinash. For Pans you need a lens / tripod mount which rotates the lens around the nodal point of whatever lens you choose so it's not a ball head issue. I didn't want to go into all that here because it's about buying a tripod ranter than 'buying a tripod for a special technique' Will probably do a video about this sometime though...

[@wparo]

This is why I like watching reviews from people with passion for what they do. They give you a true unbiased honest opinion. Thank you so much for this info. Respect.

[@MikeBrowne]

I appreciate that! Thank you... MIKE

[@MikeBrowne]

Hi - I can't advise other than to say buy a sturdy one. Gizo or manfrotto, are great. personally I go for the heaviest one I can carry - Mike

[@SpyrosTheodoratos]

Some months ago, i bought a very cheap tripod around 10€. Well, since then, i have produced some brilliant blury pictures because this tripod shakes more than my grandmothers hands... So if you want your pictures to be blury, you have to buy it... If you want to make photography, buy something more expensive and steady... Thanks again Mike for the video...

[@MikeBrowne]

Oh boy +Spyros Theodoratos I love your comment and sense of humour - MIKE :-)

[@christopherpape4823]

I don't get it though....Presuming it's not excessively windy and you're not clumsy and going to knock it over, what's the point? Personally I have a tiny little 6 inch tripod that came in package with my camera lens. I don't have extensive experience with it, but I've taken a few long exposures and just put the 2 second timer on so that the pic isn't being taken as I press the shutter button (which does wobble the whole unit). Seems to hold still for me. I'll be honest tho I was mostly doing some low light shots (hence the need for long exposure/tripod) and they didn't turn out that great lol. Noisy and lack of detail. But I think that may be my camera settings idk lol.

[@MikeBrowne]

Hi - It depends on how heavy the camera you want to use is, how much space you have etc. Best bet is to take your camera to a shop and check it out on a few different tripods. Best advice i can give you is to make sure it's as sturdy and heavy as possible so it doesn't wobble.

[@Csoery]

Couldn't agree more with this advice. One of the biggest shocks about photography for me was the tripod prices... I remember I looked them up and my eyes were bleeding for like two weeks at those price tags. But they are worth it, even if it sounds a stellar cost at first sight. I wouldn't dare tell anyone who doesn't do photogprahy how much I paid for mine, they'd think I'm crazy... I bought a

[@MikeBrowne]

Couldn't agree with you more Csoery - Are they worth it? Depends in what price someone is willing to pay to get clean sharp images on a windy day in low light etc... Seems a shame to invest in going somewhere amazing, then having disappointing photos because they only spent 50 EUR on a plastic tripod. Well aid sir - MIKE :-)

[@MikeBrowne]

Thanks. I went the way I did for three reasons. There were more people you can't see behind Jayne with the camera and she'd have to back through them to let me through, the video light was pointing the other way - and I did apologise to them so I don't think I was being that bad..

[@RedDevil1848]

Hi, If someone I know is interested in photography but not as keen as I am is it better advice to say hold off on the tripod and wait till you know what you want or let's get something for you, cheaper, knowing later (if still interested in photography) you'll spend more.... or just say forget the tripod till you are really keen on the hobby. Thanks Ian

[@MikeBrowne]

Hi Ian Dingle - I'd say wait until they know if they're properly into photography first. No point buying a wobbly tripod, if anything it might put them off.

[@MikeBrowne]

Sorry i'm not an expert on what';s on the market - so have a look round the camera stores and see what you can find that's low and stable. Don't worry about the brand - just how stable it is. Hope this helps..

[@MikeBrowne]

a 'quid' is UK slang for a Pound - like people say 'Bucks' for dollars. You can always convert to other currencies with an online currency converter, there are loads of them online for free. Hope this helped...

[@oldschoolwarrior]

More brilliant advice from Mike. While it seems like lighter would be more practical, you need the weight for stability. My rule of thumb is if the shot requires a tripod I automatically use the timer for the shutter.

[@GodzillaGoesGaga]

I have a Manfrotto and my trick to the weight thing is to add a carabiner to the Center and a sling/loop and then use my bag as the counterweight. Tighten the sling and you've got a centre weighted tripod and you're not carrying unnecessary weight around!!

[@madisonmoore8508]

Thank you :) I'm happy that you actually take the time to comment and tell people what you think!the one I hint I'm going to get is a vanguard altapro that has a pistol grip :)

[@hvozi5268]

Hi Mike, I just wanted to say that I'm really impressed by both your passion and devotion towards people. You take the time to respond to the comments the best way you can in almost every video you've made, it's easy to see you are a great human being. There isn't a lot of people like you on earth and even less on the Internet, and I admire you for that. Please never give up because still many people need you but haven't found your videos yet. But here again it's not only about the videos, but about the person behind it. Keep doing what you love because you got talent. I'm a musician, and beginner in photography, I was just looking for a tripod for my Nikon D7100, but I had more than an answer. I wish you to be happy and successful year 2015, you really deserve it. From France A young 19 year old student (I will share your videos with people who need them)

[@MikeBrowne]

Thank you so much for your very kind comment KANYESMILE? ? I truly appreciate it and your help growing the channel. Have a fantastic 2015 yourself - and please share some of your pics on our Facebook page. maybe enter some of our competitions... ? We have a Black and White body parts one for January facebook.com/DigitalPhotographyVideos

[@MikeBrowne]

Hi Shravan Kulkarni - Sorry i can't advise, never used either of them. If they are sturdy and don'e wobble i'm sure they'll be OK though

[@MikeBrowne]

Hi Shravan. Sorry i don't know or have used either of these tripods. Have a look on some forums / review sites to see what people are saying about them, or check them out in a shop and buy whichever is the sturdiest. Hope this helps..

[@unelias2592]

The most impressive thing is your speech skills. Good vibes and great tips.

[@LeftRight1511]

This is one of the few points I disagree with Mike (and other professionals) on. As someone who has started photography within the last 6 months on a very limited budget, virtually all that money has gone towards my body and lenses. The cheapy tripod I own only cost me £25, but it's allowed me to achieve shots I wouldn't otherwise have been able to, particularly in extremely low light levels (for example, I recently took some publicity shots for a LAN Gaming Event I help run, which are famous for being very low light affairs) I think the key is expectations: I don't expect my tripod to survive in high wind conditions; due to its lightweight construction, I always fire on self timer when using it and I don't expect it to survive for the next twenty years. While at some point in the future I expect to upgrade to a proper piece of kit, I think my cheapy is sufficient for what I try to do in the interim. It's nice to be able to spend £200 on good kit IF you have the money and at the moment I don't. For me, my cheapy tripod is better than not having one at all. So, yes, while a tripod that costs a tenth of the price of another won't be as good (surprise, surprise) I think they're a good short/mid term investment if you don't have the funds available for the 'real' kit right away.

[@MikeBrowne]

Good comment LeftRight92 The key here is you are thinking about what you're using the tripod for and how to use it. You're minimising the potential for shake by using self timer and are not out on a moor with springy grass and high wind to contend with. Because of that it's working for what you're doing and i congratulate you for that. However I still stick by my general advice that photographers buy the most sturdy tripod they can afford.

[@LeftRight1511]

Hi Mike Browne, thanks for the feedback. I do agree with the advice that photographers should buy the best tripod they can afford. The point I disagree on with most pros is this general sentiment that all cheapy tripods are completely worthless, which, providing you know the limitations of cheap kit, isn't necessarily true. Anyway, I won't keep banging on about this, as we seem to agree on the important points. I would just like to say thank you for all your amazing videos; they're extremely informative and I've learnt a lot, you're a great teacher! I was thinking about picking up one of your courses. As someone who has a lot of the technical understanding down but still sometimes struggles to 'find the shot' and is still building their creative skills, would you recommend the 7 building blocks or something else?

[@MikeBrowne]

Thanks LeftRight92 - It sounds to me that The 7 Blocks would be perfect for you as it's designed for photographers who know the technicalities and need to know how to string them together creatively. www.photographycourses.biz/courses/7-building-blocks-of-photography

[@pablo9364]

LeftRight92 your right on the mark but they’re a business so also trying to get our money LOL

[@ThePcm81]

Pan and tilt heads are generally preferred for video, because you can easier pan without tilting. For stills ball head is easier to use for framing in multiple axis.

[@disarmsox]

Decent video. Gorillapods are worth looking at - versatile and compact. You can also use a beanbag or try resting a camera on some railings, bench, post, or against another object - improvise to what's around you. Use the timer and learn to keep the camera still.

[@AllThingsLeeds]

Completely agree with this video. The £20 tripod I bought and 'used' was so plasticky and weak and wobbled all the time, in the wind it fell over and broke my canon 750D camera that was on (that cost over £500!!!) ended up buying the Manfrotto 190xdb tripod with the 804rc2 head and it's so much more stronger and a lot more sturdy and much better than the cheaper on I bought. Expensive tripods are well worth the money, even for beginners like I am! Perfect!

[@MichaelSmith-yy8fw]

All Things Leeds I

[@mamiyapress]

More very good information. I bought a 055 over 25yrs ago and I still use it today. I did buy a heavy duty Manfrotto and a Gitzo later on but find the 055 perfect for what I do.

[@blackpanda7612]

Something about this channel that I absolutely love. Very informative, unbiased, real. Thank you for these amazing videos. Always enjoy learning from a passionate professional.

[@MikeBrowne]

Great to hear Black Panda 🐼

[@hemingways27]

Thank you Mike! I just upgraded to a DSLR but didn't know what to look for in a tripod without spending a fortune. Your video helped me pick out a nice tripod with a quick release plate, ball head, and it's very stable.

[@MikeBrowne]

Yes I do too. There's no point investing in a tripod then leaving it at home because it's too heavy. This is one area where you have to put in the work and sometimes it means carrying a tripod up a mountain. I should have said that in the video :-/

[@derekmack]

The benefit of the monopod is not in shots where you might have a wait for the image to "happen", thats always in the domain of the tripod but more so when you have a 7D (2kg weight) and a 70-200mm (1kg) and your covering say a football match and the actions all over the place. if the teams go upfield, you can take some of the weight from your arms by resting on the mono and it's also sturdy enough for you to shoot panned shots while the camera and lens can be supported

[@MikeBrowne]

It's the Civic Centre branch of London Camera Exchange in Southampton UK

[@peteretheridge3117]

Totally agree with Mike's comments about tripods. I have had problems trying to get decent pictures using a cheap tripod which wobbled all over the place! Useless. Finally had to buy a more expensive but second hand Manfrotto tripod with ball head. A world of difference and an improvement to my photography. Thanks for another solid (pardon the pun!) piece of advice Mike!

[@MikeBrowne]

Thank you - and don't forget to do the practice because that's where it'll all go in and become second nature.

[@Pangchristian]

Ball head is really useful when youre taking a picture but pan tilt will be more useful if youre taking a video,because sometimes you just need the pan motion but you also got the tilt motion come along in the ball head

[@MikeBrowne]

Agreed Pang Christian I use ball heads for stills and have an oil filled video head on a Vinton Video tripod for movies..

[@gerrygwag]

I just bought a Celestron Alt-Az tripod with slow motion controls. One bad point, it's made for a telescope not a camera and has no extendable center post. Regardless, it works very well when I use a telephoto lens.

[@tectorama]

(Alan) All very good advice. I bought a "relatively" inexpensive tripod a couple of years ago (or should I say that my wife bought it for my birthday ) It's a Manfrotto, and was bought from a major camera shop. The same place I bought my camera and lenses. It's a very good travel tripod. Although when I went back to the shop to buy a quick release attachment for my 200-500 mm, they had stopped selling Manfrotto tripods. I got one on eBay though. I must admit that I rarely use the tripod, even when photographing wildlife, as birds can move too quickly, so can aircraft at airshows. It's "horses for courses" and depends to a great deal on the type of photography you are into.

[@caylamu8684]

I bought “HILLPOW Q1 tripod”on Amazon. 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.

[@MikeBrowne]

Brilliant Cayla Mu, glad you've found a tripod that suits you. Thank you for sharing with us, it's always great to hear recommendations - CHRISTINA :-)

[@UltraSonic73]

Awesome video, I just have a little thing to add: If you don't have multiple bodies and heavy pro lenses (which frankly, most of us don't), always carry a little fabric bag with you. You'll find little stones pretty much everywhere, and once you're done, you can pour them out again and you're ready to go :)

[@MikeBrowne]

Thanks. Great tip Florian - MIKE :-)

[@MikeBrowne]

We all learn from our mistakes so it's a wise person who's not afraid to make them. You know what to look for this time :-)

[@Robert-ug5hx]

I agree ,its heavy but I use a manfrotto 055 and a manfrotto 475 the bigger 475 is used for astronomy it is fitted with a manfrotto 502 video because of the extremely smooth pan and tilt

[@MikeBrowne]

Pleasure. - A monopod will only give you about 1 stop so from say 60th sec to a 120th

[@MikeBrowne]

Some of the 'oldies' are the best, I have a friend who's still using a 30 year old Gitzo tripod.

[@petermoel2]

The tripod I used most is a little that came free with a video camera. I use it most because it is so small because it fits into my backpack. My other tripods I really only take if I drive and the car is close to my shot. I'm just saying because I know a fair few people who have great tripods, but never use them, because of size and weight.

[@adamrichardson9917]

Tharun, I didn't pay loads for my heavy tripod, it only cost £80 from my local camera exchange.. U just need to keep your eye open for a deal.. You could even get lucky at a car boot sale

[@linjun4753]

My mother bought me a “HILLPOW Q1 tripod”on Amazon. The rubber feet on the bottom of the tripod legs grip nicely on level and any unbalanced surfaces. And it has a quick release mount so you can swap out cameras with ease.I recommend you can buy it.

[@tiiatanner7616]

2:58 Monopod is also good for self defense. It's like legal extendable baton and that's why often banned in some airports.

[@YourTypicalMental]

I think a better explaination is not because Tripods slow you down but elminate some of the work of composition and allows you to focus more on your settings and other variables.

[@mactully322]

when you was talking about hanging the camera bag over the tripod that tripod had a camera bag hook on the bottom so best use that no !.

[@berto1999]

Excellent video. You forgot to mention the minimum height: some tripods allow(and facilitate) macro photography, bringing the camera up to 8cm from the ground. And some heads allow precise adjustment, excellent for technique called Focus stacking. Some tripods also allow you to move the central axis.

[@RCM797]

Agree one 200% with you I used cheep tripod and was no good in wind or even when canera had taking pic ... So got a very strong one now and Yess its bit more work to carry it around ... But when you see results it worthwhile.. That's good tip but camera bag on tri-pod and keeps it clean too lol thumbs mike

[@MikeBrowne]

Thanks Joe taz6 A good tripod is a great investment. I bought both mine about 18 years ago and though they were expensive, they are still going strong so when the cost is divided by 18 years they were actually a very small price to pay for years of nice sharp pics.

[@jalepeno89]

Gitzo tripods have a hook on the bottom of their centre columns for bags to hang off. As good as Gitzos are though, I love my Manfrotto carbon fibre tripod! Best bang for your buck.

[@thelionheart67]

Hey Mike, after watching all of your very informative video's I took the plunge and went out and purchased a new tripod, I was using a Velbon CX686 Pan & Tilt, I found with the Nikon D2Xs there was too much wobble. Today I just received a new Benbo #2, teamed up with a Manfrotto 468MGRC0 head, very happy with the combination, the Benbo is going to take a bit of getting used too but it will be a good investment and I will be taking alot less wobbly pictures. Cheers for all your work. Tony.

[@maxfactor4209]

I have a fotopro carbon fiber tripod. bought around 300 £ using it for 5 years, very happy about it

[@PhotographyInsider]

Hi Mike - I love your point about seeing the cost of your tripod over a number of years. You're dead right - spend as much as you can justify. For anyone who hasn't ever used a ball head (see here 4:56 and here A 'Ball and Socket' Camera Mount on a Photographic Tripod) then I'd definitely recommend them. Next time you're in a camera store - have a play!

[@MikeBrowne]

Thank you Photography Incyder Info Blog It's a very worthwhile investment :-)

[@markromany]

Excellent video. I wish more review and guides were so straight to the point, and informative. Congrats and Thanks!

[@MikeBrowne]

Thanks Mark - MIKE :-)

[@MikeBrowne]

No worries. I probably should have explained that by 'cheap' I meant cheaply made - not the amount of money you spend. Sorry

[@volkerarminhemmann220]

I have a cheapo Hama tripod - and.. well, it is not really sturdy. Yeah, it helds the camera upright and so far there was never a risk of falling over. But even with a slight wind everything wobbles like a dubstep track. So I just ordered a new, heavier one. That said, I love the fact that the tripod slows me down. Putting up the tripod makes me think about the scene and what I really want to shoot. Instead of 20 quick clicks, 19 of them garbage, I only shoot 3 to 5 and then have a hard time to decide which of them (for my skill level) I like best. Also, people are nicer ;)

[@MikeBrowne]

Thank you Volker Armin Hemmann - great comment and a good choice to ditch the wobbly tripod :-)

[@MikeBrowne]

Just checked it and it's still there. Make sure you have copied and pasted from and including the / and 8

[@MikeBrowne]

Thank you so much for saying so. Please help us spread the word about our films by 'liking' 'G+ing', sharing them and linking to us on photo forums, Facebook etc

[@CMallams]

Manfrotto pistole grip head on top of what kind of tripod?

[@derekmack]

Can I suggest when you make a two parter you create a link from each video to the other? KZbin doesn't always list them one after the other and the search doesn't always find the second

[@jeanpierreguaron9222]

Mike, my interest in tripods is for macro work - and particularly, for fine live view focus on macro shots. I use manual focus for my macro work, so live view is THE way to get it right. Which leaves me with two questions. 1, you mention your tripod is 'much heavier' than the Manfrotto aluminium one you hold up in the clip - can I ask, what IS the tripod you use? 2, what would you consider the 'best', to dampen down ALL movement? Because as I try to do live view focus, the camera kind of trembles enough to frustrate my efforts to get perfect focus. Currently I'm using a Linhof with leg bracing - it's about 10-15 years old, and almost gets me there, but there's still a tremor while I'm trying to focus.

[@MikeBrowne]

+jean pierre Guaron My 'big' tripod is a manfrotto ART 050 and the small one is a Benbo (not sure which one because lable came off about 15 years ago) The heavier your tripod is and the more robust the head is = the less wobble / vibration. Check out the video linked below, at 4:06 there's info about my tripods - MIKE www.photographycourses.biz/videos/reviews-and-help/help-and-advice/Photography-FAQ-Pt2

[@jeanpierreguaron9222]

+Mike Browne Thnx Mike - that looks like the "bee's knees", for my purposes. The weight is not a concern - wobble is, though. And being offered a carbon fibre 'pod on the basis that it "dampens vibrations quicker" isn't the answer for me, because I want to eliminate any vibrations while I'm trying to focus.

[@MikeBrowne]

jean pierre Guaron No worries. I think Manfrotto make accessories as well like cross beams which are great for macro work. Just looked up the 058 and it's not a cheap tripod. It cost a lot when I bought it (don't remember how much but it made me suck air at the time) however 21 years later and it's still Rockin' so it was a fantastic investment and great value. Might be worth researching if anyone makes a heavy tripod specifically designed for macro... - MIKE

[@jeanpierreguaron9222]

+Mike Browne Thanks for your interest & help Mike - seems that with fine macro work, the best solution is to stop short of maximum magnification of the focus point - I've had comment from another pro who has faced the same problem and come to the same conclusion. My 15-year old frill-free Linhof monster seems to be as good as any of the alternatives, and probably on a level with the 085b or 475b that Manfrotto make. Not for everyone of course, but certainly for my purposes. (Those two Manfrottos do other things - but that's pretty irrelevant for me)

[@kennywhyte1295]

I can highly recommend the Hama Travellor Compact pro, which bucks the trend of "cheap tripods are rubbish". It's only £35 on amazon and it's pretty sturdy (i've shot 2 min exposures in the wind which were nice and sharp). It's well built, light, has a replaceable ball-head, quick release plate, reverseable main shaft for macro work, legs go very low for low min height and it comes with a handy bag. Definitely worth checking out.

[@heminder]

Thanks mike. I might add a monopod to my kit for taking with me everywhere for low light and telephoto use. What kind of boost in shutter speed can I expect from it? I know it won't be as stationary as a tripod will be.

[@jjccllgg]

As an amateur traveling, I love my Vanguard VEO 235AB. Thanks for your video! Try this one Mike. It is only around US$100.

[@GabrielKnightz]

Out of curiosity, what is that thing with two red eyes, on the top rack, next to your right elbow at 00:13, Lot of fun stuff there, i've never seen a monopod before.

[@800764]

Just bought myself a tripod for my new DSLR. I bought a Manfrotto one. Only problem was that I had to part with £185 ouch! That was for both the tripod and the head but like you said it's a tiny cost and you will get better, sharper pictures.

[@andrewxx7]

I first brought a £20 tripod, which worked great for me when learning, now I have a Gitzo systematic tripod for wildlife and my cheap £20 I still use for holding a perch for birds to Land on

[@shhaseena25]

Oh man! The ball head and the pistol grip is awesome! Mike can you please make a tutorial on how to use a monopod? I've always loved your videos and you inspire me so much from you great work, simple and easy to understand lessons! Thanks a ton😊

[@lilblingking1491]

+Haseena Hussain I always think of a monopod being used more for supporting the weight of a heavy lens...like 500mm. That's a beast of a lens! Hahah

[@adamrichardson9917]

I never realised just how important tripods were till I actually got out there and started using them. I have a really light weight one which is good if there's no wind but its not very steady. So I went and got a big heavy harma tripod and it doesn't budge! Weighs a ton but its great! I'v recently got a gorilla pod, still experimenting with it but love it so far. Tripods!!!!... Very important!! :-)

[@judiannp]

Is there any chance you give us the US$ equivalent when referring to the cost of things. I haven't a clue what a quid

[@brianbrooking496]

The ronseal vlog of tripods...... no messing just straight up factual information well presented. Love it, none of the smash the like, subscribe or 5 min into talking about how good your coffee is..... excellent and very helpful. Will use the tips here when I head to NEC Birmingham to hopefully bag a tripod and head. As a newb I use a second hand one, until I figured out what I need. I was trying to shoot a lighthouse while perched on a hillside, sadly was blown about and could be seen in the camera as I zoomed in trying to pick the focus point.....

[@MikeBrowne]

I hate to break it to you but if you're talking about the Photography Show it's been postponed...

[@brianbrooking496]

Mike Browne no way, I had no idea. I guess I will have a long weekend in the UK. Worst places I could be I guess. Once again appreciate the video.

[@bugrabayndr3687]

Thanks Mike, your videos a making me want to watch more of them and the many photos using what I learned! Also, I have a question: Any suggestion on at least how heavy the tripod should be for normal outdoor photography? I can find almost nothing under £300 and heavier than 3 kilograms. Best one I can find is £260 and 3.1 kilograms (Manfrotto MK055XPRO3-BH kit). Antything cheaper isn't heavier than 2,7 kilograms and anything heavier than 3,1 kilograms is VERY expensive (mostly Gitzo).

[@bikermansl3]

Mike Browne, do you happen to have any books about your photography skills Anf technique? I love your videos and they are so helpful. I like your teaching style compared other photographers. Thanks Mike

[@MikeBrowne]

Thanks Preston Yardley I have 3 Ebook course on my site at www.photographycourses.biz/photography_courses.html

[@zoltankollar]

Very professional well explained useful advices. Thank you.

[@WiltshireMan]

Hi Mike, I only buy cheap tripods. So far I have worn out 4 in two years. By the time I get to 70 I reckon I would have spent around the same money for a Manfrotto and nice head....And my pictures would have been better too. I am still young enough to change my ways, so I may take onboard your good advice. Just wish I had deeper pockets. Sandy

[@MikeBrowne]

:-)

[@grumpyoldget]

Hey Sandy why not see if Mike will trade you a carbon tripod for one of your knives? Could be a win win for the pair of you. Just a thought.

[@MikeBrowne]

Thank you Gerald Thomas. I will be setting up workshops in other countries and have several offers of help from followers like you in the states to make them happen. If you're interested please email me through the site and I'll add you to the list...

[@MikeBrowne]

I'm sorry - you've lost me :-/ But thanks for your comment - Mike

[@PhotographySuperHero]

Do all tripods have a standard thread for your camera on ??

[@NMalteC]

Sometimes you have to compromise. My tripod must fit on the back seat of my motorbikes or lashed to my backpack. It is still very good quality, though.

[@MikeBrowne]

As long as it does the job, doesn't wobble and you photos are sharp that's all you need +Malte Christensen I have a small Manfrotto 190 go with a Manfrotto PRO-BHQ2 head for exactly the same reasons, (motorbike and backpack) and it works brilliantly - MIKE

[@davidpinder4587]

Mike. I have an original Benbo mk1 which I've owned from my film SLR days. Love it to bits. Just wonder if you could advise me of a better budget head to buy for this.

[@MikeBrowne]

Sorry David I don't know what's on the market these days. The head on my Benbo is an old Manfrotto I bought along with tripod about 20 years ago. It's sadly discontinued. I don't recommend budget heads, especially not for such a strong tripod as your benbo. Cheaply made plasticy heads vibrate - undoing all the good work you do carrying a great tripod about with you... I like ball heads and would expect to spend about £125 min on a new one. I'm sure there are good used ones on ebay for less... MIKE

[@MikeBrowne]

Oh that's a bummer. Just get a sturdy one and follow the pointers in this video. Personally i use a Benbo. Have a look at /watch?v=u0wN5QVg2x8 for a bit more on this..

[@jaimezapata99]

Hello Mike, great video. by the way could you please write down the brand of the tripod that you use with the pistol head... thanks.....

[@cameragirl51]

At the end of the video, what was the model number of the tripod and pistol grip you featured?

[@tekorbis3189]

Mike Browne I have a small lightweight bridge camera should I still invest in an expensive tripod(£100+)

[@jockearnold]

If you are looking for a reasonably good carbonfiber tripod vid a B2 ballhead included, check out the brand Triopo! Got one recently and i'm really happy with it! The best part of it is that you can screw of one of the legs and use it as a monopod if you can't bring the whole thing!

[@june1146]

Well thanx a lot! It ws really helpful! D only thing dat creates confusion is d variety availabl! Its so complex to choose d right one.. :(

[@ImprovisedSurvival]

Funny thing. My pan head is buried in storage so I purchased a ball head from someones very strong suggestions. I hate the ball head. Next will be the pistol grip. Great video, thanks from Chicago.

[@paradeyes82]

Your videos are simply amazing! Inspiring, informative and a joy to watch! Keep up the good work, greets from Greece!

[@willgingell5595]

Hi Mike, could you please say which shop you are in? I live in Lymington, could you recommend somewhere local. Got to say, your presentation style is so relaxed and easy to watch. And I really like the tone in your voice, your enthusiasm pours through. Have subscribed. Please keep helping us out.

[@MikeBrowne]

Hey Will. Thank you for your kind words. This is London Camera Exchange Southampton Civic Centre, I also go to LCE Winchester as well.... MIKE :-)

[@willgingell5595]

Mike Browne cheers for the reply Mike.

[@RobBob555]

i use that giottos tripod featured here, its great .. but heavy so ive just bought the carbon version.. i love giottos.

[@farouq1983]

I got the Manfrotto 055CXPRO4 carbon fibre tripod with the MH054M0-02 Magnesium ball head, I believe it is a decent combination. Thank you for sharing your thoughts about this vital topic if I may say.

[@geojor]

agree with you on heavy tripods...

[@Dazdigo]

TSA says monopods and canes are allowed through for carry on but not walking sticks.

[@Ozzie5871]

Good video! Well presented & very clear - really enjoyed it - Thx!

[@stevegardner74]

Is that the sales tag on your shirt?

[@jdgibson7636]

As always, a great and informative video Mike. I recently upgraded from my budget Velbon cx200 and bought a Manfrotto 055xprob. I appreciate the weight and quality of build. I want to ask if you could do a video on travelling tripods as a travel abroad quite a bit. I quite like the Manfrotto be free, but wanted to know your thoughts. Many thanks.

[@MikeBrowne]

Thanks Jdgibson76 I've never used any tripod other than the two in my videos and both are pretty heavy. Sorry not much help on this one..

[@Hkmmotologs]

and what's the model of the manfrotto carbon fiber tripod u showed?

[@MrBanzoid]

Hi Mike... After a succession of cheap tripods I managed to find a Benbo Classic No 2 in immaculate condition for sixty quid. Yes, it's heavy but that's what you want and it's versatile - you can arrange it in positions where it would be difficult or impossible to use a normal one. Do you use one as well?

[@MikeBrowne]

Hi MrBanzoid. Not sure what model number my Benbo is (label wore off about 15 years ago) but yes - I love them... MIKE

[@MikeBrowne]

Exciting waiting for new stuff isn't it. Hope it gives you years of great service.

[@lonnieclemens8028]

Looking forward to owning a good tripod stand someday. Thank you for sharing this video.

[@MikeBrowne]

Always look second hand as well as new 😊

[@GabrielKnightz]

Does that kind have any specific name?