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The Ultimate Guide to Everything Tripods

by Keenan Hursh
Photography is a truly remarkable art form that allows us to capture moments, express emotions, and create timeless memories. We can quite literally freeze a moment in time with light and share our perspectives with countless others with the simple click of a button. I often take this incredible gift for granted.

With that being said, as photographers we all strive to capture moments in just the right way and are constantly seeking higher levels of control over the images we produce. I strive to create images that accurately portray exactly what I saw with my naked eye, but this is very often easier said than done.

One of the best ways to control or fine-tune your photography process is with the use of accessories. You can achieve quite a bit with just a camera body and lens, but there certainly are several key accessories that can easily allow you to level up your game. In today’s article, we’re going to focus on one of the most important, if not the most important, accessories out there: The tripod.

To achieve the highest quality in our photographs, it is essential to have a steady hand and a stable camera. This is where tripods come into play. Tripods provide stability, precision, and flexibility, allowing photographers to take their craft to the next level. Of course, with the modern mirrorless cameras of today, tripods may not be quite as crucial, but they still have many important roles to play even if you can now shoot a half-second exposure handheld with ease.

In this ultimate guide to everything tripods, we will explore in-depth the benefits tripods provide and the different types available, empowering you to choose the perfect tripod for your photography needs. Let’s get into it!


The Benefits of Using Tripods

Tripods offer numerous benefits that can benefit your photography, and these go well beyond simply allowing you to shoot at longer shutter speeds. Let’s break down some of the most impactful benefits these tools can provide.

Longer Exposures: 
Of course, probably the most common reason we hear of photographers using tripods is the ability to shoot longer exposures. Tripods enable photographers to capture longer shutter speeds that require exposure times longer than what can be accomplished handheld. This includes astrophotography such as photographing star trails, light painting, capturing the motion of waterfalls or streams, creating silky smooth images of moving subjects, and so much more. By keeping the camera perfectly still during longer exposures, tripods produce stunning results.

It’s impressive what you can achieve handheld with modern mirrorless cameras utilizing in-body-image stabilization and built-in lens stabilization. In fact, many modern-day photographs have chosen to go without tripods altogether. Perhaps this works for some, but I am a firm believer that tripods can still play a crucial role even with the advanced cameras of today.

Stability: 
Another one of the primary advantages of using a tripod is the stability it provides. By eliminating camera shake caused by unsteady hands, the pressing of a shutter button, or even the reflex of a mirror in a DSLR tripods allow for sharper and more detailed images. This stability is particularly crucial in low-light situations, long exposures, or when using telephoto lenses, where even the slightest movement can result in blurry photos. Bottom line, a tripod can help you achieve the absolute sharpest image possible.

To continue the same conversation this is much less of an issue with modern mirrorless cameras and lenses but if you’re still shooting with a DSLR or want an extra bit of security it’s never a bad idea to use a tripod for added stability. Using a delayed shutter or remote shutter will help even more.

Composition Control: 
In my opinion, this is one of the absolute best features of using a tripod that remains true no matter what camera or lens you’re using. Tripods allow photographers to precisely compose their shots and make fine-tuned adjustments without constantly holding the camera. This enhances your creative control, allowing you to experiment with different angles, perspectives, and framing. You can easily achieve accurate horizons, capture vertical shots without distortion, and create long exposure effects with precision.

The number of times I’ve been shooting handheld, especially with a higher focal length, and have struggled to achieve just the right composition is absurd. Perhaps my horizon line isn’t quite straight, or maybe the edges of my images are busy and distracting. No matter what the issue is, having a tripod to accurately capture specific compositions is a game changer.

Multiple Exposures and Panoramas: 
This is a continuation of the same conversation but with the stability and control of a tripod, you can exposure bracket and capture smooth panoramas with ease. Utilizing a tripod, you can easily capture multiple exposures for high dynamic range (HDR) photography. A tripod will allow you to maintain the same composition throughout each exposure and will make the post-processing workflow much easier. Additionally, tripods are great when shooting panoramic images. By precisely aligning your camera for each shot, you can seamlessly stitch multiple images together to create breathtaking panoramas.

Types of Tripods

So, it’s clear that there are many uses for tripods and many ways in which they can drastically improve your photography. But, there are also many types of tripods available on the market and it can be overwhelming if you don’t know exactly what you’re looking for. Let’s take a look at different types of tripods so that you can decide which is best for you.

Standard Tripods:
We’ll start out with the most common and widely used style of tripod that you’ve probably all seen at one point or another. Standard tripods are by far the most common type used by all sorts of photographers. These get the job done, are a true jack-of-all-trades option, and don’t usually come with any fancy bells and whistles. They offer height adjustability, stability, and versatility. These tripods typically feature extendable legs with multiple sections, allowing for a wide range of shooting heights and angles. Standard tripods can support a variety of cameras and lenses, making them suitable for different photography genres.

If you’re just getting started out, or want a tripod that you can use for a plethora of shooting styles and don’t have any specific needs then this is most likely a great option for you. I started out with a standard tripod and still use one every now and then depending on circumstances.

Travel or Compact Tripods:
Travel or Compact tripods are designed for photographers who prioritize portability. They are lightweight and easily collapsible, making them ideal for travel and on-the-go photography. These tripods are quite convenient and easy to carry but they are typically designed to support lightweight cameras and lenses, providing basic stability while minimizing size and weight. They often sacrifice height extension and load capacity compared to standard tripods but offer convenience for photographers on the move.

Carbon Fiber Tripods: 
Carbon fiber tripods have gained popularity due to their lightweight yet durable construction. They offer excellent vibration-dampening properties, which further enhance stability and minimize camera shake. Carbon fiber tripods are ideal for photographers who prioritize portability without compromising on stability and strength. While they tend to be more expensive than aluminum tripods, they provide a reliable and lightweight option.

I recently purchased a nice carbon fiber tripod and I absolutely love it. It gives me the exact same stability and flexibility as my standard tripod but at a fraction of the weight. If you can afford it, I think that a carbon fiber tripod that can extend far enough to suit your height is an excellent option for almost any photographer.

Tabletop Tripods: 
These small, low-profile tripods are perfect for compact cameras and smartphones. They are designed to stabilize your camera on a table, desk, or any other flat surface. Tabletop tripods are great for capturing low-angle shots, macro photography, time-lapse videos, and recording stable videos with your smartphone. Manufacturers do create very compact, tabletop tripods for DSLRs and mirrorless cameras but they are quite limited in how they can be used.

Studio Tripods: 
Studio tripods are heavy-duty and built to withstand the demands of studio setups. These tripods are robust and provide maximum stability and support for larger cameras, heavy lenses, and professional lighting equipment. Studio tripods are typically used in controlled studio environments where portability is less of a concern. They offer solid construction, precise adjustments, and the ability to handle heavy equipment without compromising stability.


Choosing the Right Tripod

We’ve discussed why tripods are such a powerful tool and have gone over some of the most popular styles or types of tripods currently used by photographers. But I want to make sure you make the right decision when purchasing your next tripod, or at the very least steer you in the right direction. In general, we suggest two different avenues for tripods. If you're looking for the highest-quality tripod ever designed, look no further than Really Right Stuff. If you want a tripod that gets 75% of the way to Really Right Stuff at about 25% of the price, check out the Ranger Series by Leofoto. You can also get 20% off Leofoto tripods by using the code 'BCJ20'. We have a ton of experience with lots of different types and brands of gear, these are our two favorite brands when it comes to tripods. Now, let’s discuss some of the key factors you should consider when choosing the tripod that’s just right for your photography

Load Capacity: 
One of the most important factors to consider is load capacity, or the amount of weight your tripod can handle. Ensure that a tripod can support the weight of your camera and lens combination at the very least. It’s never a bad idea to get something that goes above and beyond your camera weight to compensate for the addition of accessories and to provide even more stability. Check the maximum load capacity specified by the manufacturer to determine if it meets your requirements.

Height and Adjustability: 
When choosing a tripod, height and adjustability are also very important factors to consider. If you have to significantly hunch over just to look through your viewfinder you won’t have a very enjoyable time capturing images. And if you have to spend a lot of time extending the legs of your tripod and setting it up, you might miss the perfect shot. Look for a tripod with adjustable height options that suit your shooting needs. Consider the maximum and minimum working heights, as well as the number of leg sections and leg locks available. This will allow you to shoot comfortably at various angles and heights.

Material/Construction: 
You should also consider the materials a tripod is made with. This really affects the weight and stability of a tripod, so you’ll have to weigh the benefits and drawbacks to decide what’s right for you. Tripods are commonly made from aluminum or carbon fiber. Aluminum tripods offer durability and affordability, making them a popular choice for many photographers. Carbon fiber tripods, on the other hand, are lightweight, strong, and provide excellent vibration-dampening properties. They are often preferred by photographers who prioritize portability without compromising stability. Some manufacturers even make titanium tripods or use other, less common materials.

Portability: 
Another important aspect to consider is portability. If you’re constantly on the move and hiking to shot locations, you probably don’t want a super heavy and large metal tripod. If you don’t need to travel very far and want the absolute best stabilization and durability, then perhaps you do want something large and heavy. If you do frequently travel or shoot on location, opt for a tripod that is lightweight, compact, and easily collapsible. Travel tripods are specifically designed to meet these needs without sacrificing too much stability and if you’re flying on a plane or need compact luggage, you’ll definitely want to go this route.

Conclusion

Well, there we have it. At Backcountry Journeys we understand that tripods are indispensable tools for photographers seeking stability, precision, and creative control. This simple tool can allow you to elevate your photography to new heights and capture images better than ever before.

Whether you are capturing stunning landscapes, photographing portraits, or capturing intimate wildlife images, choosing the right tripod is crucial. Consider the benefits that tripods provide, such as stability, improved image quality, composition control, and the ability to capture long exposures and panoramas. Explore the different types of tripods available, including compact, tabletop, standard, travel, and studio tripods, each tailored to specific photography needs. Take into account factors such as load capacity, height adjustability, materials, stability features, and portability when selecting your ideal tripod.

By investing in a high-quality tripod that suits your requirements, you can elevate your photography and achieve remarkable results. It’s worth noting that by doing ample research and investing in the right tripod early on you will likely save money. I’ve purchased several tripods over the years as I wasn’t sure what I need in the beginning, and I no longer use many of them. I wish I had read this article when I was first getting started on my photography journey.

I sincerely hope this article has been informative and educational and I hope it will assist anyone looking to purchase a tripod for themselves. I wish you all the best of luck on your next photography outings and don’t forget to take a quality tripod. Until next time!
















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 AUTHOR 

Keenan Hursh is a Photographer, visual designer, and creative story teller based out of Bozeman, Montana. He draws inspiration from his frequent excursions into the natural world and always brings his camera along to capture whatever adventures he finds himself in. Keenan is passionate about documenting and sharing fleeting moments from the natural world and focuses primarily on wildlife, landscape, and adventure photography.

When it comes to gear, he primarily shoots digital with his Canon EOS R5 and EOS 6D mark ii but also has several 35mm film cameras that get out every now and then.

At a very young age, Keenan started bringing a camera along on his excursions and immediately fell in love with the art of photography. He started out with his parent’s cheap point and shoot and has continuously improved his craft and gear refining his shooting style and producing more compelling and intriguing images.

Growing up in the foothills of Boulder, Colorado, surrounded by mountains and wilderness, Keenan has developed a deep passion for many outdoor activities. When he’s not out on a shoot or using his camera, Keenan enjoys skiing, climbing, hiking, backpacking, cycling, whitewater rafting, and paragliding. If he’s outside, away from the distractions of society and civilization, he’s in his happy place.

Keenan studied Emergent Digital Practices at the University of Denver while minoring in Marketing and Entrepreneurship. Since earning his degree in 2019 he was worked with a wide range of clients, companies, and organizations throughout his career. Apart from photography he specializes in content creation, writing, brand development, and graphic design.

You can view Keenan’s portfolio on his website at www.keenanhurshphoto.com

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BACKCOUNTRY JOURNEYS
"Backcountry Journeys offers guests the unique opportunity to explore our natural world from behind their own lens. We run a selection of hand-crafted Photo Tours, Workshops & Safaris connecting passionate people to exceptional experiences. Locations worldwide.
All Images & Content are property of Backcountry Journeys Photography Tours, Workshops & Safaris LLC - Copyright 2024
CONTACT US
Monday-Friday
8am to 4pm Mountain Time
928-478-1521
adventure@backcountryjourneys.com

TRIP CATALOG

Download our Trip Catalog for detailed information on our many destinations for photography tours, workshops, and safaris.

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