DSLR Tripods

Construction:

• Tripods - very stable thanks to the three-point structure and immensely popular among photographers. Some types can be put up just above the ground, which is great for close-ups.
• Monopods - commonly used by journalists, they provide one-point support and good portability. Come in handy in situations where assembling a tripod simply isn’t viable.
• Table top tripods - most commonly used for compact cameras; their low weight and small size allows you to take them virtually anywhere.

Tripod Heads:

• Ball - offer many advantages, such as their small size, fast and easy operation, and low weight. Suitable for moments when you don’t have much time to fiddle with the settings. Some also allow you to capture panoramas.
• Three-way - have three axes and each axis can be set separately. Very useful when you need to set the camera into a very precise, often inclined position. Setting them up is rather time-consuming.
• Videoheads - designed mainly for shooting videos, thanks to a handle that allows for smooth horizontal and vertical camera panning.

Tripod brands:

• Gitzo - the leading tripod manufacturer for photographers who can’t settle for imperfections and compromises. Their products are known for their sophisticated design, finest materials, and excellent quality.
• Manfrotto - make quality tripods with a great construction. Excellent price/performance ratio. The ideal choice for advanced photographers.
• Vanguard and Velbon - great tripods for beginners and casual photographers.

Other:

• Tripod height - tripod should be sufficiently tall to make shooting comfortable, but you should also keep in mind its minimum height, which is crucial when working with macro photography.
• Maximum weight capacity - indicates how much weight your tripod and tripod head can bear.
• Weight - a tough and heavy tripod is suitable for a photography studio, but if you are planning to do some travelling, a folding tripod with a lightweight construction would be a better idea.