Buying the Right Tripod - DSLR Tripod Recommendations

Tripods come in various sizes with different degrees of movement. The best lightweight travel tripods actually consist of two main pieces: the legs and the head. The average consumer tripod has these two pieces together, but in the upper tripods, each part is purchased separately. A typical DSLR camera weighs about 2 lbs., Adds a few accessories like a flash and a long lens and you will need a tripod that can safely handle the load of the computer.

Tripod Basics

A basic tripod usually has aluminum legs, a tilting, tilting head and a clamp that connects the legs to the center column. Switch to a more expensive tripod and you will find legs made of carbon fiber, magnesium and other light and durable materials, central columns that are inverted to lower the chamber to the ground and sections sealed against dust and moisture. You'll also find a variety of heads, including ball heads, three and five-way heads and also gun heads. Tripods can cost as much as $ 1000 or more, but the vast majority cost less than $ 250.

Tripods Below $ 100

In the range of less than $ 100, there are some models of best travel tripod reviews that really stand out from the rest. Davis and Sanford, a respected tripod manufacturer, manufacture the three-section Fusion tripod with three-way fluid head. This tripod has a maximum length of 61 inches and a load capacity of 8 lbs. The tripod has a quick-release plate on its head and a central geared column. The Fusion weighs 3.7 lbs. and it comes with a carrying case.

The Davis and Sanford Fusion sells for approximately $ 43. Giottos, one of the most tripod brands ordered by professional photographers, also manufactures a quality tripod for less than $ 100. The Giottos HD324 has a maximum height of 63.4 inches and supports a load capacity of 6.6 lbs. The HD324 comes with a three-way tray head, locking leg clamps and a grooved handle on the center column. This tripod weighs 3.5 lbs. and it sells for approximately $ 45.

$ 100 to $ 150

Manfrotto is another type of travel tripod advice brand of professional photographers. For around $ 130, you can pick up the Manfrotto 293 three-section aluminum tripod with QR (quick-release) ball joint. Tripod 293 extends to a maximum height of 62 inches and has a maximum load capacity of 8.81 lbs. This tripod has an anti-shock collar and weighs 3.85 lbs. Also in this price range is the Slik Pro 500HD tripod with three-way head and quick shoe release. The 500HD supports up to 11 lbs. and it extends to a maximum height of 65 inches. The Pro 500HD is made of an aluminum, magnesium and titanium alloy composite. It sells for around $ 150.

Tripods Above $ 150

Tripods over $ 150 include the MK3 Benbo Trekker tripod kit with ball head and carrying case. This tripod has a maximum support weight of 17 lbs. And extends to 61 inches. The tripod weighs 4.5 lbs. And it includes a spherical head for quick and fast movement. The Bengo Trekker MK3 has a cost of $ 179. 3 Legged Thing manufactures the Brian X1 carbon fiber tripod of five sections with a 1 ball head that costs around $ 399. The Brian X1 extends to a maximum height of 81.1 inches and supports a maximum load of 17.6 lbs. The tripod features a magnesium head with an Arca Swiss style clamp and a three-section reversible central column.

For more information on DSLR tripods, proper use and other photography tips, visit “Best Travel Tripods In 2018”