Okay, I’m going to get a little neurotic for a minute.
I hate tripods, . . . . and yet I love tripods.
I love the images I can create with a good tripod, especially HDR images. There are times that to get the Infrared image that I want I need my camera steady.
What I hate has been that I have to decide between a solid tripod . . . that weighs a ton, or a rickety, flimsy one that barely holds my camera.
Well, modern science has once again triumphed. I still do not my flying car, but now there are tripods that are sturdy and do not weigh a lot.
I have put together a list of the my top 4 tripods.
This is not a comparison; all of these are great and I don’t think you’ll go wrong using any one of them.
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Sirui T-024X Carbon Fiber Tripod and C-10X Ball Head.
It is is the lightest tripod on my list, it weighs only 1.5 pounds, and holds 13lbs of camera. Fully extended, it is 54.7 inches high, and can get as low as 4.9 inches.
The best part is it folds down to 15.7 inches.
It will fool you when you pick it up because it is so light. That is because it is made of carbon fiber. Even fully extended this tripod is solid in a strong wind.
At 1.5 lbs it is great for hiking with a pack.
I guarantee that next year when I conduct a workshop in the Great Smoky Mountains this tripod will be along for the trip, but I won’t feel it.
You can find out more about this one here
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Vanguard VEO 235AB Aluminum Tripod with TBH‑50 Ball Head
I picked this one because of the interesting design of its center column.
It is still light at 3.3 lbs, and holds up to 13 lbs. It goes up 60 inches, and down to ground level. Folded it is only 14.8 inches; it fits easily into a backpack. The center column pivots into place and locks, making this a very quick tripod to set up. Once set up this tripod has the look and feel of a full size tripod.
You can read more about it here
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Fotopro Traveller kit—TT-1
This is a great set up for a day trip or short shoot. The TT-1 is a complete travel tripod and camera bag kit. The bag is designed to hold a camera and a tripod at the bottom. I was able to fit my Canon 7DMKII with a wide angle lens, and there was enough space for another small lens. The entire set up is a sling bag that fits in the middle of your back. If you are a mirrorless shooter this would be perfect as you could probably fit in more gear.
The tripod is a stylish looking piece that is only 2.6lbs, will hold 11lbs, and opens up to 46.6 inches high. It looks very cool and functions extremely well.
Wanna see more, click here
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Joby GorillaPod Focus
My final choice is a tripod that every photographer should have. The Gorilla Pod is a quite simply a tripod that will adjust to any setting. It looks like a toy, but is anything but.
It’s about 11 1/2 inches high, weighs 1.7 lbs, supports 11 lbs of gear and adjust in ways you would not believe.
It is basically three legs made of articulated balls, that will twist, and wrap around whatever you want.
I’ve wrapped mine around a tree, a rock, fence post, you name it. Once in place you just utilize it like a regular tripod.
You should check this out here
So, there’s my 4 Top picks for a great Tripod . . . . . What do you think?
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Dan Wampler
Dan Wampler is a digital artist from St Louis, MO. Having been interested in art and photography since childhood, he spent most of adult life working for Kodak and in the portrait photography industry. A student of the works of Ansel Adams, Any Warhol, and David Hamilton, Dan attempted to keep a wide range of artistic style.
As an early adopter of digital imaging, he found it gave him a way to completely incorporate art and photography. Began shooting Digital Infrared in 2004, and had first camera converted in 2006. His work has been seen in numerous gallery shows, is featured in an iTunes app. He produces Infrared and natural color digital art for sale and teaches his post-production techniques online.
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Enjoyed your good comments on tripods. Would love to see one from you on camera backpacks–one not too big, and not too small, but just right for one who likes to carry two or three cameras, and a few lenses.
Never heard of the Sirui, but thanks for the tip. By the way, there is no such word a “allot.”
Opps, Thanks Jim, that one slipped by. It’s fixed now!
It’s a touch up between the Sirui and the Vanguard. Both have some great features.
Ahhhhh… the Sirui. I must own one. And the Joby to add to my collection of various and sundry tripods, none of which are perfect but, I guess, that each serve their own purposes.
Wow.. I only wish I had read this before I bought my tripod.. Maybe I can leave it somewhere and get a new one.. Thanks for the info..
Hi. I’m quite interested in the Vanguard VEO 235AB Aluminum Tripod with TBH‑50 Ball Head, to replace my existing tripod. I’ve looked at this model a few times, so your review provides confirmation that I am looking in the right direction. As well, the Fotopro Traveller kit—TT-1 looks to be spot on for what I am needing for a quick day pack for hiking. Thank you for the review! I will most definitely be looking to reading more from you. – Pam
I’d have to get used to the Sirui – things that are that size and made of carbon fiber tend to get launched into the stratosphere because I forget they weigh nothing when I pick them up. That Vanguard model, though – I may have to take a closer look at that one. I really like the option of the center column! Thanks for the reviews, Dan!