How to Choose a Tripod (Don't Buy Without Watching!)

If you’re shopping for a new tripod and find yourself overwhelmed by the endless options, wide ranging prices and daunting number of head & legs combinations on the market, and you just really can’t decide how to choose a tripod - then you’re in the right place!

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Photography tripods equipment shown in this video:

Leofoto LS-324CEX
Gitzo Traveler GT2545T
Sirui T-025X
Acratech Panoramic Head

[pondlife]

Not just one of the best videos on tripods that informed me well but one of the most professionally produced and presented videos on any subject on YouTube. There are some dire videos available. Thanks.

[deechenlama]

I appreciate how you are able to talk about the essence of owning a tripod. Best video on tripods so far! Thank you! I really like your sense of humor by the way.

[jameskeener]

You must be a genius. You've affirmed each of the conclusions I've reached in six weeks of evaluating tripods. I used to mostly photograph storms and birds, but have become partially disabled and concentrate on inside subjects: flowers, still life, and a calico cat.

Your decision making and evenly textured presentation make this an information-rich video of considerable value.Thank you.

[veloxsouth]

While I liked how comprehensive this video was, having a 3 and a half minute intro and 3 calls to action for liking and subscribing is grating. We heard you the first time.

[simonchampagne]

very very VERY insightful. Thanks a lot !

[j.d.wilson]

I’ve watched several videos on this subject and your video is the best - well organized and informative. Also, your video was the only one to mention a half ball leveling device. Thank you!

[thomasflyntz]

I have watched three videos so far on tripods and this is the best one i have seen. Great explanation of heads as well. I still cannot get myself to toss $500 at a tripod but i am working on it. I am gaining a better understanding of long exposure photography which means a good tripod and filter kit. Not planning to be a professional, but it is a very satisfying hobby for me. Thank you and i hope more folks find this video. I shoot lots of different types of photography so that makes it challenging to pick the right equipment within a budget. Thanks for the great job!! Very much apprecaited.

[DoQuangAnh]

This is super helpful video while Im learning how choose good tripod. Thank you so much.

[johnsmith]

Re locking the head down, see at (13:25) your Gitzo does appear to have a provision for a set screw (otherwise what's that hole?) to prevent head rotation. No screw in in it seems so you add one, and in any case if you'd just drill a hole and tap it for threads you'd have what you want.

[bananaskin]

Good tips.
Purchased in 2008. As I remember it, the President told us to spend money to help the economy.
Gitzo GT2942L Long Basalt Tripod Legs - Supports 22 lbs
Gitzo G-2272M Rationnelle Magnesium 3-Way Pan/Tilt Head with Quick Release ...
Gitzo GH2750QR Series 2 Off Center Magnesium Ballhead
I still have it. I enjoy using the Off Center Ballhead. My first tripod was a Tiltall.
I have a tripod because I'm lazy. Sometimes I wait for the wind to stop, or the sun to move behind a cloud, or a better juxtaposition of people and vehicles. Sometimes I just want to stand away from the camera and talk to the subject(s). And then, there's fun stuff like painting with light.
I suggest noting that not all tripods allow one to spread the legs low and/or unevenly. I use that feature.
Happy New Year.

[chrisgrylls]

A very comprehensive and well-produced video that covers all the key aspects. I was intrigued by your comment about not liking combo spiked feet as the spikes were inadequate as you were screwing in what I would consider a completely inadequate spike. Neewer makes some very nice combo spikes of decent length that are on my big tripod full-time. Like you, I have a number of tripods, usually modified and set up for specific purposes. Well done.

[petergerstmann]

Very helpful and informative, thank you!!

[BruiserFL]

Very good info. I didn't think of most of these considerations. Thanks!

[Prabhath_J]

The best or one of the best advisory videos on camera TRIPODS. Thanks for your very clear and straightforward opinions.

[richardlynam]

Really great video...really helped me decide on what type of tripod to get. Was considering the ulanzi carbon fibre travel tripod or something similar (mainly to reduce weight), but I needed this video to confirm in my head that height of tripod, no centre column and stability are the real things i need for my landscape photography..so iam going to go 22:35 with the Benro Tortoise instead. (Even though its slightly heavier than my current starter tripod)

[jerryeisner]

What a masterful helpful and wise lesson on tripods!!! Thankyou SO MUCH!!

[MarcLerchs]

Thank You for sharing. Greetings from Belgium. :)

[fog]

Thanks for posting this - for whatever reason I giggled at the way your arm raised the tripod into the frame. We just bought a mid-priced spotting scope and our old tripod isn't strong enough. I'll be looking for a taller tripod though the Leopold is more expensive than I'm ready to spend at the moment.

[Emerald_City_]

This video is so useful, I'm surprised it hasn't got many more views. Your are an excellent educator and only for that quality I am subscribing! -After a short glance at all of your channel content, it's become more than obvious why! So see how didactic experience reflects even at the most "down-to-earth" gear topics like tripods.

What you could add next time (if you feel like it or, are at home with) is a short reflection on the tripod market situation today. It is rapidly growing. I have now spent two or three days researching various tripods and although some guys cover a number of brands & products nicely, no one offers such a birds-eye insight. There you go, a tip for you to climb into an exclusive niche! ;)
Seriously, it would help especially those of us who are at the other side of the ocean. I'm noticing that in Europe some brands are almost not present - like Gitzo, Ulanzi, Benro etc.

[alandemers]

This has been super helpful and has given me a lot to think about for my next tripod :)