Choosing the Right Tripod: 5 Tips with Gabriel Biderman

Which should be your first tripod? Do you select carbon fiber or aluminum? How do you find the best tripod for your budget? Do you get a full size or travel tripod? Landscape photographer Gabriel Biderman shares his 5 tips on how to choose the right tripod. What are your questions about finding the best tripod?

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0:00 Introduction
0:44 What's Your Budget?
3:11 Height
5:31 Load Capacity
7:11 Travel vs. Full Size
10:12 3 Tips in One!

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[BandH]

What are your questions about finding the best tripod?

[eduardoibal]

Dude, listening to you is a an absolute pleasure. I’ve work on tv and being that fluid and concise while moving around and picking gear.

Seems simple but I really appreciate it.

Thank you.

[josem.sentmanat]

Thanks Gabriel, this is a very informative video and very helpful, congratulations on such a fine presentation, I was very impressed the first time I walked into the store and everyone is so helpful, Thanks B & H!

[pizzafroth]

I have.... the manfrotto MT190CXPro4. Its been phenomenal for me!! Its a full size but its compact enough for travel for me. Its like the best of both combined into one, and heightwise it fits me perfectly to eye level without the center column being raised. Had mine for 2 years now and its been phenomenal. I hope its not a cheap tripod anyways!! Because for me its been phenomenal!

[TheASM]

These are good tips. Much better than what I saw from a reviewer that lamented during an entire review that his wife had issues with twist locks. Twist locks do not require that much fine motor skills and are very surdy. Thank you.

[tomvtroye]

Thanks, great informative video with good tips.

[phoebushominis]

Excellent. Thank you. Can we have another one on fixture mechanisms etc. for attaching the camera?

[arbensalvador]

Great in-depth review, you're on point! Been using a ProMediaGear TR343L tripod. Super solid and reliable. It just works, no fuss. They also offer a removable center column and interchangeable apex. What are your thoughts about it?

[bobzhu]

This is so helpful even after 2 years!

[pbziegler]

After 5 days shooting in the badlands of Utah I decided to replace my Colorado tripod (great tripod) with RRS I just ordered from B and H. Someone had one and oh my god. Now that's a tripod. Weight is great, hight is better han my Colorado, and I can set it up and still have a bottom extension I don't need other than night sky photography.

[KatieTavares-kbpl]

I learned a few things from this! What I don't quite get though is the height lining up so the camera is level w your eye without the center being extended. If I do a family shoot, first parents then all family. Then kids, but I need to be eye level w them, not facing down. So I have to adjust the three legs, which takes forever to get even, while kids are waiting. Then if they sit, adjust again. If the camera is even w my eye while center column is not extended, I can only adjust up not down. Any photographers have advice?

[peterchast]

Thanks, that was a good presentation.

[TomWindeknecht]

I am looking to buy a travel tripod, so this is very helpful!

[gewglesux]

You get what you pay for. I have physically stood in the same spot as Gabriel..They have what you need.

[PaulHeagen]

Great intro video njt you did not address the question of different😢 kinds of heads.

[jctedsap]

Already own a variety of tripods and monopods but still great advice.

[dt-fi]

Any suggestions for a tripod with small floor diameter.. i want to shoot at home and the space is small.. height needed is 5.5 feet but any tripod that size has huge diameter and can't fit in the space.
I was also looking at light stands but those has some other issues. Suggestions please

[gbj]

What is the strongest system that holds the actual camera to the tripod. Yesterday my expensive DSLR and Lens completely fell off the tripod (heart attack ensued). The screw in base was still attached to the base of the body of the camera. I assume the camera with heavy lens weight made it slip out of the quick release on the tripod. Thankfully on the main lcd screen was effected.
So looking to upgrade my studio indoors tripod for product photography. Are there any in the $200 range that can be recommended.

[jondoh]

Need to know about tripod heads, please.

I have a tripod with legs that are okay, but I dislike the head. Need to know more before I buy again.

[AlexLancashirePersonalView]

I have had my Manfrotto 144BIRD for 22 years. Adapted the head for Arco fitting by screwinf a plate to the Manfrotto plate. It is a bit heavy but secure. Paid about £110 when new.