Should I Buy A Tripod: Tripod Buying Guide

If you’ve been wondering, “Should I Buy A Tripod”, then you’ve come to the right place. Tripods are really useful props for photographers and videographers to have in their kit as they help prevent camera shake. Read our tripod buying guide and understand the benefits of using a tripod, the key components of a tripod as well as advice on which tripod to buy.

The Benefits Of Using A Tripod

There are lots of different ways a tripod can help with your photography and videography, including the following:

Prevents Camera Shake

Stopping camera shake is probably the most obvious benefit of a tripod. Camera shake causes the entire photo or the subject to be out of focus. If you use a tripod when taking photographs, they’re guaranteed to come out much sharper. A tripod ensures greater stability and comfort, and the photos you can take while using one will turn out so much better than those taken without a means of support.

Ability to frame and adjust shots with ease

Once the camera is mounted on the tripod, you will find you can make subtle changes to your framing with ease. You can move the camera in any direction, up and down or left and right, allowing you to perfectly frame your photograph. The fact that you won’t actually be holding the camera means your arms won’t get tired too.

Ability to photograph long exposures

A tripod allows you to capture a longer exposure by using a slower shutter speed of up to several seconds. This helps to minimise the risk of any movement. While capturing a long exposure the use of a tripod will allow much more light to enter the camera than would be possible if you were taking a picture hand held.

Tripod Components: What is a Tripod System?

A tripod system is generally comprised of the following parts:

• Legs – Tripod legs are typically made of aluminum, basalt, steel or carbon fiber.
• Head – the part that holds a digital camera or a lens. There are many different types of heads, but the most popular types are ball-heads and pan-tilt heads.
• Centerpost/Center Column – a separate leg that runs through the middle, allowing to further raise the tripod head.
• Feet – good tripods allow changing tripod feet at the end of the legs for indoor and outdoor use.

Tripod Buying Guide

Carbon Fibre Tripod

A carbon fibre tripod is a perfect tool for serious photographers, who want a portable tripod without unnecessary weight. Slightly higher in price, carbon tripods are incredibly strong with a high strength to weight ratio and are designed for constant use. Made from high quality carbon, these tripods stand up against the toughest of environments. They are corrosion resistant and ensure longevity.

Aluminium Tripods

An aluminium tripod is a great item to have if you are wanting to take perfect, pin sharp photographs. We stock major brands and can give excellent advice for photographers who are not sure of the latest models. Buying a tripod can be tricky, especially if you haven't used one before. Aluminium kits are a great starter tripod, ideal for anyone wanting to test the water.

Tripod Brands We offer

Benbo Tripods

Benbo tripods are lightweight and perfect for travel. We offer a wide range of Benbo tripods, all manufactured in the UK. These heavy-duty tripods offer great stability and are capable of supporting the heaviest of camera equipment, the No.1 tripods are constructed from tough aluminium tubing.

3 Legged Thing Tripods

3 Legged Thing Tripods are truly unique and are meticulously designed to offer one of the best tripod experiences on the market. We offer a range of 3LT tripods, from the Punks range to the Equinox & Eclipse range, we're sure you will find a tripod to fall in love with.

Benro Tripods

Benro tripods are known for their overall build and quality. Every aspect of it is solid, smooth, and secure. It is an extremely reliable tripod and is a must have when you want to achieve an even, balanced photo.

We hope that our tripod buying guide has helped you understand the importance of using a tripod to better your photography as well as give you some insights into what tripods are available. For more advice one which tripod is right for you and your camera, give us a call on 0114 285 9854, email us at sales@harrisoncameras.co.uk or visit us in our Sheffield store, where an a friendly member of our team will be happy to help.