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Question from Michelle: “Hi, I am looking to purchase a decent tripod for my Nikon D3100. Any suggestions on an affordable yet reliable one?”
Jael: EBAY
Geneva: Love our manfrotto! ESP its adjustable head!
Brian: What’s your definition of affordable?
Generally as photographers; we spend a ton of money on our gear.
Think about it. Let’s say you step away for a second to grab something from your bag. If you have a cheap tripod that will tip over from a gentle breeze in the air; it would be the same thing as you holding out your hand and dropping your camera.
So with that in mind here are some of the key criteria you should look at when are selecting a tripod:
1) How many sections are the legs? The more sections; the thinner the legs will be. If there are thin; then they have the potential to be flimsy or have a weak point.
2) Carbon Fiber or Aluminum. CF will be lighter and just as strong as aluminum. But where they lack in weight; they make up in price. But don’t be warded off by the increase in price; your back may be hating you at the end of the day if you decide to go for aluminum.
3) Load weight. I would calculate your heaviest set up and plan for that. So let’s say your camera weighs 6.3 lbs with your heaviest lens on it. Then it’s pretty ludicrous to buy a tripod that can only support 5 lbs. The same goes with your head. If it only supports 5lbs; then at 6.3 you won’t reliably be able to support it. It may slip.
4) Quick release head. Let’s just face it; it’s a time saver. To not have to screw in every time you want to take off or put on is great.
5) Center hook. Some of the better tripods have a hook at the bottom of the center post. This is for hanging weights. Anything pulling the tripod down; will give it more stability
Lastly; if you buy a good tripod; they will last you a lifetime. If you go cheap; you may be out a tripod and a camera/lens.
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