Re: Tripod advice

(not quite so) Fat Sam wrote:
My trusty tripod has gone and died on me.
It wasn't a particularly expensive one when I bought it last year, hence the fact that it's worn out already, so I'm planning to spend a bit more this time.
I did consider just replacing the head because the legs are fine. It's just the head that's developed a worrying crack. But upon closer inspection, I discovered that the design of the tripod prevents me from removing the head. So it's got to be a whole new unit.
The one that's just broke was a tilt/pan type, and I did like the way it worked, but I've heard a lot of folks saying they prefer ball/socket type tripod heads. Not having tried one of these, but having an open mind about these things I'm willing to give one a go if it turns out to be the best option.

Now when I bought my last tripod, I just went to Argos and spent about £30 on it. Simple. Job done. I wasn't as immersed in photography as I am now, so I didn't spend as much time looking into the options as I now am.
But now, I'm looking into tripods in more detail, I'm finding it quite bewildering.
Tilt/pan heads, ball/socket heads, carbon fibre legs, aluminium widgets, quick release systems.
Do you want to buy separate tripod legs and heads, or would you like to buy the unit already assembled sir?
People say to buy a good make like Manfroto o Velbon.
Other people tell me to make sure I get a tripod with a metal head, not a plastic one. This makes good sense to me, but when I went into Jessops yesterday, all the Manfrotos and Velbons had plastic heads.

Can anyone offer any good sound advice on what I should be looking at or considering when buying a new tripod?
Should I buy the legs and head separately or buy a completely assembled tripod?
If I buy a completely assembled unit, am I likely to be able to replace components at a later date?
Is the leg to head fitting a universal thing that's common to most makers, or will I find that each brand has it;s own system?
Is a tilt/pan or a ball/socket better?

If it's ant help, I do primarily landscape and architecture photography.


A good tripod will have interchangeable heads that usually mount with a largish screw thread. Manfrotto and others make a number of heads, and a web search will give you an idea of the range available. Don't just buy what's in the shop, they may not have the full range on hand.

Test a tripod by extending its legs fully, then grasp the top and try to rotate it laterally. Any rotational movement is grounds for rejection. You should not be able to perceptibly rotate the head at all. Also, try to flex the legs by pushing on them about halfway down the leg. Any perceptible flexing will mean vibration in windy conditions. Usually, if the head won't rotate, the legs will be ok as well, but try it anyway. Look at the feet; they should allow for spikes that grip on rough ground or concrete or asphalt, but should have screw-down or screw-on rubber or plastic feet for use where you don't want to mark the floor.

Some tripods allow you to mount the camera underneath, for getting close to the ground, but for your stated uses, that would would not be a feature you would want.

Ball sockets are quicker to use than tilt/pan, and not so likely to get bumped as is the long handle on some tilt/pan heads. Likewise, quick-release plates are only ok if you keep the plate fixed to the camera, which can be a nuisance when not using a tripod. If you are using more than one camera and swapping them on and off the tripod, QR plates are ok, but with one camera and one tripod, I think they are not necessary, and if they don't snap into position properly, your camera can take a dive.

Some tripods have lateral struts part-way down the legs as additional stability. There is a considerable drawback with these, as they constrain the legs' ability to be moved independently, as anyone who has tried to set a tripod on uneven ground or in a tight position will attest.

The primary appeal of carbon fibre is light weight with strength. If you hike with your tripod, you will appreciate the lighter weight, but they are very expensive compared to a similar-performing metal model.

Finally, as you appear to be in the UK, buying on-line may be cheaper than a retail store, if you know the model and head you want.

Good luck,

Colin D.

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