Choosing and using digital camera tripods

They help to prevent camera shake when taking pictures in low light and when using a long lens or a slow shutter speed.

They are also useful for close-up or macro photography and when using the timed exposure setting on your camera.

So what you need to consider when selecting a camera tripod?

Perhaps the most important feature is their stability. Ease of use comes a close second for me. And of course if you're going to carry it with you its weight may be an issue.(By the way, always remove your camera before moving the tripod!)

For indoor use a heavy tripod will help to keep your camera nice and steady. But lugging such a beast with you when taking landscape photographs may soon persuade you to leave it at home! So is there a way to get the best of both worlds? Well I guess that depends on how much you want to spend.

Today's digital camera tripods are made from a variety of materials. If you're looking for something lightweight and economical an aluminium tripod will fit the bill. However, if money is not an object, carbon fiber tripods will prove a wise investment. They are light but sturdy and may even outlast you! Brand names to look out for are Manfrotto, Gitzo, Velbon, Slik, Benbo and Cullmann

There are some things to keep in mind when choosing a tripod.

You will want to choose one that is the correct height. Extend the legs and check whether you can use it without having to stoop. Use the central column to fine tune the height, extending it as little as possible. It is tempting to extend the legs and then leave them in the same position while adjusting the central column but this will affect the stability. Oh by the way, always extend the thickest, top section of the legs first.

I like to pick a tripod that has a central brace to prevent the legs from splaying outwards. However if you're going to regularly take pictures from the side of a cliff, you may require the legs to be positioned separately!

If you will be using the camera tripod outside check whether it has a hook underneath the central column onto which you can hang your camera bag for extra stability. After all you don't want the whole thing to blow over in the wind!

Another useful feature to keep in mind is whether it has a spirit level to ensure a level base for your camera when using it on on uneven ground. The best digital camera tripods may even have two, one on the base and the other on the camera platform.
One of the most important camera tripod parts is the head. There are two basic varieties. The traditional 3-way pan and tilt head will allow the camera to move up and down and also swivel.

Some camera tripods come with a ball head which although more expensive, is quicker to use. The best quality tripods come in kit-form, allowing you to choose the head you prefer.

Whichever head you decide on it is a good idea to go for a quick release system. Attached to the bottom of the camera with a screw this enables you to quickly take the camera off the tripod for handheld shots. When re-attaching it, do not let go of the camera until you are sure that it is held securely and safely in place.

Lastly, something else to keep in mind if you are likely to use your digital camera tripods for wildlife photography, is their colour. A dark, matte surface is less likely to reflect stray light and disturb your subjects than a shiny metallic effect.

I hope these hints and tips will help you choose the perfect camera tripod for you.

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