Since the invention of the first camera, photographers have used tripods to properly fix their camera and take a high-quality picture. Today, almost every phone has a camera. Taking photos has long been a part of everyday life, because now taking pictures has become easier than ever, but professional photographers have not gone anywhere. After all, with the help of a smartphone, simple everyday pictures are usually taken. Like taking a photo of work papers or taking a couple of random photos at a party, but if you want to capture the best moments of your life or take a photo for your resume, then it is better to turn to a professional with special equipment.
While current cameras can be carried in the hand, there are many cases where this is inconvenient. For example, if you are shooting with a heavy telephoto lens or you just need to fix the camera on a hill. In such cases, you cannot do without a tripod.
Often, many are too careless about the choice of this important accessory, which is why they subsequently while away the nights with Photoshop, trying to straighten out what could have been avoided by correctly positioning the camera.
In our article we will find out which company tripod is best suited for your needs, compare them in price and help you choose the one that is right for you.
ERA ECSA-3730
Price: ~ 1,500 rubles
Let's start our review with a cheap version of the ERA ECSA-3730, which, at the same time, is not inferior in functionality to more expensive models.
The minimum height of the device is 57.5 cm, then the telescopic legs are released with the help of latches, which allow it to be raised by 1.51 meters. To understand whether it is exactly fixed, you can use the built-in level.
The camera is mounted on a 3D head that can be rotated in all directions to find the desired angle for shooting. After that, it can be fixed with a special mount. For even fixation, it also has a built-in level.
The camera is fixed with a removable platform, which snaps into a special mount. Judging by the reviews, it is better not to use equipment for shooting more than 3 kilograms, since the head loses its stability under heavy load.
Thanks to the head lifting mechanism, the camera can be raised even higher.
Rubberized swivel feet allow you to securely set the tripod even on uneven floors.
Stability is added by a hook located in the center between the three supports, on which a load can be attached.
ERA ECSA-3730
Advantages and disadvantages
Advantages:
- Convenience when carrying. The device has a special case and a convenient handle for transportation.
- Large range of height adjustment. With the help of the legs and the head, the camera can be raised to almost human height.
- Low weight. Since the tripod is made of plastic, it weighs only 1.31 kg.
- High stability.
- Low price
Disadvantages:
- Flimsy plastic supports. The telescopic legs are thin and made of plastic, so they broke quickly with some users.
- Plastic mounts will not feel good when working in the cold.
- The head, although quite mobile, does not support a lot of weight and starts to dangle. Moreover, it cannot provide enough smooth motion for professional shooting.
This tripod is quite suitable for amateur photography and studio photo sessions. Despite the disadvantages described above, it remains a good option for its price. However, for professional photography it is worth taking something better.
HAMA Star-63
Price: ~ 1 800 rubles.
Having paid only 300 rubles, you can take HAMA Star-63. This model is better than the first in some parameters, which we will talk about.
Its height is slightly higher than the previous model. Now it can be adjusted from 66 to 166 cm. The telescopic legs are thicker here. The maximum width of the main tube is 26.7 mm. In addition, they are made of aluminum alloy and can withstand heavy loads.
2 built-in levels allow for even adjustment of the head and the tripod itself. The 3D head can be rotated in different directions. A special mount fixes the head in a horizontal position, and using the handle, you can rotate it up or down, as well as fix it in the selected vertical position.
The top platform with the camera can be tilted to the side for vertical shooting.
The maximum weight of the equipment that the head can withstand while maintaining stability is 4 kg.
The legs are fixed in the center in the extended state. The rubber feet on the hinges help him to stand confidently on the ground, and if you attach an additional weight to the hook located below, this will add stability to him.
HAMA Star-63
Advantages and disadvantages
Advantages:
- High versatility, allowing you to shoot in a variety of styles;
- Good material for its price segment;
- Convenience when carrying, the tripod has a comfortable handle and a good bag included;
- Multifunctional head for photographic equipment;
- Excellent stability
Disadvantages:
- Lack of smooth movement along the axes for professional video shooting;
- Perceptible weight. Due to the materials of construction, it weighs 1.7 kg, which can be a hindrance for some.
This model, without exaggeration, is the best in its price segment. She deservedly takes high places in the ratings and will be an excellent purchase for a novice photographer.
JMARY KP-2264
Price: ~ 3 200 rubles.
This option is already more expensive, the design looks more impressive than the previously reviewed models and allows you to expand the tripod to a higher height than previous models.
Supports traditionally consist of 3 sections, sliding one by one.
When folded, it is 57 centimeters. If you completely expand it and unscrew the height of the head, then its length in this form will be 176 cm.But this is not the limit, judging by some reviews.
The rotating 3D head performs all the necessary functions, freely rotating in all directions. The camera is firmly fixed in it with a detachable stand, which then snaps into a special mount. The stage can also be tilted to the side for vertical photography.
The head is raised to the required height not with the handle, as usual. The pipe on which it is fixed is pressed with a special screw. Having released the screw, you can quickly raise it by hand to the desired length and then tighten it back with the screw.
The maximum weight declared by the manufacturer is 4 kg. Quite a lot for itself, but you should not overload it, since when you exceed the weight, it starts to stagger.
For correct installation, a level is built into it. There is no level in the head, so you will have to adjust the angle of the camera according to the image on the camera itself.
The tripod has hinged rubber feet with protruding spikes, which allows it to be installed on any surface - uneven floors, tiles, loose earth. The device also feels quite confident on slippery surfaces. Especially with a load suspended on a special hook.
JMARY KP-2264
Advantages and disadvantages
Advantages:
- The high height to which the installed equipment can be raised, 176 cm - one of the best indicators;
- Nice legs that allow you to install it anywhere;
- Convenient case, more like a bag more than a cover, if you forgot your bag, there is an equally convenient handle for carrying;
- The ability to install professional equipment up to 4 kg;
- Device weight only 1.5 kg
Disadvantages:
- Intolerance to overload. It is better not to put equipment heavier than 4 kg, since the head loses its stability from this.
A perfectly suitable model for amateur photographers. It stands well on any surface and is well suited for those who like to shoot from great heights.
BENRO T-600EX
Price: ~ 2 200 rubles.
This option is suitable for those who do not need a great height and do not have time for a long installation.
It is not as tall as, for example, JMARY KP-2264, it does not have a load hook, but it also has its advantages.
First of all, it is the simplicity of the design. Thanks to the fastening with only two clips, which are easy to open and also easy to close back, it can be quickly assembled or disassembled.
The maximum length will reach 1.46 cm. Folded - 57 cm.
To install a camera or video camera, a 3D head is used with all the resulting functionality, which allows you to rotate the camera to any of the sides, where you want to do it.
The camera is screwed into a special platform, which is placed in the head and snaps into place.
The head can withstand equipment weighing up to 3 kg and can be raised higher using a special bar.
BENRO T-600EX
Advantages and disadvantages
Advantages:
- Convenient fastening of two clips, allowing you to quickly assemble the rack;
- Stability and reliability (Despite the fact that there is no way to hang an additional load, it stands quite stable even with its weight);
- Includes a carrying case;
- Light weight - only 1.46kg;
- Price.
Disadvantages:
- The handle for the head lifting mechanism is located on the left side, which causes inconvenience to many;
- There is a gap between the head and the contact pad, which can cause the installed equipment to stagger, but not all users have this drawback and most likely depends on the model;
- Poorly suited for cold shooting;
- No load hook.
For the money, this is one of the best tripods around. It is perfect for amateur photography in the studio or just indoors. Many people note the good quality of materials and the reliability of the design, so it can serve you for a long time.
SONY VCT-R640
Cost: ~ 4 500 rubles.
Let's move from budget options to more expensive models designed for professional photography.
SONY has long been famous for its electronics. She also produces tripods. Tripod from SONY is made of aluminum alloy, looks beautiful and is very well assembled. Here you involuntarily pay attention to it, it is so impressive.
When assembled, its length is 54.8 cm. When the legs are fully extended, the height increases to 144.1 cm. There is a built-in level for stability control. The length of each leg is individually adjustable.
The head is made of plastic and can be pulled up using a special handle. The 3D head is equipped with 3 clamps. They firmly lock each side of the camera when you rotate the camera and you can not be afraid that it will dangle.
It is also worth noting the smooth movement of the head, in contrast to inexpensive models, where the camera can move as if jerky when filming.
The only sad thing is that the head is made of plastic, because for this price tripods can have heads made of more durable materials.
The recommended weight of the installed equipment is 3 kg.
Regular rubber feet without hinges. Nevertheless, it stands quite steadily, although it is advisable to put it on a flat surface.
SONY VCT-R640
Advantages and disadvantages
Advantages:
- Excellent build quality and all materials;
- Good stability even though there is no load hook;
- Sufficiently smooth movement of the head for the most comfortable shooting;
- Price. We strongly advise against buying this device in the official SONY store, because you can find it much cheaper;
- A light weight.Only 1.2kg, which is why it is almost not felt in the hand.
Disadvantages:
- No cover, which makes transportation difficult;
- No level on the head;
- Light weight can also be a disadvantage, because when shooting in nature, wind can interfere with it;
- No hook. Having a load hook could help with weight and stability, alas.
Just a great option for non-professional photography at home or in the studio. The smooth movement of the head allows you to shoot video without jerking or jerking. In terms of its parameters, it would be suitable even for professional photography, if not for the heavy weight of professional optics, such as telephoto lenses.
Zomei Z-699C
Price: ~ 8 500 rubles.
Well, now, for comparison, let's look at an expensive professional tripod and find out how it differs from its cheaper counterparts, and whether it makes sense to give almost $ 150 for it.
Opening the box, the first thing you will see is an excellent quality bag that acts as a cover. It is in it that the tripod is packed along with a head cover, a hex wrench, instructions in Chinese and English and a carrying strap.
The length of each leg folded is 34 cm. Each leg has four sections and unfolds up to 1 meter. The legs, on which the tripod stands, are rubber, for placement on the floor in a studio, a room or for city photography. However, if you want to shoot in the mountains or in nature, these legs can be unscrewed and replaced with metal spikes.
The tripod is made of carbon fiber with brass metal inserts. A level is built into the center. The construction is made so strong that with its own weight of 2 kg it can support up to 15 kg! That allows you to install any equipment on it.
The neck on which the head is attached deserves a separate mention. It's made of carbon fiber, like everything else, and can be flipped down for macro photography. When folded, its length is 21 cm and extends up to 39 cm.
The head itself is a ball type. It is a ball, on the upper part of which there is a platform for the camera, and the lower one lies in a metal bowl with a plastic edging. The ball is clamped on the sides by two clamps: one regulates the smooth movement of the ball, the second fixes it in the selected position.
The head moves amazingly smoothly and smoothly without jerking. It also has a level so that it is possible to set it in a level position.
The platform for installing photographic equipment, measuring 49x50 mm, has rubber inserts to prevent the camera from scratching when in contact with the stand. There is also a bolt in the center, which fixes the camera. The platform is tightly attached to the head in special grooves.
For possible weighting, you can hang a load on a hook that can withstand a fairly large weight to the tripod.
The maximum length of the fully extended structure with the head fully raised is 151 cm.
An interesting solution is the ability to turn a tripod into a monopod. The kit includes a special screw connection. A double-threaded screw is screwed into one of the legs, onto which you can screw a neck or a platform with a camera from above. This solution can come in handy if you are going to shoot in a very limited space. For example, a football match.
The maximum height of the monopod is 155 cm.
Zomei Z-699C
Advantages and disadvantages
Advantages:
- Solid, stable construction made of quality materials, and thanks to the high build quality, nothing wobbles, creaks or dangles;
- High carrying capacity, with a relatively low weight of 2 kg, it can easily withstand photo and video equipment weighing up to 15 kg;
- Huge functionality that meets all the requirements of professional tripods, even allowing macro photography and disassembling a monopod;
- Good solutions for transportation and use. The set includes a good-quality bag, there is a special shoulder strap on the tripod's neck, and special covers are put on the upper parts of the legs for shooting in the cold;
- Affordable price for such a device
Disadvantages:
- The camera mounting bolt is only for a screwdriver, which is not very convenient, since you have to carry an additional tool with you. However, it can always be replaced.
Very, very solid tripod, which is suitable for professional photography. Huge functionality and reliability will allow it to serve for a long time.
Before choosing a tripod, you need to evaluate the dimensions of your camera and clearly understand for what purposes the device is purchased, in what conditions you have to shoot, it is planned to do it professionally or for yourself. Only an analysis of all these factors will allow you to choose the right tripod.