Best Camera Tripods for the Money

Getting the best camera tripods for the money is possible with a little patience and research. However, before you set a budget for your tripod, it's a good idea to familiarize yourself with the camera gadget's features.

Large tripods are better for outdoor shoots.

A tripod is an integral part of great photography. The three-legged invention keeps the camera steady and guarantees a level shot, ensuring that photos are crisp and clear, especially under low light conditions. Still, many amateur photographers dismiss the tripod because their digital cameras are extremely compact. They consider tripods equipment only professionals employ. If you’ve used a tripod in the past, you know that it can improve shots regardless of the camera’s size or the photographer’s skill level.

Generally speaking, the heavier your tripod, the better your photos. This is due to the fact that a tripod’s main function is to anchor the camera. Therefore, a heavy tripod offers more stability than a lighter model. This is especially true if you are shooting in windy or bumpy conditions. A heavy tripod protects a camera from vibration and other factors that can cause it to shake while you are framing your shot.

However, if you are shooting with a lightweight digital camera you’re able to get away with using a lighter tripod. If your tripod is able to adequately support your camera outdoors, in a moderate breeze, then it should suffice. What’s more, lightweight tripods offer the added bonus of being extra-portable. If your tripod is too heavy, you are more apt to leave it at home. The key is to find a tripod that is light enough to carry long distances, but not too light that it is unable to sustain the weight of your camera.

A good tripod should be sturdy and rigid, yet it should also set up and break down quickly. Most tripods feature quick-release hinged latches that let you open and close the legs rapidly. The latches are valuable assets when you are shooting on the run and need to extend the tripod's legs in a flash. However, they can't support as much weight as screw-type leg locks.

In addition, the bottoms of the tripod’s legs matter as well. Some tripod feet have pins or spikes that dig into the ground while others have flat bottoms with rubber pads that grip both indoor and outdoor surfaces.

Regardless of where you plan to take photos, you’ll want to purchase a tripod from a reputable manufacturer. Some of the most popular names in camera tripods include:

• Alpen Optics
• Barska
• Bogen
• Brunton
• Bushnell
• Carson
• Celestron
• LOMO
• Manfrotto
• Nikon
• Pentax
• Radian
• TeleVue
• Velbon
• Yukon
• Zhumell

In order to get the most bang for your buck when purchasing a tripod, it’s important to match your needs and wants with the available merchandise. The following are some of the best camera tripods for the money:

The explosion of compact digital cameras has given rise to a cottage industry of mini tripods, including these top picks that sell for less than $50:

• Pod Bean Bag Tripod: The colorful unconventional tripod measures 3.75-inches in diameter and has a camera mount screw in the center. Basically it is a beanbag, which can be placed on any number of non-smooth surfaces to give you a steady base for your camera.
• JOBY Gorillapod Flexible Tripod: This funky tripod looks more like an alien than a photo gadget, but it performs extremely well. It comes equipped with three bendable legs than can be positioned to stand like a tripod, or even wrapped around a bar or railing to position the camera where you want it.

While mini tripods work well for tiny digital cameras, if you have bulkier equipment like a digital SLR camera or a standard size camcorder, you're better off with a larger, sturdier professional quality tripod, such as these models that sell for less than $400:

• Manfrotto 190XPROB 3 Section Aluminum Pro Tripod: This is a three-section aluminum tripod from Manfrotto is one of the best selling models on the market. It weighs a mere four pounds, but provides sufficient stability for heavy cameras. Standout features include quick action leg locks and a center column that can be tilted to a complete 180 degrees, which provides great comfort when shooting in macro mode.
• Celestron Photographic/Video Tripod 93606: This particular model folds up to 27 inches and can extend up to 63 inches. It also comes with a three-way panhead with quick release plate, making it easy to pop off your camera in an instant.
• Induro Carbon 8X C-Series: These carbon fiber tripods offer the ultimate in strength, while still being lightweight and reliable performance. They’re ideal for nature and landscape photographers. Each of the tripod’s leg locks have a specially designed dust and moisture-resistant seal. In addition, each tripod features interchangeable rubber feet and stainless steel spikes. Other noteworthy features include:
  • A grooved center column, which prevents unwanted column rotation
  • Reversible center column for low angle shooting
  • Reversible tripod head mounting screw, which assures compatibility with virtually any tripod head
  • Built-in bubble level, which allows adjustment to prevent uneven pans and tripod head movements
  • Spring loaded weight hook for additional weight mounting during windy conditions

• Best Zoom Point and Shoot Camera
• Best Books to Learn Professional Photography
• Pinup Photography

• Nudity and Photography
• Famous Women Photographers
• Photography Posing Ideas
• Photography Release Forms
• Famous Nude Photographers

• Antique Camera on Tripod
• Main Page
• Used Camera Tripods
• Category:Photography Tips
• Tips and Tricks for Using a Camera Tripod