Compact Tripod

Compact Tripod Shopping Tips

Compact Tripod

Photographers of all skill levels often times like to take their show on the road to get those truly breathtaking shots.

Atop the highest peaks or in the lowest valleys a compact tripod can be a photographer’s best friend.

If you are new to the game or simply not sure which compact tripod you should purchase here are a few tips to get you started.

Budget

In this time, everyone should be budget conscious. Most of the time no matter what it is you are thinking of buying you can spend as much as you can afford.

The trick is to find the best gadget for your needs at the best price, or at least a price you can live with.

Calculate what you can afford to spend on your hobby and then set this figure in stone; if you cannot find a compact tripod or other toy in this price range simply wait. Everything goes on sale at some point!

What to Look for

When you begin shopping for a good compact tripod, the first thing you want to concern yourself with after price is stability. Cameras do not come cheap and the last thing you want to do is trust your expensive photography equipment to a tripod that will end up damaging it.

Watch for tripods with rubber grips on the legs for added stability and center column support. You should also pay attention to the weight for which the compact tripod is rated. Take the Sony VCT-R100 for example:

Features

Elevator
3way pan head function
Aluminium,ABS.POM
Tilt Correction: 90 degrees, 60 degrees, 360 degrees.
Quick-release head
Rated for just over 2 pounds
39 inch max height
14 inch min height
Weighs a little over 1 pound
$30

As you can see this is definitely a compact tripod, it is very light and folds up small enough for most backpacks. However if your camera and lenses weigh more than the two pound maximum you will be putting your equipment at risk.

You also want a compact tripod that offers a quick release head as well as smooth pan and tilt function. Both of these requirements are met in the above example.

Of course, if you need something a bit larger or capable of handling a heavier camera you will need to look elsewhere.

Heavier Action

The Manfrotto compact tripod may be more your speed if you are looking to balance heavier equipment but still maintain some portability. This tripod is an excellent travel companion and works well with video and still shots.

Features

Suited for compact, 35mm SLRs, or lightweight camcorders
Constructed of sturdy multifaceted tubular aluminum
4-section tripod provides
Quick flip lever leg locks
Center column is reversible for low-angle shots
Pan and tilt movements extremely smooth
64.8-inch maximum height
7.7-pound maximum load
Quick release plate
Around $150 Amazon price

Conclusion

These are just a couple examples of compact tripod devices you can choose from. Each has the main ingredients for a good tripod, stability, lightweight, quick release head and compact design. There are many more options out there for you to choose from.

Here's Compact Tripod Selections:

Sony VCT-R100 Lightweight Compact Tripod with 3-Wa...	Customer Review: Click Here for More Info	$34.99
Tamrac TR406 ZipShot Compact Ultra-Light Instant T...	Customer Review: Click Here for More Info	$59.95
Zykkor Mini Travel Flexible Tabletop Pocket Size T...	Customer Review: Click Here for More Info	$9.95
Ultra-Compact Full-Size Tripod with Mini Tripod an...	Customer Review: Click Here for More Info
Sunpak Compact Camera Tripod...	Customer Review: Click Here for More Info	$24.99