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Consider these points when buying your camera tripod.

If you are about to buy a tripod there are a couple of points you should consider. Small tripods those that are around 15cms long are ideal to carry and for sitting your digital or conventional camera on for selected shots.

Author: Sahayak Plowman

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Their drawback is their size and light construction making their use limited and awkward.

If however you are going to buy a larger tripod then be aware. They can be fairly expensive if you buy them new, plus their performance may not be what you were expecting.

These tips should be used as a guide when considering purchasing -

• When buying take your camera and heaviest lens with you.

• Consider the controls at the tripod head, are there too many adjustments to be made before final camera position is chosen.

• Mount your camera on the tripod head and use all adjustment levers to see how effective they are.

• Make sure that the tripod when fully extended comes up to your eye height. There is nothing more tiring for your back then having to lean over to look through the viewfinder or digital display screen.

• Test to see how vibration free your camera is on the fully extended tripod arm. This you can test by gently tapping the camera to see how much movement there is in the camera. If there is too much don't buy.

The point for this test is that if you are shooting time exposures over several seconds or longer and there is a steady breeze blowing, then all of your shots will be 'soft' because of the movement through the tripod caused by the breeze. Make this assessment on no-carpeted surface. Note - plastic and some aluminium tripods tend to be very flexible when extended, not at all desirable.

• I find the best bracket for tripod attachment to camera is the ball and socket type that only requires a simple movement to locate then lock camera in position.

• Make sure your tripod head has a level included - nothing worse than having angled horizons.

• Make sure all leg height adjustments are easy and lock firmly, test each locking mechanism.

• Does your tripod when the legs are fully extended outwards and lowered allow the camera to be within a few inches of the ground?

• Are you able to freely adjust the tripod legs with one hand?

• See what is on the bottom of the tripod feet, rubber or metal, or both.

• How heavy is your tripod, can it be easily carried.

• Does the tripod fold away compactly to be carried with the rest of your camera gear.

• Will it be sturdy enough for your use?

• One point to remember when using long lenses on a tripod configure the legs of the tripod so one of the legs is pointing in the same direction as the camera lens. This arrangement prevents the tripod falling over.

• It may be worth purchasing a second sturdy 'throw away' tripod to take with you in rougher conditions.

About Author

*Biography* - Sahayak Plowman has travelled extensively through S.E. Asia and Australia as a freelance photographic journalist. He has had four feature articles published in GEO Magazine and won first prize in an international landscape competition. He taught photography for 6 years at University level and has been studying meditation with Sri Chinmoy for the past fourteen years. He is also webmaster for Sri Chinmoy Books http://www.srichinmoybooks.com/

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Consider these points when buying your camera tripod.