Video Tripod Buyer's Guide
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Tripods are a crucial piece of equipment in every photographer and videographer's kit. However, it's important to keep in mind that what makes a great video tripod is not always the same as what makes a great photography tripod!
Having a tripod that is well made and suits your needs as a filmmaker, whether you are a beginner or a professional, is an easy way to quickly improve the quality of content you are producing.
First, we will check out what are the four main parts of tripods for video cameras. Later, we will cover some additional features to think about in order to help you make the most informed decision possible.
Keep reading this video tripod buyer’s guide to find out exactly what you need to consider when on the hunt for the perfect tripod!
Video Tripod Legs
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The legs, or sticks as they are commonly called, are the most fundamental part of all video tripods. They make up the majority of the device, and are the first thing to look at whenever buying a tripod for video.
Legs are typically designed one of two ways, fixed or adjustable. Fixed legs are typically sturdier since they have less moving pieces, while adjustable legs give you the opportunity to play around more with aspects such as height and camera angle.
Another point to consider is how strong are the legs? If you use a full set up (monitor, microphone, etc.) or are planning on attaching a heavy video head, you will need legs that can carry the load.
Typically, legs today are constructed out of either aluminum or carbon fiber, and both have their pluses and minuses. Carbon fiber is light and strong, but can be extremely expensive. Aluminum on the other hand has less flex (that's a good thing!), is better for shooting in windy conditions, and is much cheaper. Additionally, there are some heavy-duty fixed ones which are made of steel.
Most professional video productions use fixed tripods since they are shooting with huge and extraordinarily expensive cinema cameras. However, for the average shooter, video tripods with adjustable legs will be much more useful in most situations. In the end, it’s up to you to decide what’s more important and what’s more practical for you!
Tripod Heads
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The two most popular heads for video tripods are standard pan and tilt heads and fluid heads. From a distance the two appear nearly identical, with the significant difference being that fluid heads provide you with the ability to control the friction or “drag” when panning or tilting.
This is a total game-changer, and once you’ve used a fluid head, you will never want to use anything else with your video tripod ever again! By controlling the amount of friction when panning and tilting, you will find it much easier to walk away at the end of the day with perfectly smooth moving shots.
One last thing to keep in mind when buying a head for your video tripod is whether or not it has a quick-release setup. Quick-release is an incredibly useful function that makes transitioning from the tripod to shooting handheld completely seamless. Personally, I would never invest in a tripod for video cameras that didn’t have a quick-release.
This Manfrotto video tripod head is the one I use, and it’s unquestionably one of the best fluid heads on the market today!
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Video Tripod Feet and Spreaders
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Feet and spreaders are the last two parts that make up a tripod. They are minor pieces that most people overlook, but I will review them quickly.
Rubber feet are by far the most common type on video tripods and they work well in the bulk of situations. If you frequently shoot outside or in rougher environments, spiked feet are a great alternative. Depending on the exact tripod, you can sometimes easily remove or change the feet.
Spreaders are the fourth part of a tripod, but in all reality they are not found on most tripods. They are braces that connect the legs together in order to add an extra level of sturdiness. In addition, they help minimize flex in the legs and can therefore lead to more stable footage. The biggest downside of spreaders is they unfortunately add quite a bit of extra weight.
Additional Features to Think About for a Video Camera Tripod
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Of course you want to buy all the best parts to put together your video tripod, but here are a few other things to consider before pulling the trigger.
Do you want to buy a kit or create a customized setup?
There are many fantastic kits out there and if you are newer to the world of video I would suggest buying a kit. If you are more experienced and know exactly what you need, buy the parts separately and build out your own awesome custom video tripod!
Load Capacity (How Much Weight Can The Tripod Hold)
Do you normally film with a lightweight mirrorless/DSLR camera or do you have your very own mobile production studio with tons of gear? Almost any tripod will have a sufficient load capacity if you shoot with a light camera. However, if you have a heavier camera or lots of accessories, you will want to make sure you look at the load capacity specs before you invest in a video tripod.
Transportability and Weight
If you travel a lot or shoot outdoors/documentaries, how much your tripod weighs and how easy it is to transport is critical. I without a doubt recommend carbon fiber video tripods for anyone concerned about weight. I have this Peak Design Travel Tripod and it has transformed who I am as a filmmaker! Check out the Peak Design Website for other phenomenal gear as well!
Price
Last but not least, we have to talk about price. There's an enormous range in the cost of video tripods today, starting from under $100 into the $1000’s. Lucky for you there are more available than ever before, so no matter what your budget is, you are certain to find countless superb options.
MPB.com is an amazing resource if you are looking for a bargain. They always have tons of used tripods available, as well as heads, supports and whatever else you may need!