What is proper height for tripod to be?

8 years 7 months ago #451803 by James F
Hey, me again.   As I mentioned last week, I'm brand new to photography and just getting all the gear I need now.  I'm 5'11" tall.  How tall should be my tripod be?

I'm seeing heights are all over the place. 

Thank you for the help.

James


Photo Comments
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8 years 7 months ago - 8 years 7 months ago #451811 by KCook
Sorry to be vague, but this is very much a personal call. The usual advice is tall enough to be comfortable while standing erect. However, if the tripod needs to be truly stable, this will be either an expensive (carbon), or very heavy tripod (aluminum). I have a heavy tripod for my little home studio, plenty tall. I'm cheap, my travel tripod is also aluminum. Nowhere near as stable (duh). To keep the vibration down to a dull roar I simply do NOT extend this tripod to its full height (63"). Instead I use it at about 48". I'm 6'1", so this easily violates that standing erect rule. Oh well.

Kelly Cook

Canon 50D, Olympus PL2
kellycook.zenfolio.com/

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8 years 7 months ago #451820 by JeremyS
The way I evaluate tripod length is based on a few factors. I decide how I am going to use my tripod, for landscapes/studio/wildlife/sports etc. And from there I will know a general idea. Ex: landscapes I tend to be down low for a different perspective. Next I will decide what I plan on doing with that tripod and what materials I would like it to be made from, which will usually make my tripod shorter and smaller (more travel friendly). From those two factors I usually come up with a decision. And that decision tends to be at least 5ft 6. 
With an ability to go very low to the ground.


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8 years 7 months ago #451824 by garyrhook
:agree:  What they said.

If you want to be able to stand up straight, you probably need one that reaches 67". But you want it collapsible so that you can get low. And if you're going to carry it around, weight is an issue to consider.


Photo Comments
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8 years 7 months ago #451841 by Screamin Scott
Really a matter of personal preference.... What one person may think is "best" another person may not....

Scott Ditzel Photography

www.flickr.com/photos/screaminscott/

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8 years 7 months ago #452033 by Randy Shaw
Keep in mind many tripods will have an adjustable neck that will extend upward of 12"


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8 years 7 months ago #452051 by Screamin Scott
The adjustable center column, when extended, will lessen the stability of the pod. Best to not use it except when no other choice.... Find tripod legs that extend to the height you want & ditch the center column.

Scott Ditzel Photography

www.flickr.com/photos/screaminscott/

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