Buying

Tripods are often quoted as photography's most hated accessory but it's hard to see why so many photographers view them so adversely. It may be because of the bulk and weight they add to a photographer's kit - or perhaps because the high ISO capabilities of many recently-released cameras allow camera users to feel a tripod isn't necessary. But shooting with high ISO settings incurs a cost in the form of increased noise and compromised sharpness. Furthermore, using a tripod can dramatically improve shots like portraits and low-light scenes. Finally, there are situations where you simply can't take the shot unless the camera is on a tripod.

Fortunately, there are plenty of lightweight tripods around and a wide variety of styles and sizes to choose from. To help you shop for a tripod you will use and appreciate, we've prepared a buying guide that covers all the tripods we could find that weigh less than 1 kg (including the tripod head).

1. Gitzo
Distributed by Adeal; Ph: 1300 723 001; www.adeal.com.au.

The premium products in this category are the Mountaineer Carbon Series from Gitzo. The main feature of the range is the 6X carbon fiber tube, which is made from six crossed layers to provide maximum rigidity and vibration absorption plus light weight. Mountaineer tripods feature built-in Anti Leg Rotation and G-Locks for all legs. A solid machined aluminium upper disc with a new Safe Lock material cuts vibration and improves the grip between the tripod and the head. The upper disc can also be fitted directly to the upper casting, removing the center column for ground level photography or to save weight. All new Mountaineer tripods come with a convenient anti-dust bag for storage and packing.

Two models fit into the 1kg or less class: 

Gitzo GT0530 Mountaineer Carbon Series
with G1077M Classic Centre Ball Head
RRP $815.00 (Tripod $665.00 and Head $150)
Combined weight: 840g
Maximum Height: 131cm
Minimum Height: 27cm
Folded Height: 48cm
Weight: 780g
Leg Sections: 4
Maximum Load: 5kg

Gitzo GT0540 Mountaineer Carbon Series
with G1077M Classic Centre Ball Head
RRP $875.00 (Tripod $725.00 and Head $150)
Combined weight: 900g
Maximum Height: 142cm
Minimum Height: 25cm
Folded Height: 53cm
Weight: 720g
Leg Sections: 3
Maximum Load: 5kg

2. Glanz
Distributed by Film & Video Extras; Ph: (02) 9618-3104; www.fvextras.com.

These are budget-priced aluminium tripods with three-way pan heads and quick-release plates. Both include a carry case.

Glanz Tripod TR550.
RRP $45.00
Maximum Height: 145cm
Folded Height: 56cm
Weight: 720g
Leg Sections: 3
Maximum Load: not specified

Glanz Tripod TR160
RRP $35.00
Maximum Height: 116cm
Folded Height: 40cm
Weight: 600g
Leg Sections: 4
Maximum Load: not specified

3. Manfrotto
Distributed by Adeal; Ph: 1300 723 001; www.adeal.com.au.

Manfrotto's Modo Maxi is the first photo and video tripod designed for everyday use. It features a 'Hybrid' Photo & Video Head with a thumb lock and quick-release plate. Each leg has telescopic sections with quick-release lever locks. Three leg angles can be set and the centre column can be shortened for low-angle photography. Rubber feet provide added stability on all surfaces. 

Manfrotto 785B Modo Maxi
RRP $139.95
Maximum Height: 150.5cm
Minimum Height: 17.5cm
Folded Height: 43.5cm
Weight: 980g
Leg Sections: 5
Maximum Load: 1kg

4. Optex
Distributed by Tasco Sales Australia; Ph: (02) 9938 3244; www.tasco.com.au.

Optex tripods are made from aluminium and feature integrated pan/tilt heads. Model DPT175 has quick release leg locks for ease of use and a split column for low-angle photography. It is supplied with a carrying case. Model T38B has a fashionable blue anodised finish and twist lock legs. The camera mount flips for horizontal or vertical use.

Optex Compact Digital Travel Tripod DPT175
RRP $69.95
Maximum Height: 127cm
Minimum Height: not specified
Folded Height: 45.7cm
Weight: 1002g
Leg Sections: 4
Maximum Load: not specified 

Optex 8 Sec. Compact Tripod (Blue)  T38B 
RRP $39.95
Maximum Height: 101.6cm
Minimum Height: not specified
Folded Height: 27.9cm
Weight: 431g
Leg Sections: 8
Maximum Load: not specified 

5. Slik
Distributed by CR Kennedy & Company; Ph: (03) 9823 1555; www.crkennedy.com.au

Slik's Carbon Fibre tripod is made from a special multi-layered carbon fibre material 30 to 40% lighter in weight than the equivalent aluminium tripod. It has twist-lock legs with a double nut (crown cap) lock and rubber coating for easy grip. Three leg positions are supported.

The Slik Compact tripod is made from lightweight aluminium and has an integrated pan/tilt head. You can reverse the centre column for copying or low-angle shots.

The U 5500 model includes a dual-purpose video/photo (3-way) head with quick-release plate. A gearless centre column allows horizontal and vertical positioning and quick-to-operate leg locks let you adjust the tripod height in seconds. Leg bracing adds stability to the legs and resists torsion. Just open or close one leg and the rest will follow automatically.

Slik Carbon Fibre Tripod PRO 614 CF
With Small Ball Joint head
RRP: $349
Maximum Height: 155.5cm
Minimum Height: 110cm
Folded Height: 45.5cm
Weight: 980g
Leg Sections: 4
Maximum Load: 3kg 

Slik Light Weight Compact Model
RRP: $59
Maximum Height: 99cm
Minimum Height: not specified
Folded Height: 36cm
Weight: 600g
Leg Sections: 4
Maximum Load: not specified 

Slik U 5500
RRP: $79
Maximum Height: 143cm
Minimum Height: not specified
Folded Height: 57cm
Weight: 1000g
Leg Sections: 3
Maximum Load: not specified 

6. Velbon
Distributed by: Maxwell International Australia; Ph: 1300 882 517; www.maxwell.com.au.

Velbon's Ultra Maxi tripods are premium models that feature a patented Trunnion Shaft System in which each Leg extends the entire inside length of the outer leg casing, making the tripod extremely compact when folded. The Ultra models also have twist lock legs and a quick-release plate.

The P Max is a lighter version of the Maxi models with lower carrying capacity. The CX model is a budget-priced model that lacks the low-angle capabilities of the Maxi tripods.

Velbon Ultra Maxi M
RRP $159.00
Maximum Height: 138.5cm
Minimum Height: 16.5cm
Folded Height: 33.5cm
Weight: 920g
Leg Sections: 5
Maximum Load: 2kg

Velbon Ultra Maxi L
RRP $169.00
Maximum Height: 152.5cm
Minimum Height: 16.5cm
Folded Height: 36cm
Weight: 990g
Leg Sections: 5
Maximum Load: 2kg 

Velbon P max
RRP: $109
Maximum Height: 131cm
Minimum Height: 34cm
Folded Height: 35cm
Weight: 800g
Leg Sections: 5
Maximum Load: 1.5kg 

Velbon CX-200
RRP: $59.00
Maximum Height: 115cm
Minimum Height: 42.5cm
Folded Height: 44cm
Weight: 1000g
Leg Sections: 3
Maximum Load: 1.8kg

Tripod Tips
A tripod can be a great aid to shot composition as it allows you to concentrate on framing the subject. It is also useful for shooting portraits because you can compose the shot and then trigger the shot remotely while you are engaging with your subjects. People feel more relaxed when they have eye contact and the tripod will make this easy and comfortable for you and your subjects.

Essentially, the longer the exposure time, the more necessary a tripod becomes. Experienced photographers with heavy cameras may be able to take hand-held at shutter speeds as slow as 1/15 second - provided they use wide-angle lenses (but not for tele shots). Monopods, beanbags, clamps and tensioning chains or strings (which are attached to the camera and pulled tight to prevent movement in one dimension) can provide a little more latitude but for exposures longer than about a second, a tripod is a must.

The longer the exposure time, the greater the need for the camera to be held steady. This can be difficult with a lightweight tripod. Knowledgeable photographers make or buy a small bag that can be filled with stones and hang it from the central column of the tripod. This adds weight - and, therefore, stability - to the system.

Stability will also decrease as the head of the tripod is raised. Consequently, if you can keep the head as low as possible, the chance of camera shake is reduced. Avoid taking long exposures in windy conditions.