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.
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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 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
Gitzo GT0540 Mountaineer Carbon Series
2. Glanz These are budget-priced aluminium tripods with three-way pan heads and quick-release plates. Both include a carry case.
Glanz Tripod TR550.
Glanz Tripod TR160
3. Manfrotto
Manfrotto 785B Modo Maxi
4. Optex 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
Optex 8 Sec. Compact Tripod (Blue) T38B
5. Slik 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
Slik Light Weight Compact Model
Slik U 5500
6. Velbon 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
Velbon Ultra Maxi L
Velbon P max
Velbon CX-200 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.
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