Tripods

Tripods are the key to professional photography. As a matter of fact, tripods in general do more than facilitate photography means; throughout recent history, the innovation known as the tripod (or, simply, the three-pronged, or three-legged, stand) was used for a variety of practical applications, even before the invention of the camera. This infers that this piece of technology, although intended for the same purpose—to stabilize at elevated heights—was originally used for other measuring objects, such as earlier telescopes. Today, the very versatile tripod is still used for these things, but their use has expanded to include the support of heavy firearms as well as, of course, photographic devices.

The earliest were wooden tripods. Small- or medium-sized telescopes were erected on what would be referred to now as antique wooden tripods for the purpose of easy visualization, stabilization and balance. The antique black bamboo folding tripod made storage and travel possible so the telescopes need not remain stationery. The twentieth century brought yet further inspirations. Because of similar needs elsewhere, this concept was applied to firearms and photography, too. The growing technology introduced more sophisticated designs and camera tripods made out of metal. This would enhance the stabilization and balance aspects already in play, not only on level ground, but on rough terrain as well.

The camera tripod, typically made out of chrome or aluminum to provide firmness, involves many features that provide more dynamic capabilities that the older wooden tripods didn’t have. The counter-balanced tilt is manually operated via two pan levers or bars—one vertical, the other horizontal—and allows the camera to shift to virtually any position and lock in place. Two head types, namely the pan head and the ball head, allow for the limitless manipulation of dimension and allow movement, as well as to zoom in and out and initiate smooth panning. A slide plate serves as a wide base for both cameras and camcorders. Finally, as per the tripod’s namesake, three double adjustable legs, regulated with a transport lock to prevent splayed spreading or collapse, can accommodate both even and uneven surfaces as needed. Some even respond to a tripod remote. Pan-tilt can now be accomplished with the push of a button or two and at a distance. The video tripod is like this when photographers need to observe from a position away from the tripod and work the camera or camcorder at the same time.

Anyone thinking of buying a tripod would be best off first to read any camera tripod reviews available in order to be well-informed. Many notable brand names can be found with detailed information: the Ambico tripod, Bogen tripod, Gitzo tripod, Slik tripods . . . Bogen tripods are among those more common, so consideration on these is recommended. Comparing brands is always crucial before deciding what to buy.

Tripods are the key to excellent photographic results. For this reason, such an instrument is considered one of the most important devices that any photographer should ever have.