Best Camera Tripods for the Money

A tripod is an integral part of great photography. The three-legged invention keeps the camera steady and guarantees a level shot, ensuring that photos are crisp and clear, especially under low light conditions. Still, many amateur photographers dismiss the tripod because their digital cameras are extremely compact. They consider tripods equipment only professionals employ. If you’ve used a tripod in the past, you know that it can improve shots regardless of the camera’s size or the photographer’s skill level.

Heavy vs. Light

Generally speaking, the heavier your tripod, the better your photos. This is due to the fact that a tripod’s main function is to anchor the camera. Therefore, a heavy tripod offers more stability than a lighter model. This is especially true if you are shooting in windy or bumpy conditions. A heavy tripod protects a camera from vibration and other factors that can cause it to shake while you are framing your shot.

However, if you are shooting with a lightweight digital camera you’re able to get away with using a lighter tripod. If your tripod is able to adequately support your camera outdoors, in a moderate breeze, then it should suffice. What’s more, lightweight tripods offer the added bonus of being extra-portable. If your tripod is too heavy, you are more apt to leave it at home. The key is to find a tripod that is light enough to carry long distances, but not too light that it is unable to sustain the weight of your camera.

What to Look for in a Good Tripod

A good tripod should be sturdy and rigid, yet it should also set up and break down quickly. Most tripods feature quick-release hinged latches that let you open and close the legs rapidly. The latches are valuable assets when you are shooting on the run and need to extend the tripod's legs in a flash. However, they can't support as much weight as screw-type leg locks.

In addition, the bottoms of the tripod’s legs matter as well. Some tripod feet have pins or spikes that dig into the ground while others have flat bottoms with rubber pads that grip both indoor and outdoor surfaces.

Regardless of where you plan to take photos, you’ll want to purchase a tripod from a reputable manufacturer. Some of the most popular names in camera tripods include:

• Alpen Optics
• Barska
• Bogen
• Brunton
• Bushnell
• Carson
• Celestron
• LOMO
• Manfrotto
• Nikon
• Pentax
• Radian
• TeleVue
• Velbon
• Yukon
• Zhumell