|
Tripod reviews and mini camera stands for all OccasionsThis page of tripod reviews will highlight the differences between different tripods, types of tripods, and the relative value of each one at it's price point. I don't consider all tripods to be 'good enough' as long as they can simply hold a camera steady. So I've chosen a selection of price points to suit each individual, and a range of different types of stands that may be of use to some photographers. If you've not already, I would highly suggest you read the camera stands page to familiarize yourself with the terms and functions of various types of tripods and stands. The following I have personally picked based on several major factors: Tripod Reviews - Slik Pro 700DX
 is certainly not the cheapest tripod out there, nor the most expensive either. But where it does shine is in its overall functionality due to it's workmanship, and its extensive features. The legs are made from a titanium alloy, and so has a 40% strength to weight ratio compared to the standard aluminium used in many cheaper tripod legs (according to the people at Slik Pro). It weighs 7 pounds. As well as being able to go as low as 15 inches off the ground for low-angle and/or macro shots, it uses a quick release plate so your camera can be attached and detached easily on-the-fly. Slik Pro have made the plate so that the camera (once the plate is attached to the base of the camera body) can be attached in an instant to the tripod in any direction. Key Tripod Reviews Features: Cons: The weight. It's not light, but on the other hand this does add to stability, and reduces vibration to pretty much nothing when taking a shot. See more details about the SLIK PRO 700DX Tripod Reviews - Vista Explorer
 , which is probably suitable for the first time buyer of a tripod simply wanting to use one for some experimentation. It weighs just 3 pounds and so is very light, but the trade-off of course is in stability and robustness. It does however feature a center column hook that you can hang something heavy off to increase stability (your camera bag possibly) It has a three way pan head, and also the tripod legs are separately adjustable, enabling it to be set up on uneven surfaces (although it should be said, that most tripods do allow for this these days). Key Tripod Reviews Features: Cons: It only has rubber feet, which makes it not as suitable for outdoor use as it could be. Some retractable spikes would have been nice. I also find it hard to believe that a tripod at this price point will last, but the ten year warranty does add to peace of mind in that regard. At its discounted price point of $19.95, it is actually the best of the budget bunch compared to some cheaper models, and even other tripods $20 more expensive that I've seen. Click here: Vista Explorer Lightweight Tripod Tripod Reviews - Ravelli APGL4 Professional 70 inch Tripod
 . Although the term professional is somewhat subjective in this case, and the fact that it could never sell at its original price point of $399.99. yet with a discount of around $300+ being available, it makes it a serious contender for one of the best value Tripods out there. Not only is it sleek and robust, the pistol grip head makes positioning the camera a joy. Key Tripod Reviews Features: Con's: At its price point it's actually hard to find any negatives about this tripod. But perhaps the one big one, is that there isn't a bubble level on the head for when you tilt it. But overall this is a great tripod and well worth it at the discounted price point. Click: Ravelli APGL4 Professional Tripod Tripod Reviews - Gorilla Pod GP3
The Joby GP3 Gorillapod Zoom Flexible Tripod  isn't so much a tripod, but is more of a camera stability solution for when you are traveling, so you can handily attach it to something like a tree or lamppost. As such, it shouldn't be considered as a tripod replacement. It comes in various strengths, and this GP3 Gorilla pod is for dslr's and can take up to 6.6 pounds of weight (3kg).
Con's: Getting it to stand up straight can require some fiddling about with the legs, but that's not really the main point of this camera stand anyway. See the Gorillapod SLR-Zoom Flexible Tripod Tripod Reviews - Pedco Ultrapod II
An alternative to the Gorilla pod, is the Pedco Digital UltraPod II  .It's a neat little camera stand that can be taken anywhere. At about half the price of the Gorilla pod, it also has a velcro strap that allows it to be attached to railings and trees in a similar fashion to the Gorilla pod. The ultra pod II is constructed from reinforced fiberglass, and can hold a dslr with a fair sized lens. Key Features: Con's: There's not really much that can be, or has been said against this camera stand. At it's current price point at just over $20, it's probably a better option than the Gorilla pod, and cheaper by half (literally). Click here: Pedco Digital UltraPod II |
and find out what everyone is saying about the slik pro 700DX.
to see what everyone's saying about it.
