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9 Best Tripods for Landscape Photography in 2021

12 Oct

The post 9 Best Tripods for Landscape Photography in 2021 appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Simon Ringsmuth.

the best tripods for landscape photography

What’s the best tripod for landscape photography you can buy today? When considering the perfect landscape tripod, there are literally hundreds of products to choose from – the tricky part is narrowing down all the options to find one that’s right for you!

This guide will help you wade through the various tripods on the market to find the one that fits your needs. Of course, as with many aspects of photography, it’s difficult to offer a black-and-white best tripod to purchase. It depends on your goals, your gear, and whether features like budget and portability matter more than height and durability.

I would, however, caution you against getting a very inexpensive, do-it-all model like the kind you might find at a local department store or online retailer for $ 25-$ 50 USD. These tripods might seem good, and some have long lists of features, but they are often made with cheap materials that will not hold your camera steady and will break very quickly. So if you’re after a genuinely good tripod for landscape photography, scour this list; you’re certain to find a much better option that suits your needs.

Let’s get started.

landscape photo from a mountain using a tripod — Fujifilm X100F | 23mm | f/8 | 1/60s | ISO 200
There’s no way I would have gotten this shot without a tripod.

1. The Peak Design Travel Tripod (Best overall)

When Peak Design released their Travel Tripod in 2019, it sent shockwaves through the photography community. The tripod was (and is!) small, light, and incredibly versatile, which made it appealing to a wide range of photographers.

All was not sunshine and roses, and shutterbugs quickly took note of some important downsides. This new tripod was expensive, limited in certain ways, and included some highly unconventional design choices. But despite the drawbacks, the Peak Design Travel Tripod earns my recommendation as the absolute best tripod for landscape photography you can buy.

I have used this tripod extensively, from mountaintops in the southwest United States to remote hiking locales along the USA-Canada border, and there’s simply nothing else like it. Its diminutive size when fully collapsed, coupled with the extremely low weight, is a boon to landscape photographers who value quality as well as portability. The built-in ball head is flexible, the legs are stable, and with the center column extended, the entire package is nearly as tall as any other tripod on this list.

I wouldn’t recommend the Peak Design Travel Tripod for use with heavy cameras like the Canon 1D X or Nikon D6, since the thin (but very strong) construction can’t quite keep up when you start attaching pounds of gear. But for most landscape photographers, this tripod hits the sweet spot between size, features, and portability.

Pros

Outstanding portability
Highly flexible
Lots of little design touches, like the cell phone holder tucked into the center column, that display a high attention to detail

Cons

The carbon fiber version is very expensive
Not as tall as other tripods
Not designed for very heavy camera/lens combinations

2. MeFOTO BackPacker S Aluminum Travel Tripod (Best budget)

If you’re a landscape photographer on a budget, you can’t go wrong with the MeFOTO BackPacker S Travel Tripod. It’s not as compact or versatile as other items on this list, but it offers amazing flexibility – especially considering the price.

The legs fold up around the ball head to save on space, and you can lock them into several positions during setup. The lack of a true center column limits the overall height of this tripod, but it still suits the needs of many landscape photographers quite well.

The legs each have a series of twist-lock mechanisms to extend the sections and keep them in place. I’m personally not a big fan of this style and instead prefer the clip-lock or twist-lock systems found on other tripods, but again, the main point of this tripod is to serve a more budget-conscious audience.

One nice feature is the ability to convert it to a true monopod by removing a leg and attaching it to the center column, though that’s not highly relevant for landscape shooters. It does speak to the overall versatility of this tripod, and for photographers who want one inexpensive option for landscapes plus other situations, the MeFOTO BackPacker S is a solid choice.

Pros

Inexpensive
Flexible
Can be converted to a monopod

Cons

Not as tall as other options
Twist-lock extension mechanisms aren’t to everyone’s liking

3. Manfrotto MT190XPRO3 with Manfrotto 496 Center Ball Head (Best semi-professional)

There’s a bit of a paradox with camera gear: the more you spend, the less you get. Whereas many less expensive tripods come with everything you need to go out and start shooting, higher-end tripods often come as two separate pieces: legs and heads. The Manfrotto MT190XPRO3 is an outstanding set of tripod legs, but it also needs a head, and for that I recommend the 496 Center Ball Head.

The Manfrotto legs aren’t small and light so they might not be the first choice for travelers, but they are strong, sturdy, and tall enough to give you unique landscape photos you can’t get with shorter tripods. The legs can be locked into several positions, and adjustments are quick and easy thanks to the clip-lock leg extensions. My favorite feature is the center column adjustment, which lets you extend the column and then reposition it horizontally to capture photos in entirely new ways.

The 496 Center Ball Head refines the design Manfrotto has used for years, and while it doesn’t offer anything particularly revolutionary, it does give you stability and impressive ease of use. Large, chunky knobs let you easily reposition the ball head and then lock it firmly in place, and it’s designed to hold over 20 pounds of gear.

Bottom line: This setup is great for landscape shooters who use professional-grade cameras and lenses and don’t to trust their gear to a flimsy support system.

Pros

Sturdy
Easy to adjust ball head position
Simple but effective leg locking mechanisms

Cons

Bulky and not ideal for backpacking
Not as tall as other tripods

4. Gitzo GT2545T Series 2 Traveler (Best professional tripod)

For landscape photographers who want a no-compromise solution to the tripod problem, it’s hard to beat the Gitzo GT2545T Series 2 Traveler. It’s small, lightweight, extends to over five feet, and is designed to take a beating.

Gitzo has made a name for itself in the photography community as a maker of tough, reliable gear for the most demanding situations, and this tripod is no exception. While it’s not quite as small and compact as the Peak Design Travel Tripod, it folds down small enough to fit in most backpacks or suitcases, and the carbon fiber construction keeps it lightweight for hiking out to your favorite landscape photography spots.

This tripod frequently comes paired with a ball head, but you’re free to just buy the legs and choose your own head to fit your needs. However, the often included ball head is great for landscape photographers and one I strongly recommend. Its huge knobs are easy to loosen and tighten, and the head can be moved into nearly any position you need. Unlike some less expensive ball heads, this one is coated with a special material to minimize sticking – perfect for photographers who shoot in inclement weather.

Pros

Extremely high-quality build
Very lightweight but capable of supporting large cameras and lenses
Folds down small for portability

Cons

Expensive
Not as compact as others on this list
Height is decent when fully extended, but not outstanding

5. JOBY TelePod Pro (Best small tripod)

Large tripods that extend high up into the air are great for capturing nature and landscape shots, but sometimes you just need something small and versatile. And if you prioritize compactness over everything else, I recommend the JOBY TelePod Pro.

Designed for small setups like a consumer-grade DSLR or mirrorless camera paired with a lightweight lens, this tripod folds down smaller than a water bottle so you can literally take it anywhere. It has sturdy, rubberized feet and a fairly unique design element: an extendable center column instead of extendable legs. This comes at the cost of stability, but helps maintain the outstanding size and portability.

Of course, with the JOBY TelePod Pro, it’s important to keep expectations firmly in check. It’s almost like a selfie stick with three feet, and that makes it unappealing for a lot of longtime landscape photographers. But for those new to this type of photography, or people who don’t have big cameras and lenses, the TelePod Pro is just about perfect.

Pros

Inexpensive
Incredibly compact
Highly portable
Easy to use in a wide range of landscape situations

Cons

Not ideal for large cameras
Extending center column design limits overall stability

6. Feisol Elite Tripod CT-3472LV M2 (Best heavy-duty tripod)

In landscape photography, wind, snow, rain, dirt, dust, extreme heat, and cold are all par for the course – and in such conditions, it helps to have a tripod that will never let you down. That’s where the Feisol Elite Tripod comes in.

It’s a great option for those who value build quality and durability over all else, thanks in part to thick legs capable of holding over 60 pounds, which eclipses just about everything else in its class. The carbon-fiber construction results in a high price tag but a reasonable weight, which is great if you’ll be carrying this on your back or over your shoulder for long distances.

While not as versatile as some other options on this list, the Feisol Elite Tripod does have one key advantage: its size. It’s certainly no tiny, compact device like the Joby TelePod Pro. The Feisol Elite Tripod is approximately two feet long when folded, and it reaches a towering height of nearly six feet to help you get the shots that other landscape photographers can only dream about.

Pros

Large chunky legs offer amazing stability
Can support far more weight than other tripods

Cons

Expensive
Does not include a ball head
Not ideal for photographers who value portability

7. Manfrotto MK055XPRO3-3W (Best full-size tripod)

The Manfrotto MK055XPRO3-3W tripod packs everything but the proverbial kitchen sink. Yes, it’s large and definitely not appropriate for long hikes or tromping around through the backcountry, but if you’re a landscape photographer who wants to buy one single tripod that includes everything you need for rock-solid stability, this one is it.

You won’t get a carbon fiber build, and good luck stuffing this beast in a backpack – but it is rock solid, has easy-to-use flip locks to extend the legs, and reaches a stratospheric height of more than 72 inches. It will handle any situation you can throw at it as long as you’re able to lug it to your location.

While you can customize this tripod with a different ball head, the included 3-way pan/tilt head is excellent for landscape photography. It offers a more careful, considered approach than the knob-turning of other ball heads, and the large adjustment handles connect you to the tripod in a way that I really like. As with other high-end Manfrotto tripods, the center column can be repositioned horizontally for even greater maneuverability.

Pros

Great compromise between features, flexibility, and price
Sturdy, supportive legs
Can extend over six feet

Cons

Included pan/tilt head is not suited for everyone
Not very portable
Load limit is good but not great considering the size

8. Vanguard Alta Pro 263AP (Most flexible tripod)

The Vanguard Alta Pro 263AP is an excellent option for landscape photographers who want advanced features at a much more reasonable price point than Gitzo or Feisol tripods. It’s relatively compact – though not as diminutive as the Peak Design Travel Tripod – and extends to a very respectable 70 inches. The center column can be positioned in a variety of ways, and the ball head can be rotated and repositioned in almost every manner imaginable.

What I really like about this tripod for landscape photography are the little touches that make your shooting experience just a little more pleasant. The feet have metal tips for maximum stability (especially out in nature). The center column can be repositioned while also adjusting its height, allowing you a near-unprecedented level of versatility.

And while some photographers would rather have a more traditional ball head, I do appreciate the large, easy-to-use handles that let you adjust pan, tilt, and rotation separately. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend this tripod to most photographers, as it is well suited to almost any photographic situation.

Pros

Relatively inexpensive compared to some others on this list
Highly versatile
Great for a variety of situations, not just landscapes

Cons

Included tripod head is not to everyone’s liking
Not very small when collapsed

9. Joby GorillaPod with smartphone mount (Best mobile phone tripod)

It’s often said that the best camera is the one you have with you, and for many people, that means their mobile phone. Extend that maxim just a bit, and we might say that the best tripod is the one you have with you. For landscape photographers who rely on their mobile phone to create images, this tiny Joby tripod is one that I’m always happy to recommend. Its unique wraparound legs let you capture stable images on just about any surface imaginable, and the entire tripod can be wrapped around objects, including trees, fence posts, benches, and more.

While I wouldn’t recommend a GorillaPod to anyone who shoots with a DSLR or mirrorless camera, it’s ideal for mobile phone shooters. The tripod will sit firmly in place with a phone attached, and the ball head is great for repositioning your phone to get your shot just right. It’s small, light, highly portable, and comes at a very reasonable price.

If you shoot landscapes with your mobile phone, there’s almost no reason not to get this tripod. And despite some limitations, it’s a great solution and a welcome addition to your gear kit.

Pros

Inexpensive
Small
Flexible
Highly portable

Cons

Very short
Not well suited for dedicated cameras

landscape image taken with a tripod — Nikon D750 | 70-200mm f/2.8G ED VR II | 70mm | f/16 | 1/60s | ISO 160

The best tripod for landscape photography: final words

While you don’t necessarily need a tripod for landscape photography, it will get you consistently better results. You can use lower ISO values, narrower apertures, and longer shutter speeds, plus you can capture shots you just can’t reach when shooting handheld.

If you’re looking for your first tripod, or if you already have a tripod and are aiming to upgrade, hopefully one of the options on this list will be just right for you!

And remember, these are my personal picks for the best tripods for landscape photography, but if you have a favorite I would love to hear about it – so leave your thoughts – and share any of your own landscape photos – in the comments below.

Landscape tripods FAQs

What is the best tripod brand for landscape photography?

Try to not think about this in objective, black-and-white terms. There are pros and cons to every tripod brand and plenty of tradeoffs. Instead of thinking about which brand is best, think about your needs, then choose a tripod that fits your budget.

Do I need to pay more for a weather-resistant tripod?

Some tripods advertise features like weatherproof knobs and dials, but I really don’t worry about this sort of thing too much. I wouldn’t recommend paying more for these features unless you have a specific use case in mind. Outside of using using your tripod in torrential rain every single day, any model will probably be fine.

Do I need a special type of camera for landscape photography?

Any camera will work for landscapes, from mobile phones to point and shoots to high-end mirrorless and DSLR models. Landscape photographers generally prefer wider lenses to capture more of the scene, but it’s also possible to get great landscape shots with a telephoto lens. Your camera is almost certainly not the limiting factor in landscape photography; no matter what camera you shoot with, a tripod will almost certainly help.

What type of head should I use on my tripod?

Some people prefer ball heads, while others prefer pan-and-tilt heads. There’s no one answer to this, but I personally gravitate towards ball heads simply for the size and convenience factor. One thing I do not recommend is using a tripod head designed for videography when shooting still photos. They generally do not allow the same level of free-form movement and positioning as a head designed for still images.

The post 9 Best Tripods for Landscape Photography in 2021 appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Simon Ringsmuth.

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Tested: Four travel tripods for every budget

26 Jul

From left to right, the MeFoto BackPacker S, Manfrotto BeFree Advanced, Peak Design Travel Tripod and Gitzo Traveler Series 1.

Although image stabilization technology has come along in leaps and bounds over the past few years, there are few things you can do to improve your low-light or telephoto images more than mounting your camera on a tripod. But many tripods are heavy and bulky, making them inconvenient to bring along on longer hikes or when traveling by air. That’s where the humble travel tripod comes to the rescue.

In this review we compare the following travel tripods:

MeFoto BackPacker S – $ 159.95 list / ~$ 120 street
Manfrotto BeFree Advanced – $ 324.99 list / ~$ 280 street
Peak Design Travel Tripod – $ 599.95 list / ~$ 600 street
Gitzo Traveler Series 1 – $ 1014.99 list / ~$ 600 street

Travel tripods are available across a very wide price range, from consumer models that cost not much more than $ 100 to professional-grade ones that can run into the high hundreds of dollars or more. But is it worth spending that extra cash, and can you expect a significantly better experience from a more expensive tripod? To find out, we rounded up a selection of name-brand carbon-fiber travel tripods spanning the pricing gamut for an in-depth, side-by-side comparison.

In many respects, all four tripods have a lot in common. They all come with quick-release plates that you can leave attached to your camera for quicker setup, for example. And they all have reversible center columns which also let you shoot straight downwards, something that can be handy for macro shooting in particular.

They also share locks and/or safety pins to help prevent your camera accidentally being disconnected, and sandbag hooks either at the end of the center column or on the side of the spider, from which you can hang some weight for extra stability. (Just remember to include this weight along with that of your chosen camera and lens when determining your required payload!)

In this review, we’ll focus mostly on how these four tripods differ from each other, and their advantages and disadvantages in real-world shooting. Read on to find out how they performed, and which was our favorite.

	MeFoto BackPacker S	Manfrotto BeFree Advanced	Peak Design Travel Tripod	Gitzo Traveler Series 1
MSRP	$ 159.95	$ 324.99	$ 599.95	$ 1014.99
Street price	~$ 120	~$ 280	~$ 600	~$ 600
Length and diameter (folded)*	33.5 x 9.5cm	41.0 x 10.5 cm	39.1 x 7.9 cm	42.5 x 1 cm
Max. height (with center column)*	140.0cm	151.0cm	153.5cm	164.5cm
Max. height (no center column)*	108.0cm	127.0cm	131.0cm	141.0cm
Min. height (standard center column)*	33.5cm	40.5cm	34.5cm	42.5cm
Min. height (short center column)*	N/A	19cm (optional extra)	15.5cm (included)	33.0cm (included)
Weight with accessories*	1017g**	1268g***	1342g****	1489g*****
Load limit	6kg	8kg	9.1kg	10kg
Number of leg angles	3	3	2	2
Converts to monopod?	Yes (143.0cm max.)*	No	No	No
Bubble level?	Yes	No	Yes	Yes
Panorama control?	Yes, with degree scale	Yes, lacks degree scale	No	Yes, with degree scale
Swappable head / feet?	Head only	Head only	Both (with optional head adapter kit)	Both
QR plate type	ARCA	Manfrotto RC2	ARCA	ARCA
Special features	N/A	EasyLink attachment	Smartphone holder	N/A
Warranty (with registration)	5 years	10 years	Lifetime	7 years

* All sizes and weights based on in-house measurements.
** Includes ball head, QR plate with safety pins, center-column hook and hex key
*** Includes ball head, QR plate, EasyLink / center-column caps and hex key
**** Includes ball head with safety pins, QR plate, full center column with hook and phone holder, hex tool and tool holder
***** Includes ball head with safety pin, QR plate, long and short center columns and three hex/Torx keys

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

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DPReview TV: Video tripods vs photo tripods

01 Feb

Video tripods with fluid heads provide distinct advantages over standard photo tripods when shooting video, but are they always better? Chris and Jordan compare both types of tripods and demonstrate the pros and cons of each.

Subscribe to our YouTube channel to get new episodes of DPReview TV every week.

Introduction
Photo tripods
Photo tripod limitations
Compact video tripods
Mid-range video tripods
Professional video tripods
Can any tripod do both jobs?

Want to learn more about video tripods? Read our article Introduction to video tripods for an in-depth overview of what to look for in a video tripod.

An introduction to video tripods

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

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Review: 2 K&F Concept Carbon Tripods Put to the Test

20 Jan

The post Review: 2 K&F Concept Carbon Tripods Put to the Test appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Kav Dadfar.

Recently, I was given 2 new K&F Concept Carbon tripods to test out.

Founded in 2011, K&F Concept is not a new player in the photographic industry, but they have wasted no time forging a name for themselves into a very niche market. Like most things coming out of China, their products are well designed, innovative and offer great value, so I was excited to get my hands on these tripods.

The TC2834L Explorer Series carbon tripod

First up is the K&F Concept TC2834L Explorer Series carbon tripod with a CL40 ball head.

At a glance:

Material: Carbon Fiber
Net Weight: 1440g
Max Height: 1500mm
Height without Central Axis: 1235mm
Min Height: 430mm
Max load: 15kg
Price: $ 299.99 (at the time of writing)

Review: 2 K&F Concept Carbon Tripods Put to the Test

First thoughts

The tripod comes in a really nice carry bag with all the necessary Allen keys to maintain it. There are also a set of three screw spikes in the accessory bag that I wasn’t expecting.

My first thoughts were correct, and these were to replace the rubber grips on each leg for those times when you need a little more traction. Simply screw off the rubber pads and screw in the spikes. It’s super easy and a very nice addition that you won’t get with many other tripods.

k&f-concept-carbon-tripods

Locking system

K&F Concept has used twist-leg locks to reduce weight and folded size rather than the more traditional lever lock. Aside from the weight and size, the other advantage of the twist legs is their slick design. I have always found that levers tend to snag on the straps of my camera bag when trying to remove the tripod. Whilst, not a huge inconvenience, it generally results in me having a little wrestle with my camera bag.

With the twist-lock, you eliminate this issue.

The primary leg join is a very unique and innovative design that allows the photographer to get the camera as close to the ground as possible. You simply pull the red leaver out and tilt the legs up to one of the other two notches before pushing it back in to securely lock the legs in place.

k&f-concept-carbon-tripods

Tripod size

The tripod is made up of four carbon fiber sections to keep the weight to a minimum and keep it to a compact height.

One of the most notable aspects of the TC2834L is the lack of center column attached to the tripod. Instead, this comes as a separate section that needs to be screwed onto the tripod when needed. Whilst this achieves its goal of a more compact size tripod, it does mean an extra piece to carry as the column doesn’t attach to the tripod (something that would have been nice to be able to do).

However, I haven’t found this to be a huge problem as the standard height of the tripod is 1235mm, which is more than an adequate hight. Plus, generally having a center column raised on a tripod, is not a great idea as it can mean camera shake through any sort of movement.

I never use this, so actually not having the center column means less weight to carry.

After feeling how light the tripod is, I was a little concerned that it may struggle to support a camera and a 70-200mm lens in anything less than perfect conditions.

Thankfully, I was proved wrong. It proved to be very steady and held up as well as any other travel tripod I have used even in blustery conditions.

The tripod is made up of four carbon fiber sections to keep the weight to a minimum and keep it to a compact height.

I never use this, so actually not having the center column means less weight to carry.

After feeling how light the tripod is, I was a little concerned that it may struggle to support a camera and a 70-200mm lens in anything less than perfect conditions.

Thankfully, I was proved wrong. It proved to be very steady and held up as well as any other travel tripod I have used even in blustery conditions.

Review: 2 K&F Concept Carbon Tripods Put to the Test

Ball head

Sold separately to the tripod, the KF-LC40 ball head may just be the best ball head I have ever used! Beautifully designed for ease of use, the ball head has a slick feel.

It uses the Arca Swiss locking system, which is great as this has now become the universally preferred locking method. This means all your old accessories and L-brackets will work seamlessly with this ball head.

The cleverly designed locking lever is placed a little behind the nodal point, making it much easier to adjust when a camera is attached. It does make the ball head a little bigger, but it’s not an issue, and it allows extra space for more substantial support in the ball head.

However, it’s important to remember that the ball head is sold separately.

Review: 2 K&F Concept Carbon Tripods Put to the Test

Verdict

This is a fantastic sturdy, lightweight, pro-level compact tripod that is a joy to use and even easier to carry.

With a price of just $ 299.99 (remember, ball head sold separately) and 30 days, no-questions-asked return policy, there isn’t much to not love about this tripod.

Review: 2 K&F Concept Carbon Tripods Put to the Test

Lightweight Travel Tripod

Next up is the TC2634 (Blue) carbon fiber lightweight travel tripod;

At a glance:

Material: Carbon Fiber
Net Weight: 3.7 pounds
Max Height: 1500mm
Min Height: 430mm
Max load: 15kg
Price: $ 182.28

First thoughts

Like its bigger brother, this tripod also comes in a nice bag with all the same accessories. However, no spikes this time.

It’s amazingly lightweight and compact but still incredibly sturdy. This all makes this tripod perfect for a travel photographer.

You could easily carry this tripod around with you all day without any problem. This is a huge benefit for someone like me who leaves the hotel very early in the morning and ends up having to carry their tripod all day.

This tripod also has a great little trick up its sleeve. One of the legs detaches to become a stand-alone monopod. Just unscrew the ball head and attach the newly removed leg, and you are ready to shoot.

Monopods are great for busy cities and festivals, so it’s nice to have one as easily accessible as this is.

Review: 2 K&F Concept Carbon Tripods Put to the Test

Locking system

Like the TC2834L, the TC2634 uses a twist leg lock, which is great for all the reasons mentioned above. But what this tripod does differently is its 180-degree locking system that makes the tripod even smaller when packed away. It is a little fiddly to get the ball head in the correct spot to make sure all the legs lock closed to be as compact as possible, but you get used to the method after a few uses. This makes the folded up tripod just 430 mm in height!

k&f-concept-carbon-tripods

Tripod size

Given the compact size of this tripod, you could be mistaken for thinking it is going to be pretty small and not sturdy. This is certainly not the case. Whilst it is not as sturdy as the larger TC2834L, it held up fantastically well in all conditions except a fairly fast flowing river where there was some noticeable shake.

However, I expected that, as this tripod is not designed for that purpose. You can’t have super compact and lightweight without some sacrifices. To help avoid any shake issues, the center column has a hook that can be weighted down to add extra stability.

With the 180-degree leg locking system, it means you can get your camera as low to the floor as you wish. The camera will be upside down, but that’s nothing a rotate tool won’t fix in post-production.

k&f-concept-carbon-tripods

Ball head

This is a very sturdy and well-designed Arca Swiss 360-degree ball head. It’s a little smaller than I would normally like, but this doesn’t affect performance in any way. Unlike the previous tripod, the ball head is included with this tripod, making this an even more attractive option.

Review: 2 K&F Concept Carbon Tripods Put to the Test

Verdict

This tripod is quite a lot smaller than what I normally work with, so I was a little skeptical beforehand. But it turned out to be great, and I really enjoy using it. So much so that I will be adding it to my own photography kit.

It’s a great option for a city break and offers more than enough support for the DSLR or mirrorless systems.

Review: 2 K&F Concept Carbon Tripods Put to the Test

Overall

I have had my existing tripod for almost 15 years, and I never thought that I would replace it with anything other than just a newer model when it was time.

But having tested these tripods, I must confess that I am now using them instead of my existing tripod.

Note: The author was given these tripods and ball heads free of charge to test and was offered no incentives. This review is an unbiased opinion of his experience in using the products provided.

The post Review: 2 K&F Concept Carbon Tripods Put to the Test appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Kav Dadfar.

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Are Camera Tripods Universal?

08 Dec

A tripod is an essential part of every shutterbug’s gear. It is used by every type of photographer, hobbyist, or professional, no matter what they specialize in. When you start looking out for a tripod, you’ll notice that there are thousands of tripods available from different brands and different price points. Which brings us to the topic of this post—are Continue Reading

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3 Legged Thing’s new tripods feature leveling base, video heads, table-top option and more

26 Nov

Tripod manufacturer 3 Legged Thing has announced a new range of premium tripods that are designed to suit both stills and movie photographers. Inspired by the skateboarding world, the Legends range will offer video heads for the first time as well as new leg locks, a leveling base as well as three detachable legs that can become monopods or booms arms for lights and microphones. The company has launched two models, Mike and Jay, and promises more for the future.

The 8-layer carbon fiber legs offer a lightweight tripod without compromising stability and rigidity according to the company, and new Rapid Latch locks on the tops of the legs make them quick and easy to open for those with disabilities.

Mike is the taller of the two, measuring 66.7cm (26.26in) when closed, but extending to a maximum height of 147.5cm (58.07in). Mike weighs 1.65kg (3.64lbs) and can support kit of up to 14kg (30lbs). Jay is designed to be travel-friendly and measures 40.5cm / 15.94″ when folded and extends to a maximum height of 111.2cm (43.78in). He weighs 1.41kg (3.1lbs) and can hold the same weight as Mike – up to 14kg (30lbs).

Jay has a minimum height of 10.0cm / 3.94″ and Mike of 13.5cm / 5.31″, but both models can have their legs removed and optional ‘footwear’ mini-legs attached so that they can be used very close to the ground or on a tabletop. With the mini-legs attached the leveling base can double as a 3-legged stabilizer for one of the main legs when used as a monopod.

The company has also released its first video heads, which offer left or right panning arm placement, fluid movement and adjustable tilt motion. The AirHed Cine comes with either an Arca-Swiss clamp and plate or a standard version, and both have a mounting thread for attaching accessories.

Mike will cost $ 549.99 / £499.99 on his own, or $ 849.99 / £729.99 with the AirHed Cine, while Jay costs $ 479.99 / £449.99 on his own, or $ 779.99 / £679.99 with the AirHed Cine. The AirHed Cine costs $ 349.99 / £299.99 by itself. The company says there will be more to come for the Legends system in the next few months.
For more information see the 3 Legged Thing website.

Press release:

3 Legged Thing Announces New Legends Tripod Range

The award-winning British tripod manufacturer introduces a new ultra-premium tripod range and the first three products.

Following the phenomenal growth in popularity of its Pro and Punks tripods, 3 Legged Thing is excited to announce Legends – the most radical departure from conventional tripod design ever developed. Designed and engineered in Stagsden, England, the new products deliver unbelievable strength, maximum versatility, and incredible build quality. It is the first time 3 Legged Thing has introduced products designed for both photo and video.

Taking its inspiration from skateboarder, musician, photographer and 3LT Pro Team member, Ray Barbee, the ethos of the Legends range is innovation, outstanding performance, and creativity.

3 Legged Thing’s CEO and Founder Danny Lenihan explains: “With every incarnation of tripods, we bring new and exciting technological advances, and upgrades to existing design and engineering. Legends is a back-to-the-drawing-board look at how we use and need tripods in modern photography and videography, with ideas dating back five years that we had previously left undeveloped. With emphasis on workflow and user-friendliness, we’ve simultaneously lowered the weight, and increased the load-to-weight ratio, without compromising stability or rigidity. We’ve added advanced functionality, the likes of which have never been seen before, and made major aesthetic changes for our most incredible tripod range to date.

Danny continues: “When I first saw Ray Barbee, as a teenager, making his Bones Brigade debut in the Powell-Peralta film, Public Domain, my perception of skateboarding instantly changed. Here was this kid, who had defied normal conventions of neon and garish 80s fashion, and replaced them with a tee, jeans, Vans and a baseball cap. His style was smooth, inimitable, flowing and utterly effortless, and it was this that inspired me most. The parallels between Ray Barbee’s ethos and creativity, and the ideas forming in my head were tangible and quantifiable. I wanted to bring this new range to life, with fluid workflow, effortless movements, and unbounded style. When I mentioned to Ray that we’d like to name a tripod as a tribute to him, he was incredibly modest and humble. I knew then that it was exactly the right thing to do. Whilst the Ray tripod isn’t the first in the range to launch, it is important to understand that the influence and inspiration for the rest of the range, and the three debut products, all stem from Ray Barbee’s commitment to the arts, and I look forward to launching his signature product in 2020.”

The first two tripods in the range are Mike and Jay, 3 Legged Thing’s first levelling-base, hybrid photo/video tripods. Equally useful for video makers or landscape photographers, levelling base systems enable smooth and fast set-ups on challenging terrain. Mike is a full size carbon fibre tripod, designed for incredible stability in any conditions, whilst Jay features shorter carbon fibre legs with more sections, creating a travel-friendly video option, the first of its kind.

Mike is named after one of the original Bones Brigade skateboarders, Mike McGill. Inventor of the McTwist (arguably the most iconic trick ever invented), Mike is one of the most famous skateboarders in the world, and a professional for over 30 years. Jay is named for the late Jay Adams, the Dogtown skateboarder, whose style was inspired by surfing, influencing a whole new generation of skaters.

Similarly, the tripods in the Legends range share this DNA of innovation. These tripods have not one but three detachable legs, adding a level of versatility rarely seen in a tripod system. The legs can be used as a monopod; as boom arms for lights or microphones, or both!

With the legs removed the tripod can be used on table-tops or at ground level by joining a set of 3LT’s tripod footwear to the leg hinges. This enables both Mike and Jay to be used for macro work, bringing photographers a varied range of perspectives from which to shoot. With the addition of 3LT footwear, the levelling base can also be used as a foot stabiliser for a monopod leg, adding an extra level of versatility to the products.

The tripods are constructed from 8 layers of 100% pure Japanese carbon fibre, and aerospace-grade, anodised magnesium alloy, providing incredible strength, rigidity, and durability.

The new tripods have 3 Legged Thing’s new Rapid Latch, a hardwearing anodised mag-alloy latch with auto-engage lock, which is used to open and position the legs. The Rapid Latch has been specifically designed to make adjusting the legs quick and simple, even if the user is wearing thick gloves. Rapid Latch is also designed to be friendly to those with disabilities or hand injuries, enabling them to easily change the leg angles without complication or fuss.

Each of the legs can be used at three optimal angles creating different shooting heights, and can be positioned independently for use on uneven ground. The tripods come with removable rubber Bootz, which can be replaced with one of four varieties of alternative footwear, to increase stability on even the most challenging surfaces.

The Legends range tripod leg locks have new external designs with raised O-Pads for improved, grip, leverage and water displacement. Internally, the locks have been engineered with a new design of Chicken Lips (shims) which give the locks greater strength and grip, and formidable anti-rotation.

Mike and Jay’s levelling base has a friction control that enables users to finely-adjust the positioning. Both tripods are also available in kits with 3 Legged Thing’s stunning new video head, the AirHed Cine.

Precision milled from aerospace-grade magnesium alloy, and featuring a distinctive spiderweb design, the AirHed Cine has an adjustable, fluid-motion, tilt mechanism that offers smooth movement and can be controlled directly, or with the included panning arm. The arm can be fitted to either side of the head for right or left-handed operation. The AirHed Cine is available with a choice of standard video clamp and plate, or an Arca-Swiss compatible clamp and plate, and features a ¼”-20 thread for externally mounted devices such as articulated arms.

The first two tripods in the Legends range are available for pre-order starting today. Mike’s suggested retail price is £499.99 / $ 549.99 for tripod only, with tripod kit including AirHed Cine SRP of £729.99 / $ 849.99. Jay’s SRP is £449.99 / $ 479.99 tripod only, and £679.99 / $ 779.99 for Jay Kit with AirHed Cine. The AirHed Cine is available separately with a suggested retail price of £299.99 / $ 349.99.

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An introduction to video tripods

31 May

The Benro S8 tandem

So you’re looking to shoot video and you need a tripod. Do you have one that you use for stills or maybe you’re starting out with nothing and looking at purchasing your first one?

Either way there are a few things that you need to consider. If you’re not planning to move the camera during the shot then your existing setup may work for you. As a stepping stone using the same tripod with no extra outlay can work out in the short term. As you develop your skills you will probably find that your existing tripod will cause some frustration through its limitations.

There are things that you don’t need when shooting stills that are key when shooting video and some features that you can live without but once you upgrade you will wonder how you ever managed without them.

Let’s have a look at the constituent parts, the legs and the head, and investigate some of the considerations.

The legs or sticks

One of many options, the Manfrotto twin tube carbon fiber legs and mid level spreader

This is the part that is the easiest to deal with. A good set of stills legs (often referred to as ‘sticks’ in the video world) will actually have more longevity in terms of use with video than a typical stills head. You may find that the legs you have already work fine, however there are some things to consider if you are planning to upgrade.

Bowl or Flat mount

A typical stills tripod with detachable head will often have a flat base; in contrast, a video tripod usually has a bowl mount. These are available in a number of diameters, usually 50mm, 60mm, 75mm, 100mm and 150mm. There are exceptions to this, especially with cinema cameras.

Having a bowl allows much easier adjustment for leveling, no longer do you have to adjust the tripod legs to achieve a level camera. Instead of multiple adjustment points there is only one underneath the head at the top of the legs. (Sometimes you may find that leg adjustments are still necessary.) Some legs are sold with an adapter so that you can easily use a head with a smaller ball with a larger bowl.

Spreaders

Video tripods offer three different ways of adjusting the angle of the legs for better stability at low or high extensions. The choice of these is mainly down to experience and personal preference.

The ground level spreader

This can get dirty very easily and needs frequent maintenance but provides great stability. With a lot of tripods you do need to remove it if you want to use the leg spikes or place it on uneven ground.

The mid level spreader

This doesn’t get as dirty but sometimes can be more awkward to remove and re-attach, although easier when setting up and packing away. It also allows you to use the legs on uneven surfaces without having to remove the spreader.

The no spreader approach

The angle adjustment is achieved through limiting the spread with angle locks at the top of the leg.

This has gained a lot of traction in the video world over the last 15 years, although it doesn’t work well with very heavy payloads. It does offer the unique advantage of not being left behind as can happen with separate ones.

Leg construction

There are two styles of tripod leg, the single tube, which is not very different from stills legs and the twin tube. The twin tube versions tend to offer greater rigidity as they use two connection points at the top of the legs. Video work often involves lots of camera movement, and you don’t want the top of the legs to twist in any way while moving the camera as this can cause the tripod to lift. This can be more noticeable if moving the head quickly with a heavier setup.

As with stills legs you also get two main choices with materials, alloy or carbon fiber. The choice is mainly down to budget although weight saving and sturdiness can also be deciding factors.

Leg locks

Clamps that rotate 90 degrees to lock the legs, the Pozi-Loc system from Vinten.

As with stills legs you have two main options here, a twist lock or a flip lock. For twin leg systems the default is a flip lock. Some manufacturers use a rotating clamp instead, Vinten for example has it’s Pozi-Loc system.

Another option is the flowtech system from Sachtler. This system has only three clamps located at the top of the legs next to the head, very quick and easy to adjust but at a cost.

A single lock at the top of each leg simplifies adjustments

The feet

One option, removable flat feet that attach over spikes

In a similar way to stills legs there are usually two options here: spikes or flat feet. A lot of legs offer screw down rubber feet over spikes. Some video tripods offer completely removable flat feet that attach with clips over the spikes. There are some advantages to this, such as when you need to clean them or if they get damaged and need replacing. However, as they are detachable they can be left behind if you’re not careful. The other common option is feet that are integrated into a ground level spreader.

Center column

Center columns are useful but make sure they’re not over loaded

A single center column extension is normal for stills legs but not for video. There are some video focused tripods that offer this option, but it’s not widely adopted and requires care in use as stability can be an issue due to the higher weight demands of some video set ups. Benro among others do offer a number of tripods that offer this feature.

The Head

A handy way of using a flat head on a set of legs with a bowl

There are two main types of heads – flat or ball – and they interface with their associated leg type, although flat heads can often be adapted to fit most bowl mount tripods. Another option is a leveling head that allows you to add a half ball mount in between a head and a flat base for quick and easy adjustment.

Plates

Heads meant for video often use a longer plate

There are a lot of different plates for different manufacturers and some of them are interchangeable, however don’t rely on that without checking. A video plate is often elongated for use with heavier payloads. These plates also tend to have measurement marks on them so that positions can be easily repeated. A lot of plates are lined up and inserted from the rear of the head and once past the safety lock can’t accidentally fall off. Although that’s not to say that the whole tripod and head can’t fall over if not correctly set up.

Some heads like the Manfrotto N8 have a side loading plate

Something that is becoming more readily adopted and is trickling down from very expensive cinema heads are side loading plates. These are elongated as usual but attach more like a stills plate. They need to be angled slightly so that the left or right lip of the plate engages under the corresponding lip of the head. Then the locking lever is engaged when the plate is placed flat on the head. This can be advantageous when using heavier payloads.

Counterbalance

The need to achieve a good balance should not be underestimated. The counterbalance, or ‘spring’ as it’s often termed, is there to balance the camera on the head. This can take the form of a dial or a knob which increases or decreases the amount of tension in the head in the tilt direction. This is not the same as tilt friction.

Manfrotto’s Nitrotech CBS system uses a nitrogen cartridge for a variable counterbalance

The counterbalance control should be adjusted according to the weight of the payload. The ideal situation is to increase the control in steps until you can tilt the camera to any position then let go of it and it remains stationary. In practice this might not be achievable at first and can take a few minutes to get an acceptable result.

Remember that better results can be obtained by making sure that the weight is correctly centered on the head. This is achieved by moving the camera back or forth on the head via the sliding plate and then locking it into place. Some setups might even require unscrewing the camera from the plate and relocating it fore or aft slightly especially when changing the weight of the rig.

Payload

Making sure that you’re not outside the recommended payload range of a head is important. The counterbalance and brakes are only designed with a certain weight range in mind. Ensuring that you don’t under load your head is also important, this might seem a bit odd but there’s a good reason for this. You won’t get a good result with a head that has a strong counterbalance when using a lighter camera, especially if you can’t turn it off. It will fight you when you try and tilt the camera even with the drag dialed down to minimum. You might get away with overloading the head but smooth movement then becomes difficult. The rating of the legs also come into play, you don’t want them collapsing!

Friction and brakes, or drag and locks

The tilt fluid drag control and lock on the Benro S8

Pan and tilt frictions or drag are usually adjustable independently of each other, commonly with a dial. The more expensive the head, the more positions on the dial. Lower end heads tend to have quite limited adjustment ranges for pan and tilt drag, sometimes only a simple on or off setting.

You will see some heads marketed as fluid heads, and these use a fluid to dampen or smooth out movements. The more professional ones contain the fluid in a cartridge, the very cheap ones don’t and some have been known to leak. Brakes or locks are usually either dials or small levers and shouldn’t be over tightened.

Pan Bar

The lightweight Manfrotto X PRO fluid head, a budget option for lightweight kit especially if you want to use your existing stills tripod

While not exclusive to video heads this bar doesn’t offer the ability to lock the head position as with some stills heads. It’s simply a handle, sometimes extendable, that helps with smooth movement. It’s not exclusively for pans; despite the name it also works well with tilts. It needs to be properly tightened before use or you will get some very sloppy movements. Be aware that it’s very easy to wear down the rosette at the head end of the bar and some manufacturers sell user replaceable rosettes to fix this issue.

Quality vs Cost

If you think that you’re going to move into video work then a decent tripod is important. As a general rule any tripod is better than none, but one that is so big and heavy that you don’t want to take it with you is mostly useless. A good tripod should be an extension of your arm, you should be working with it and not fighting to tame it.

Tripods may not attract the sort of gear envy that cameras and lenses do – they’re not sexy and don’t contain any electronics (apart from maybe a backlight for the bubble). This means they don’t date quite as quickly and can usually last many years or even decades if looked after properly.

It’s not elegant but well balanced set ups mean smooth moves

Good tripods can cost many thousands of dollars but they don’t have to. What’s as important as purchase price is after-sales service. Are you going to be able to get the spare parts or servicing you require a few years down the line?

So how much should you spend? That’s entirely up to you. As a guideline I’d be thinking about something in the $ 250-$ 750 range. For that you can get a decent set of legs and a fluid effect head. You can of course get much cheaper tripods but you will probably end up wanting to upgrade very quickly when you realize the limitations that budget kit brings.

Finally, if you’re new to the world of video tripods and don’t quite know where to begin, I’d recommend starting with one of the tripods listed below:

Manfrotto MVH502AH
Manfrotto MVK500AM
SACHTLER 1001 ACE M MS SYSTEM

Each of these offers great performance at a reasonable price and can be a good starter system depending on your particular preferences and budget.

Do you have a favorite video tripod, or one that has worked really well for you? Let us know in the comments!

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Manfrotto launches ‘50% more rigid’ carbon fiber twin-leg tripods for video

27 Sep

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Accessories manufacturer Manfrotto has launched a pair of carbon fiber tripods for videographers that it claims are 50% more rigid than their aluminum counterparts and which come in a choice of configurations. The CF Twin Leg models feature dual risers and offer users a choice of leg spreading braces. The first model has a removable middle spreader half way up the legs and the other has the spreader attached to the feet. Both can have rubber or spiked feet, and are essentially the same in all other respects.

A 100mm bowl comes as standard along with a 75mm adapter to make the set-up compatible with a wider range of heads, and the legs are available as an optional kit with the Nitrotech N8 and N12 video heads as well as the 504. The legs in either configuration will cost £659.95/$ 699.95 with no head, and are available for pre-order on the Manfrotto website.

Press release

{pressrelease}

MANFROTTO EXPANDS ITS VIDEO SUPPORTS RANGE WITH TWO NEW TWIN-LEG TRIPODS IN CARBON FIBRE

Carbon fibre with new internal lock mechanism
100mm bowl with 75mm aluminium adapter
50% increased rigidity*

Manfrotto, world leader in the photography, videography, imaging equipment and accessories industry, has expanded its video tripod range with two new twin-leg video tripods made of carbon fibre.

The two brand-new, twin-leg video tripod models are the perfect solution for professional videographers looking for robust, rigid and lightweight support.

A 50% increase in rigidity* is achieved thanks to the combination of carbon-fibre tubes and a new patent-pending internal leg lock mechanism.

Manfrotto’s two new twin-leg carbon-fibre video tripods feature a 100mm bowl and include a 75mm aluminium adapter, for compatibility with a wider range of video heads.
Moreover, the tripod feet with spiked option give great versatility when it comes to different shooting locations.

The twin-leg carbon fibre tripods are available in two models: the first with an easily removable middle spreader and telescopic arms, and the second with a ground spreader, telescopic arms and incorporated rubber shoes.

Both twin-leg carbon-fibre tripods are also available in combination with Manfrotto Nitrotech N12, N8 and 504 video heads.

All Manfrotto video tripods are engineered with a focus on quality and dedication to continuous innovation. These products are the perfect solution for all videographers looking for a great support for their video shooting. Manfrotto’s new twin-leg carbon-fibre tripods will take support for their video gear to the next level.

*Compared with the Manfrotto aluminium versions 546B, 546GB, 545B, 545GB.

RRP £659.95. For more information, please visit www.manfrotto.co.uk

{/pressrelease}

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Review – Acratech GP Ball Head for Tripods

22 Aug

When my original tripod head started getting a bit loose and wobbly, the decision had to be made to replace it. But what was I going to get for a new head?

There are many brands and choices and after doing a lot of research and reading reviews, the most important parameters (for me) were narrowed down to these:

It must be as light as possible
There must be a lever clamp
Panorama leveling included

Review - Acratech GP Ball Head for Tripods

After much careful consideration, I opted to go with the Acratech Ball Head with Lever Clamp option. For those interested, the other serious contender was from Really Right Stuff. Pricing was similar but the Acratech was a lot lighter.

When it finally arrived (it takes a long time for things to travel to NZ affordably) the first thing that surprised me was how small it was. The second thing was how hefty, solid and well made it was. It is almost a work of art in its own right, how sculptured it looks.

Up close and personal with the Acratech GP Ball Head

There are three knobs on the base of the Acratech GP. The largest one with the notches is the ball head release – this is the one that gets used all the time to position the head.

On the same level is a smaller round knob which is responsible for adjusting the tension. When you loosen the main knob it can go completely loose and floppy really quickly, or you can tension it to have a bit more resistance.

There is a small notched knob on the panorama ring. It allows the whole head to swivel around from side to side – a necessary requirement when panning across for panorama images.

Review - Acratech GP Ball Head for Tripods

Back of the tripod as it faces the photographer with the three main control knobs and the lever clamp in a closed position.

There is one notch that allows you to drop the camera over 90 degrees (to a vertical position) and be held firmly in place there.

Front of the tripod head showing the drop notch.

At the top is the camera mount plate which has a lever clamp with a safety release. This has to be held down for the lever to let go. It’s easy to get a shirt cuff caught in the lever so this is a very important feature.

On the front of the camera mount, is a high friction adjustment knob so you can close the lever tightly around the tripod plate on the camera.

Finally, there is a bubble level on the camera mount plate.

Top view of camera mounting plate with the lever clamp in the closed position.

Here are the specifications on the Acratech GP Ball Head from the manufacturer’s website:

Will hold up to 25lbs (11.4kg)
Height 4.14″ (105mm)
Length 3.47″ (88mm)
Wide 3.20″ (81mm)
Base Diameter 2.375″ (60mm)
Weight 0.95 lbs (.43kg)

NOTE: It also comes with a 10-year warranty.

Setting up the Acratech GP Ballhead

Step 0 is to screw the head to the top of your tripod legs.

Step 1 is to sort out your appropriate level of tension needed for the ball head when you release the main locking knob.

Too loose and the camera will instantly flop over to one side if you don’t have a hand supporting it.
Too tight and it can be stiff and difficult to position, which slows you down and is quite tiring after a while.
My preferred option is set so that it’s tight enough to loosen off slowly initially but has enough play to move about easily.

Step 2 is to put the camera on the mounting plate (with the ball locked shut) and the adjustment knob on the mounting plate loosened.

This allows you to seat the camera firmly and holding tightly with one hand, screw the adjustment knob as tight as you possibly can.

Step 3 is to figure out how it all works together with the camera mounted. You may want to change the tensioning once the camera adds its weight to the arrangement.

There is a full set up video on the manufacturer’s website, or you can watch it below:

Features

One of the benefits of the Acratech GP ball head is it offers three key features in one mount:

Standard ball head with lever clamp option
Gimbal head
Panorama head

1. The standard ball head allows you full rotation around the top of the head and a drop notch to allow a 90-degree supported camera position.

2. Gimbal head utilizes the drop notch and by having both the main knob and the panorama knobs loosened, you can swing the camera around and swivel up and down freely. This works best when you have it mounted on a longer lens with a locking collar.

3. The panorama head is a unique feature where you unscrew the head from the legs, also unscrewing the camera mounting plate from the top of the tripod.

You then screw the camera mounting plate on the bottom of the head and screw the reassembled head back onto the tripod legs.

(See the video above which fully explains all these features.)

The User Experience

I have had my Acratech GP Ballhead for several years now and in general, I really like it though there are some design features I find quite irritating.

The main locking knob has a really short shank (the distance between it and the body of the head). My hands aren’t huge but I often scrape my knuckles on the side of the head when tightening the locking knob.
The main locking knob is quite small which means you need to turn it a lot because it lacks the leverage a wider knob would give. As a result, I have the tensioning set quite high.
When the tensioning is set towards the higher end (i.e. quite resistant), it can sometimes seem that the camera is locked in place. However, if the locking knob is not fully engaged, the camera can suddenly drop or slump especially if you have a heavy lens. Or if you are really unlucky and you didn’t check the friction knob was tight, your camera literally falls out of the head and smashes onto a concrete floor!
Check that the lever clamp high friction knob is tight as it can loosen over time.
It may be the age of my head but I notice it droops down a bit when the camera settles into position. Not a huge amount but it’s noticeable when working with macro and tightly framed compositions. It’s manageable by setting it a tad higher than usual and letting it drop into the correct position.
For panoramas I have never bothered to muck around with unscrewing it as its designed to be, I just set everything up and then loosen the pano base knob and swing it around happily.
I have never used the gimbal feature so I cannot comment here.

Side view showing some of the wear and tear on my Acratech GP Ball Head – it’s a solid piece of kit.

My Gear

I shoot with a Canon 7D Mark II and my heaviest/longest lenses are Canon 24-70 II F2.8 IS, Canon 100mm F2.8 IS L macro and Canon 70-200 F4 IS L with a locking collar.

I got an RRS L-plate for the camera and a lens plate for the 70-200mm lens.

My tripod gets used a lot. I always use it for landscapes, as I do a fair amount of long exposures. Any macro photography is always done using the tripod and most of my food and still life shots are done on a tripod as well.

Acratech ball head with a Canon 7D mounted for scale.

Summary

This is only the second tripod head I have owned in 10 years of doing photography and in general, I am very happy with it.

It is tiny in comparison to other options, so the lighter weight is appreciated when traveling or carrying the tripod. Despite the size, it does provide a good firm base and allows me to get solid sharp images.

There are a few quirks to get used to in regards to setting up and using the head. I am sure this is pretty common no matter what brand or option you get.

My one main niggle is the design of the main locking knob. The shank is too short and I have scraped my knuckles bloody on more than one occasion. It can be avoided by careful positioning of my hand in relation to the knob, but in my opinion, it is a design flaw that should be improved upon.

Overall, based on the range of features it offers a run of the mill photographer (i.e. you don’t have big heavy lenses), the lighter weight, quality of workmanship and design, I give the Acratech GP Ball Head 8 out of 10.

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Move over Nikon: Gitzo celebrates 100 years with pricey, limited-edition tripods

20 Jun

Gitzo is celebrating 100 years since the founding of its brand by Arsène Gitzhoven, and to commemorate the occasion they’ve released two special edition tripods. The 100 Year Anniversary Edition Tripod features a ‘new high-appeal look and feel’ as well as features standard on the Traveler Series tripods: Carbon tubing, 180-degree leg folding and the company’s G-lock mechanism. Only 1917 of them will be sold, but if that’s not exclusive enough for you, there are only 100 Arsène Gitzhoven Traveler Tripods to be had.

The Arsène Gitzhoven Traveler features an all-carbon fiber construction. Each one will be laser engraved with its production number from 1/100 to 100/100 as well as an engraving of its owner’s signature. It’ll set you back $ 3000; the 100 Year Anniversary Edition will sell for $ 1500. Each will be available from ‘select dealers.’

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