If I do more tripod reviews and tests, then this equipment will all be used again, and I have my "lab notebook" with all the setup diagrams and details.Īll that aside, this shows that vibration resistance differs among similar tripods, but practical effects are another matter. Newer Than: Search this thread only Search this forum only. The baseline image is from my trusty Berlebach Report wooden tripod, which has both mass and the natural vibration resistance of wood. Search titles only Posted by Member: Separate names with a comma. Hence, things like shutter and mirror shock would be very hard to quantify (plus, they are camera dependent).ĥ) I did a few tests with the column extended, and the results were frankly frightening. The impact is aimed toward the center of the tripod.Ĥ) The "Vibration" app registers the motion of the iPad in all directions, and the sensors are fairly sensitive, but iOS only updates at 50hz, so the granularity isn't great. On the last page, we make some comparative recommendations.ģ) This hammer (literally a child's toy hammer that fit in the valve throat) hits the tripod leg 10cm from the bottom, below the first leg lock in all cases. Use the arrows or table of contents below to read each tripod kit review. Finally, they are also sold as complete kits, with an included ball head designed for the tripod legs. Next, each kit had to meet some basic requirements to be included in the group of 'travel' tripods: their legs should fold up 180° around the center column and ball head when folded, they should be less than 17 inches (43cm) long, to fit inside luggage and larger camera bags and each should fully extend to at least 4.5 feet (137cm) for a more comfortable working height. In this group review, we compare five tripod kits that are designed to be as compact and light as they can be, while still remaining stable and comfortable platforms for photography. While this means they are marketed as travel tripods, each kit is naturally well suited to support lighter cameras and lenses for everyday use, no matter if the location is home or away.Įvery tripod in this group has aluminum leg tubes, although most are also available with carbon fiber legs at a higher price. Others are so small and fragile that using them requires bodily contortions, while a light wind could blow them over, sending your gear crashing down. Some leg sets are so large and heavy that they stay in the back of a closet or trunk of a car, despite the best intentions. It is frequently said that 'the best camera is the one you have with you,' and when a stable platform for that camera is needed, the same could be said for tripods. The aluminum group, from left to right: Sirui T-2005x, Cullmann Concept One 622T, Benro Travel Angel II, Manfrotto BeFree, Dolica LX600 Ultra Premium.