Get your camera right! TOP-5 tripods

A portable tripod from the renowned manufacturer of photo accessories Manfrotto is suitable for use in conjunction with compact cameras, mirrorless and light SLR cameras, the weight of which, together with the installed object, does not exceed 1 kg.

The model is equipped with a non-removable ball head with an extremely convenient push-button locking mechanism. Changing the position of the pad on the ball bearing is carried out by pressing and holding the button, and if you release it, the ball will lock in the selected position. The angle of inclination of the head in the vertical plane is limited to about 35-40 °, so it will not be possible to rotate the camera to make a vertical frame using a tripod. But what pleases is the closed mechanism of screwing the platform to the tripod socket on board the camera, eliminating the loss of the components of the attachment.

The tripod rests on three legs with rubberized inserts at the points of support. When folding the legs together, the model can be used as a convenient handle for video shooting. This opportunity is very much appreciated among video bloggers. When unfolded, the legs allow you to practically flatten the tripod over the fulcrum.

Among the most common reviews of the model are enthusiastic impressions of the owners of the high quality materials and the assembly of the tripod. There are absolutely no creaks and backlashes in its design, and the Manfroto PIXI trademark remains for a long period of time. It is also customary to praise the light weight of the tripod and its ultra—compact dimensions — when folded, it fits even in a jacket pocket, weighing it down by only some 190 g.

The design of the Benro T-880EX tripod turned out to be so successful that no changes have been made to it for many years. At the same time, the model is universal — both photographers and amateur videographers will be glad to see it.

In terms of the softness of the stroke of all moving parts, the Benro T-880EX cannot compete on equal terms with professional video stands. But for less demanding filming, it will do without the slightest questions. Let's start with the fact that the model is equipped with a microlift, which serves to smoothly lift the camera to the required height. Height adjustment is carried out using a gear handle, which crackles slightly when scrolling. The sound from it can be heard on video, especially if the sound is recorded on the built-in microphone of the camera.

The 3D head that the tripod is equipped with is non-removable. So the user will have to be content with its capabilities. There are practically no complaints about them, since the head provides more freedom of action — the camera on it can turn, as well as tilt back and forth or from side to side. With intensive use, in some instances of the tripod, the head position lock weakens over time, which is why it has to be screwed up with more effort.

The legs of the model are connected to each other by stretch marks. On the one hand, such a design increases the stability of the structure, and on the other hand, makes it impossible to independently dilute the legs. When mentioning the equipment of the Benro T-880EX, it is also impossible to lose sight of the level built into its platform and the availability of a convenient case with an adjustable strap for carrying a tripod folded in the package.

In the niche of relatively affordable universal models, a tripod occupies the place of one of the most preferred options for purchase. After all, with proper treatment, it will serve its owner faithfully for several years in a row.

The solution from Velbon company helps users equally well with both photo and video shooting. But to a greater extent, the tripod is sharpened for videographers.

Recording videos requires special smoothness of all movements on the part of the operator. It is provided by a 2D head with a convenient removable handle for turning and a mechanism for lifting the central rod, which allows you to change the height of the camera without unnecessary jerks. The maximum height of the tripod in the unfolded state relative to the fulcrum is 153.5 cm, and the minimum is 126.5 cm. When folded , the length of the Velbon Videomate 438 barely reaches 60 cm.

The best stability of the structure under load is achieved thanks to the spacers between the legs of the tripod and the central column. Their usefulness may be overshadowed by the inability to move the legs to different angles, which is often required when taking macro shots or photographing from unusual angles. A tripod can carry a load weighing up to 2 kg, and the recommended load on the model is 1 kg.

Straight out of the box, the tripod is packed in a case. It protects the structure from adverse external influences and is equipped with a strap for easy carrying. As a result, Velbon Videomate 438 can be safely recommended for video production initiatives (it is more difficult to perform more serious tasks with its help due to the not so soft movements of the rotary mechanisms), and for unhurried photography.

The tripod of the Slik Pro 724CF is much lighter than its classmates with similar characteristics. The thing is that among the materials of the model's execution, carbon fiber prevails, which is practically not inferior in strength to steel and at the same time is very light.

4-section legs allow you to fold the tripod to a minimum size of 47 cm. It will not be difficult to carry it in this form, especially in light of the presence of a complete cover. The carrying bag protects the tripod from moisture and is wear-resistant in itself. In addition, the model has reliably protected sectional clamps that prevent dirt and sand from getting inside the folding structure.

In the maximum open position of the tripod, it becomes possible to shoot from a height of 163 cm from the fulcrum. The lower height limit is 18 cm. It can be achieved by shortening the central bar and unfolding the legs to the maximum open position. The rod has another important feature — a hook is built into its lower part, on which you can hang a weighting device (a photo bag, a photo bag, etc.) to increase the stability of the structure in the wind.

The Slik Pro 724CF leaves the prerogative of choosing a tripod head to its owner, since this accessory is not included in the package. The photographer has the right to choose the necessary type of head, based on his own preferences.

It is worth noting that the tripod can withstand a fairly serious load — up to 5 kg. An example of such a bundle of the "carcass" of a camera with an object can serve as a half-frame full-frame flagship Nikon D5 body Price from 229 546 up to 348 355 ₴ and a long-range "cannon" Nikon 200-500mm f/5.6E VR AF-S ED Zoom-Nikkor Price from 47 700 up to 75 850 ₴. And this is the level of equipment of a true pro. But it's not for nothing that the prefix Pro is present in the name of the model — the tripod is aimed just the same at professionals and advanced amateur photographers.

Manfrotto company knows a lot about the production of photo accessories. That is why its products are highly appreciated among professional photographers. Manfrotto 055XPRO3 is a high—end tripod that provides users with the maximum level of convenience when shooting.

The tripod legs are made of aluminium alloy, but there is also a lighter carbon version on the market (Manfrotto 055CXPRO3 Price from 22 125 up to 26 329 ₴) — the model in question weighs about 2.5 kg. Together with the head, which is not included in the package, the total weight of the tripod assembly exceeds the mark of 3 kg. But such a heavy structure can withstand a load of up to 9 kg. That is, you can cling to a flagship DSLR with a battery handle, long-focus high-power optics and an installed flash without hesitation. At the same time, there is still a weight margin to accommodate a number of other accessories.

That's where the fun begins — there is a proprietary EasyLink mount on board the tripod, which turns the model into a real portable photo studio. Through this time, with the help of an additional flexible holder, it becomes possible to install an external light source (from a flashbulb to a miniature softbox), a reflector or an umbrella on a tripod.

The possibility of a quick reversal of the central column into a horizontal position deserves some flattering words. In this format, it is convenient to shoot from atypical angles, for example, with the object strictly down. Together with the extended rod, the maximum height of the tripod reaches 170 cm, and without it — 140 cm.

The belonging of Manfrotto 055XPRO3 to the advanced class of tripods is confirmed by the presence of two level indicators — simpler models either do not have them at all, or there is only one. In addition, the excellent build quality and durability of the materials used in its construction indicate the high level of the tripod. Buying Manfrotto 055XPRO3 will be a worthy investment in the photo business for a professional and a serious investment in expanding the fleet of photo accessories for an amateur.