Camera tripods and tripod heads

What sort of camera tripod is right for you?

• Tripods – the most common type of camera tripod for landscape, product, Northern Lights and video photography. Choose a lightweight travel tripod for your trips or a sturdier tripod for heavier equipment.
• Monopods – a quick and lightweight support for long telephoto lenses when photographing sport, nature and events.
• Table pedestals and mobile phone stands – small tripods for vlogging, video calls, mobile phones and compact cameras.

How to choose a tripod

Material: aluminium or carbon fibre?

Aluminium stand It is good value for money and durable, but heavier. Carbon fibre stand It’s about a third lighter, absorbs vibrations better and doesn’t feel quite as cold in your hands in freezing weather – the best choice if you carry your tripod around a lot.

Carrying capacity

Choose a tripod with a load capacity that is significantly greater than the combined weight of your camera and your heaviest lens. An oversized tripod will remain stable even in windy conditions.

Height and package size

The ideal working height is at eye level without raising the centre column – when the centre column is raised, the tripod is always more unstable. On travel tripods, the legs fold round the head, resulting in a compact pack size.

Base and quick-release plate

• Ball head – fast and versatile, the most common choice for photography.
• Video by in other words, a fluid-damped head – smooth panning for video and telescopes. Read more A Guide to Choosing a Telescope.
• Gimbal head – for heavy telephoto lenses used in bird and nature photography.

Most modern tripod heads use Arca-Swiss-compatible quick-release plate, so the camera detaches and attaches in a second. See all pedestal heads.

Frequently asked questions

What is a good camera tripod for a beginner?

A good choice for beginners is a lightweight aluminium or carbon-fibre travel tripod fitted with a ball head and an Arca-Swiss quick-release plate, such as the Siruin Traveler series. It’s ideal for landscape photography, the Northern Lights and travelling.

Do I need a different tripod for the video?

When filming, the most important thing is a fluid-damped video head, which ensures smooth panning movements. Many tripods come with a ready-made video kit.

Is a cheap tripod worth it?

A high-quality tripod will last for decades, whereas a cheap one wobbles and wears out quickly. If you take a lot of photos, investing in a tripod will pay for itself.