Camera Tripod Flexible
News: Joby introduces iPod touch Gorillamobile Joby has presented its position Gorillamobile new iPod touch. Like Gorillamobile for iPhone, Gorillamobile for the iPod Touch is a medium that offers flexibility, Wrappable legs that allow you to mount securely to a variety of surfaces. The iPod touch Gorillamobile comes with a soft touch case designed for the second and third generation iPod touch and a universal 1 / 4 …
Choosing a Tripod for Travel / Nature Photography
In today’s camera market, you will find an endless supply of gear, some useful, some not so, some quality, and some not. This variety makes it harder to find exactly what you need, especially when you are not sure of exactly which features you need and which you can do without. A tripod is an essential part of an arsenal carried by any Travel and Nature photographer. You already know that for sharpest images you need to use a tripod. What you are wondering no doubt is why there is such a significant price range among the different manufacturers of tripods, and whether or not it makes sense for you to make a significant investment in a tripod.
Basic Function of a Tripod
First, let’s quickly examine what a tripod will do for us. First and foremost, it supports our camera, attached lens, and some of the other gear, like a flash unit, etc. It helps us position our camera at an odd angle at times. It helps us get higher than our typical shooting stance, and get lower at times for macro work. The most appropriate tripod for you will depend on your shooting style, and choice of subject matter. There is not one tripod out there that is better with every subject matter; on the contrary, most tripods are specialists. Most are build to be versatile, but each is build to excel in a certain area of photography.
So, what areas should your tripod excel to be useful for outdoors shooting?
If you are planning to shoot nature, there are certain aspects of the outdoors which your tripod will have to endure, which it would not, if it was used indoors.
Moisture is an enemy of photography gear. If you plan to shoot landscapes in the wilderness, wild animals, birds, etc., your camera and you will end up in some wet environments. As such, you have to make sure that your tripod choice reflects this fact. Many manufacturers build tripods specifically meant for the outdoors, and they are built to be moisture resistant, if not proof.
Terrain is always a concern outdoors. A good tripod should have spiked feet, simply because you will often end up on loose soil, dirt, and other surfaces that will be uneven, and require sharp spikes to secure the tripod, and attached gear.
Load is a very important aspect to consider. How heavy is your camera and your heaviest lens? Are you planning on getting larger heavier lenses in the future? Are you planning to try a medium or a large format camera? While it is tough to predict, always try to plan ahead. Your choice of a tripod will reflect your future purchases. Always, make sure you tripod has at least 30% of capacity for future upgrades to your equipment. If you plan to shoot wild life, you will have some really heavy lenses, and a tripod will have to support them, and allow you to pan smoothly, when shooting animals in action.
Weight is probably the main determining factor in your purchase. Remember, when you travel and explore, you will have your tripod with you, and depending upon how much walking you do, weight of your tripod will be more or less important to you. However, always aim for highest ratio of weight to load. In other words, look for lightest tripod rated for highest weight. Outdoors are often rough environments and every pound counts. Think about this a lot.
Leveling is important especially for panoramic shooters. If you plan to capture panoramas of nature, your tripod base must be leveling. Look for a tripod with a large easy to use bubble level (spirit level). A level base is a “MUST” for good panoramas.
Flexibility of shooting positions is important when you change subject matter on the fly. If you are like me, you will shoot macro, landscapes, panoramas, and perhaps even some animals, depending on time of day and weather. If so, a flexible center column is a must feature. Look for a tripod which allows for multiple positions of the center column. My favorite tripods allow for the column to be vertical, horizontal , and everything in-between. A tripod should allow you to get low, and have more than one foot angle. Best tripods for this job will offer up to three different angles for the feet, which will allow you to get very low if need be, to shoot flowers, insects, etc.
How Much Money?
Choosing a tripod is not easy. Some manufacturers do make things easier and group them into specialties, like outdoors, studio use, etc. Do as much research as you can, because there is not one ideal model that suits everyone. Remember the old saying: “You get what you pay for”. This is very important when deciding how much you are willing pay. Keep in mind, a huge budget will not mean you get the best tripod, but it will mean that you have more choices. Do not look for a cheap tripod, which you think may suffice. Your shooting requirements will change, and within a year or two you will be shopping for another one. Strongly consider Carbon Fiber. CF tripods are lighter than any alloy, more durable, will not bend, and flex under the weight of your gear, and do not rust, corrode, or are adversely affected by moisture. They are more expensive, but without a doubt worth the extra money. Look at this purchase as a long-term investment in photography. After all, your images will only be as good as your shooting ability and your gear.
About the Author
Written by Professional Photographer, who recently started an Online Photographer Community, to allow photographers freedom to share their most favorite shooting locations, regardless of the subject matter and place. Consider joining this community, if you would like to contribute your favorite locations, as well as discover new places from other members. To learn more, please visit WorldonPaper.com
What’s the World’s Most Flexible Camera Tripod?
|
|
Olympus Stylus TOUGH-6000 Shockproof & Waterproof Digital Camera (White) + 2GB xD Card + Spare Li-50B Battery + Case + Cameta Bonus Accessory Kit Kit includes: |
|
|
Joby Gorillatorch Flare Adjustable and Flexible Tripod Flashlight $22.79 Work smart with Joby’s Gorillatorch Flare. The adjustable tripod flashlight is hands-free, making it easy to work with both hands in the darkest of places. Tackle even your toughest of choresâthe flexible, bendable legs and powerful magnetic feet make it easy to attach the flashlight at any angle, in any location, and illuminate your work space. Control the color of light and level of b… |
|
|
Joby Gorillatorch Adjustable and Flexible Tripod Flashlight $34.95 The Gorillatorch, with its flexible, wrappable legs and magnetic feet, secures to virtually any surface and allows you to cast an intense, focused beam of light anywhere and everywhere. Wrap it around a doorknob in a power outage, attach it to the bedpost for lights-out reading, secure it to a tree branch to illuminate your campsite or straighten the legs and use it as a handheld flashlight while … |
|
|
Joby Gorillatorch Blade Tactical Flashlight $43.38 Gorillatorch Blade Gorillatorch Blade The Gorillatorch Blade is a rugged, 130-lumen high-performance LED flashlight with precise positioning–the ultimate light for the demanding DIYer. The even light profile can be adjusted from spot to flood for detailed tasks or work on reflective surfaces. Powered by a lithium-ion battery, the Gorillatorch Blade is easily recharged using the included… |
|
|
Joby GorillaMobile Yogi for iPad 2 (GM11-A1UL) $33.60 Become a yoga master and stretch the limits on comfortable iPad positions with the Gorillamobile Yogi for iPad. With limber yet sturdy legs, Yogi can twist and bend to stabilize your iPad on any uneven surface, take steady photos or wrap around fixtures-from your lap to your kitchen cabinets. Features:Flexible legs prop up the iPad on lap or secure to uneven surfacesStabiliy and versatile position… |
|
|
Kata KT D-3N1-22 3 In 1 Sling /Backpack with Laptop Slot $99.99 The 3N1-22 sling backpack will hold a DSLR with battery pack & midrange zoom lens attached as well as 3-4 lenses, flash, netbook and personal gear. It also makes a great video bag and can hold a compact camcorder and accessories. The Kata 3N1 Sling / Backpacks provide photographers with the quick access of a sling and the comfort of a backpack. The 3N1-11, 3N1-22and 3N1-33 allow you to carry a la… |
|
|
Joby Gorillamobile Ori for iPad (GM12-01AM) Multipositional Protective Lightweight Aluminum Case Silver $52.99 Inspired by origami, GorillaMobile Ori for iPad transforms effortlessly from a flat, lightweight protective case to an amazingly versatile iPad stand. Following months of research, Ori was designed to provide virtually limitless ergonomic screen positioning, without sacrificing the protection or portability of a sleek iPad case. Whether you’re watching a mo… |
|
|
TCPH: iPhone/HTC/Samsung/Motorola Andriod Smartphone to Camera Tripod Adapter (Mount your camera phone to existing tripod) $2.31 **Mobile Phone not included**This unique adapter / holder adds a screw hole to the mobile phone. It allows you to attach your phone to a monopod or tripod for better quality picture. It supports mobile phone with width from 1 7/8″ ~ 2 1/2″…. |
|
|
ME-CD: Sticky Dash mount for digital camera Flip Sony Kodak Toshiba Video Recorder $6.95 Easily mount your digital camera or video camera such as Flip Kodak Sony Toshiba Pocket camcorder on your car and convert it into a car DVR. Record beautiful scenery on a road trip or record important evidence in case of accidents. Ball joint for easy adjustment. 2.5″ x 2″ flexible base which accommodates to curved dash. No tools needed. Semi-permanent installation…. |
