Hi
I have a question about tripods. Do they have specific ones for each camera or does any fit any camera?
Thanks
Hi, your camera has a tripod screw thread in the bottom of it or on the tripod foot on the lens, this is usually a 1/4 inch thread. You can buy tripods as either a complete unit (ie the tripod legs and head are permanently attached together) or as separate tripod legs and head. The benefit of separate head and legs is that you can buy the head type that's best for you and attach it to the legs type that suit you. You can also change the head type if you find its not suitable for your needs. Different heads are suited to different types of photography. You could have two or more heads, each suited to a different type of photography and only have one set of tripod legs.
Tripod legs usually attach to the head by a 3/4 inch thread. A lot of tripod heads now incorporate a quick release mechanism so you can attach your camera to the tripod head quickly and easily. Annoyingly there is no standardisation between manufactures regarding quick release plates (except the swiss arca plate).
Have a look at red snapper, manfrotto and giottos as they are quite popular brands. Have a think about what your budget is, many will say to you buy cheap buy twice. I brought a cheap £30 tripod that I no longer use as I found it was not as stable as I would have liked it to be. I ended up later replacing it with a manfrotto xprob 055 tripod legs and a manfrotto 498rc2 ball head, it was quite expensive at about £200 for the set but it was worth the money. A good set of tripod legs and head will last you many many years if you look after them.
Weezawoo said:Thank you, looks like a hefty bit of kit! I know I want a tripod for future things. I have only just got my first DSLR and just getting a feel of everything at the moment! I am thinking of things to save for as the camera was a Christmas gift from my boyfriend.
I have a case at the moment that has a plate that screws into the bottom of the camera and then clips to the camera so will need to take that off for using with a tripod
Am I right thinking that I can lower that one you linked to so it isn't just a higher one? Or am I best to buy a smaller one for times I have a higher surface or want to shoot close to the ground?