A good tripod can be an essential tool for the traveling photographer, but when you're on the go size matters. This week Chris and Jordan review four great travel tripods from Manfrotto, Sirui, Gitzo and Peak Design that get the job done while still leaving room in your bag for your other gear.
Useful video - good to see tripods getting some attention on DPR. For me, it's the next most important item of equipment after camera and lens. In fact, I rarely take a photograph without one.
One thing which was missing was any detail about the leg angles and how they perform at low level and in awkward positions. Using them with a reversed column was mentioned, but it's quite awkward to work like this, so for me, the minimum elevation with normal column orientation (and how easy it is to get there) is quite important. I'm guessing that the Sirui is the best in that respect because you can split the column, but I could be wrong.
My first tripod was a Quick-Set, paid $27.00 for it. 1962. ... It had the wrong tag on it. After a couple days went back into the shop and found out that I own a $45. one. In my years as a working Photog, I always thought that a tripod was as important as a good camera strap. "Neither one will hit a soft spot, if they let go" My camera's all fit on tripods. No problems ! ... You don't like using a good tripod ? That's your problem. Handhold all you want. But my sales will be better, so there to:) No Hogwash !
Unlike Chris, I actually prefer flip locks and purposely sought out a Sirui model that had flip locks over twist. I went for the a Sirui Carbon ET 2204 with the K20 ball head and have not regretted it one bit. It's 43cm collapsed, so not bad at all. Yeah, it's a bit heavier than some, but, with a FF and long tele, I have zero worries about vibration, and the larger K20 head (I suggest Chris look at this over the K10 head he had) holds a FF plus a 6lb lens no problem, no sag, with smooth adjustment. It came with tons of cool stuff, carry bag, straps, etc etc. A very good deal both price and performance. Had it over a year and no issues I can see as yet.
After using Gitzos (series 2-5) for a few decades I have recently tried Leofoto's LS series. Leofoto did away with the center column completely on the LS, which means they fold quite compactly. Torsional rigidity is quite impressive, to the point that often the pano plate of the head becomes the real problem. At 1.34 kgs without head, the LS-324 (32mm legs, 4-section, 3-series in Gitzo lingo) seems just right. It fits in a carry-on with head removed, which is good enough for my travel needs.
I would have included Feisol Travel or Tournament tripod in the comparison. And why not use Peak, Gitzo, Manfrotto and Sirui to refer to the tested items. So annoying.
I just bought a Magnus TR-13 Travel Tripod for all of $70 from B&H. I am only an occasional tripod user but I greatly appreciate the flexibility of this tripod's construction and functionality. The ball head negates all the problems that I have had in the past trying to make my cameras level on uneven surfaces. I use it primarily with my D750 and a front-heavy 24-120 lens. Why would I (or most mortal photographers) want to spend $4-500 on any of the 4 tripods that were reviewed in the video when the TR-13 does everything that they do?
Story suggestion: Why do I still need a tripod in 2019, image stabilization has eliminated the need right? Will using a tripod with mirror up and a remote release really give me sharper pictures than hand holding? Does a tripod really make head swapping easier in group shots? Does the extra time it takes to set up and frame a photo with a tripod really slow the photographer down in a good way, in essence forcing them to look more closely at the frame and creating better compositions? Or is it just a lot of hogwash invented by the tripod companies to boost sales?
You're right. It's all hogwash to bring a tripod. I recently went to five different National Parks in the USA on vacation and did all my night photos hand-held at ISO 102K. I also did lots of motion blur on the waterfalls hand-held. Hand holding the camera for 5-10 seconds was lit. And eye-autofocus is activated with the center button and not the shutter button I can't just hand it to other people to push the button, my wife and I only did close-up selfies. I would have liked to have a tripod for these things but it's all hogwash, marketing crap that I'd need a tripod.
No idea why YOU need a tripod, but I use a tripod professionally on most of my shoots; indoor, outdoor and studio. A tripod allows me to stabilize my camera, obviously, for layout-critical composition and framing for my fashion work. It also allows me to direct a model with my hand while my camera is still at my eye. I can recompose quite easily with my Foba ball head with literally one finger while other fingers are operating my zoom or focus dials.
In my own studio I have a camera stand which has wheels for mobility and a center column which makes elevation changes quite fast. Away from my studio I prefer my FEISOL Tournament carbon fiber tripod w/ the Foba head, but I also have a large, medium and small Gitzo pods aluminum legs which I can put the large or mini Foba heads on or my Arca-Swiss.
As much as that, tripods save my neck from strain on full day shoots. I already have enough pinched nerves and muscle knots from long catalog shoot weeks.
Personally I hate a video for this kind of thing. I'm usually not in a position to impose on others by playing a video so I end up missing some items of interest.
Well done. I think a corresponding tabular summary of likes and dislikes would be great... just so you don't have to re-watch the entire video to recall everything. But I generally think these videos are informative and appropriately qualified as non scientific.
As I'm currently in the market, I was hoping that the Really Right Stuff Series 1 tripod would have been in the mix since that company regularly comes up as top of the heap (or close to it). But you can't review everything.
I have to say... this video was actually very well done and informative. I didn't dig the "nickname" thing, and, since I didn't like most previous videos, I was biased at the beginning... ...but this is the kind of content I like to see on a website like this.
For the record, I'm not in the market for a tripod, even though if I had unlimited money available I would buy that Peak Design one... I really like the design, and I'm not one easily moved only by good looks.
The vibration test was ridiculous. A long exposure - ie at least 10 seconds and preferably more with a 70-200 on the camera with some wind would be ideal. You may not use the pod like that while travelling but it will tell you heaps about the its rigidity and resilience.
I'll never buy gitzo again. I had a head break off with a 16mm film camera on it, magazine cracked, work of 2 days destroyed. Had to reshoot at 3500m half a day hiking...
Plus I hate twist locks. Always turn the wrong way.
Amazing how NONE of the pods you tested are the level locks?!! Photographers in the field use tripods as tools, and lever locks are tested and proven to be the way to go. I myself have tested them, and twist locks actually suck on a number of levels. If you have multiple pods, sure, maybe 1 or 2 maybe twist lock for leisure shooting or something. But for a tool in the field, travel, off pavement, sand or snow extreme temps, and overall strength, and you just wanted 1 or 2 tripods.... LEVER LOCK!!
One did have lever locks. Trouble is no one makes decent tripods with lever locks anymore as everyone uses twist locks, which makes your statement odd, The vast majority of field tripods made and definitely those used by pros in the field are twist locks. 1) Twist locks are more water tight, 2) Twist locks are more resistant to extremes of temperature and don't need adjustment. 3) Twist locks have intermediate settings between lock and free so they can be kept retracted unlocked, but then can just be adjusted to the right length and then locked. 4) Twistlocks can be locked together with one hand even with gloves.
Kind of disappointed the Novoflex Triopod with the 4-section carbon legs wasn't also included in this test. Combined with their "center column" I personally find it very innovative and stable. Was this omission just a matter of not having a well defined kit option?
I don't get why decent travel tripods are so freaking expensive. The tripod has been in use for literally 200 years, this isn't ground breaking technology.
I didn't even spend $600 on my full size tripod. I've got a decent Manfrotto with ballhead that I think was around $400 all in, and that was more then I wanted to spend. Although...the irony is I've overpaid lots of $$$ on Leica over the years:)
Create a vacuum, and then a desire so the demand grows, and then charge ALL you can. This is the greed tactic that plagues us. At one time companies would price according to production costs and a chunk or percentage for profits. I found a great ball head on ebay for $20. Excellent and holds a 70-200IS L lens with no issues. Had it for over a year now. I had the older Bogen-Manfrotto pod. Aluminum, and maybe a few ounces more than the carbon. It was a screw lock, so it took time. I use a few others now, and do have a Magic 1 for light travel. IF they made that older #144 or 30231, (I forget the model) with lever locks, and a few improvements it would be excellent..But why would they? No huge profits. So new design, new marketing, new reasons for pricing.
And your comment about tripods was weak. If you don’t like the price or cannot afford it, why make a comment on it. Instead, you’re letting everyone know you’re a troll.
@tonyphoto - This is a gear forum, people are entitled to opinions on the value, or lack thereof of certain gear. $700 for a travel tripod is ridiculous. Expressing this opinion does not make me a troll, don't be so thin skinned.
@clint Dunn And you're NOT being thin-skinned by whining about the price of a travel tripod? Yes you are.
I, along with many others have decided to put our resources into a more expensive travel tripod. I'm not wealthy by any means either. But I've bought less expensive tripods and heads and they didn't last. With names like Manfrotto and Gitzo among those that didn't last. When I sent my Gitzo to them for a repair estimate, they wanted the full price of the tripod and head to repair the tripod. Will never purchase Gitzo again.
If the market decides the tripods are too expensive, no one will buy them. Not people whining about price on the internet.
I liked the video but for a week a lot of people don't care for watching videos. For them a quick summary doesn't take much time and can be very helpful
For me, it isn’t a matter of not having time to watch the video, but rather being in a place where I can’t have the sound turned up on my phone. I can read an article without being disruptive.
Thats another feather in the cap for the Sirui. You can unscrew one of the legs and use it as a monopod. I had a Benro as my first tripod and unfortunately the stopped service in my country. Not paying to ship the tripod to China.
I lost one of the locking clips when I was cleaning my Sirui tripod and while they took 10 days the local distributor fixed my tripod completely so happy with both the build quality and the service of the Sirui.
Annoying presentation with silly "nicknames" for the four tripods. Glad to see the Peak included, as this one has been buzzing around on crowdfunding sites for a while. Meanwhile, very happy with my Befree GT: fits easily in my travel bags, holds the camera steady - job done.
I use a Sirui T-2205X (discontinued now) for my backpacking, but only set it up when I make camp. The rest of the hike, I am either hand holding my Sony A7ii or using my modified hiking pole which I attached the same tripod head as my tripod, and using it as a mono pod.
Great! Best Review for all the good, bad and ugly AND Expensive (like to see side by side)! I do not travel by plane or such but like to be ready wherever. Tripod is not used much due to IBIS, Lens IS, Auto ISO and ISO Invariance of the Camera even during sunrise/set, I did the Antelope Canyon without one, no plate . Yes deployment and use are good test BUT why most photographers leave in the hotel room (when traveling) is BULK and Carry Ability. I went Befree both Ball and Video for the carry bag BUT use a lot the Element (Tall) [$145] which is the smallest in bulk and with a bag. I like the incognito tripod when on a walkabout in a city for I have a small sling bag for camera and two lenses. When out say birding/wildlife the Manfrotto Befree Video will handle my Sony and Sigma 150-600mm very well and at eye level. I had hands on the PD while it traveled the US with Trey Ratcliff put my Manfrotto's beside and next to and invested in two for the 1. low price and 2. tightness/weight.
To all who think a center column is not useful on a travel/hiking tripod: how do you fine-tune the height? by changing the length of all three legs every time?
I use the center column all the time on my main tripod (concert videos... high stage, I often can't choose the spot from which to record, heads of the audience etc.), but I wouldn't mind a shorter one even on a hiking tripod.
Interesting findings, I wasn't fan of the TV format of the reviews at first, but I like it now. Nice work!
I would like to present anoter way of testing tripod stability though. Have a camera on a tripod with a long lens pointing at a notebook screen. On a screen should be a video of bright dots that are moving in a straight lines. You will easily see any vibrations during a longer exposure.
Chris, nice review, not sure I'm ready to downsize. mostly I shoot birds, so i'm stuck with bigger heavier tripods to handle the long glass. that said, I would just like to suggest my stability test for tripods, since its really easy, and it works. just put your longest lens on the tripod, turn on live view, and zoom in both optically and digitally as far as you can, and then tap the camera. watch how long it takes to damp out. i usually do it several times to see how long it takes. put on my 600, and its a damning test to be sure. i don't wait until all the vibrations stop; that would take a lot longer since they all continue to vibrate less and less for a long time. there will however be a point at which the larger vibrations disappear as the carbon fiber does its thing. its a pretty easy and interesting thing to watch, ... for geeks like me anyway! LOL
1) misspelling the brand of one of the four tripods. What else is being overlooked/misstated?
2) the opening with the kids was 30 seconds of wasted time.
3) the nicknames were pointless. They introduced more information to your viewers when there is no benefit for them.
4) why is there an obsession with a camera at eye level? Don't we want the camera's height to be dictated by the scene/desired image? I get that some people have disabilities and a tripod is just a platform to hold the camera. If you are shooting action you want the camera at a comfortable height but you are likely using a monopod. Just think how boring photography would be if all photographs were taken w/ the camera 5'4" off the ground.
Chris, if you need help writing your next video let me know. .
I use a Sirui T-025X was the shortest & lightest on BH website. It's great.
I really hope Chris and Jordan don't start taking these videos as seriously as you take yourself. There's an entertainment factor to their videos which you don't seem to appreciate. It's what makes them not boring.
Literally the only point you made thats really worth taking away is misspelling of Sirui.
I have two kids who were about those ages, in recent memory. "I want a youtube, but not a camera one because cameras are boring" made me giggle because I'm pretty sure my youngest also said exactly that at some point.
How would you feel it Jon Stewart started talking about camera gear? You'd probably tune out.
DPR is fine with ignoring my comments and those from others who agree with me. But if they are smart they will read them all and make adjustments. Otherwise they have no one but themselves to blame when their view count is low and their videos falter.
Based on this video my impression of that host is: not funny and wastes my time.
@HRC2016 my impression of your comments is that you're kinda sad and should probably get a life.
And while I'm at it, maybe if HRC had hired some campaign staff with a sense of humor back then, she would have come off, like Chris and Jordan, as more personable and humorous. Less of a Corporate robot who was unsuccessful in blackmailing our country with "Vote for me peeon, or else tRump." Then we'd at least have a competent President as opposed to now :-(
Meanwhile DPR's videos are, I'm sure, doing just fine in viewership.
Tony Northrup recently found on a trip that switching the Peak Design tripod from horizontal camera position to vertical camera position was a pain. Switching horizontal camera position to vertical camera position was missing from this test. On a Slik tripod I just loosen the camera plate - since it is an L and is hinged on the side. With RRS, Acratech I just drop the ball head into a slot, or the collar is set at a 45 degree angle.
There is rarely ever a good reason to raise the center column on a tripod.
Second tip for newbies: try not to extend the last part of the tripod legs (the smallest part towards the feet) especially if you have a 4, 5 or 6 section tripod. On 3-section tripods (such as the heavy duty ones with thick legs) those are fine to extend all the way out, but not on a travel one (as i've found in some cases). (I use two tripods: one travel one for if I'm backpacking; and a heavy duty one (3 section) if I know I"m going to be doing landscapes at places like Death Valley where there can be a decent amount of wind).
Thom Hogan has some good articles on how to pick out a good tripod, but keep in mind, as he puts it, if you're serious about your photography, you will end up spending $1000 one way or another for a good tripod. If you have the money, might as well invest it on a good tripod and have less headaches later on.
I don't see it so much as scare tactics, but rather a learning process. And as to Thom's articles, it's not like everyoing is going to spend $1000, but like you have said, you've spend $600 over the years. People start out with a small cheaper tripod, and continue to upgrade. I guess the point of his articles is to save yourself some headaches and skip the super cheap tripods and go with something a bit more heavy duty. Obviously, if you're just shooting a hybridge or bridge camera, the cheaper tripods are fine, but for many on here (just looking at the types of gear people use) a medium-sized tripod is what most will use.
Yard sales. Yard sales are great places to get a better tripod. But you'll probably have to send away for the new mounting plate, which is why that $800 tripod is now twelve bucks at the yard sale...
Raising the center column should be a non-starter unless there is some purpose for a tripod besides keeping the camera steady. Surprising how little things have changed. Chinese offer great value, Manfrotto uses plastic and Gitzo is lightest. My only regret with the Gitzos is the worry about theft.
Well, a few weeks ago I bought my new Gitzo 2545 Traveller with a Novoflex Classic 2 ballhead and I'm totally happy with it. Not mentioned in the shootout but strongly recommended.
Like Chris I prefer to use twist locks as well but for cleaning I find them much worse than clamp locks, it takes a lot longer to properly clean a twist lock thanks to the threads and they're prone to damage if grit isn't cleaned out.
Correct me if I'm wrong but the PD requires the centre column to be extended to use the inbuilt ballhead doesn't it? If that's correct then it doesn't make much sense to compare the PD with the centre column fully lowered to other tripods which have the full range of movement when lowered.
Yes, that was a downer for me when I realized it... You don't have to extend it the whole way to use it obviously and it might not compromise much stability if it's like an inch or two out, but still. That plus no easy straight panning with the stock head make it a turn off for me... I still like they way they innovated with it tho.
To do a proper review of travel tripods, one need to travel with tripods (backpacking on airplanes, trains, buses). Not only going from A to B by car with the camera / tripods at the back and having to walk a few feet away to record a video review in an outdoor setting for a commercial website.
Car, plane, trains and automobiles first, but 80 to 90 percent of the people will 'travel' their tripod by going with a car to a destination, do a few foot walk. Set up a tripod. Take their shots and to than travel to their next destination.
People backpacking is only a few percent of the market. Not the majority.
@Duncan M: The gear that was reviewed is not targeted to the use that you describe as the "80 or 90 percent." The backpacking/hiker and traveler segments are the target for these products. Manufacturers target this group with these products because it is a unique market with a value added proposition for the manufacturer. It is also very possible that a portion of your "80 or 90 percent" would like the functionality offered by these tripods if only infrequently used, much like the off road qualities of an SUV. These users might benefit from a review that actual tested these tripods under the conditions the manufacturers claim to have addressed.
Why would we review a Jeep Wrangler only on the basis of in-town driving when a primary purpose is off-road? It would have been entertaining and informative if Chris, Jordan and the boys went on a three or four day backpacking trip with this gear for a proper field test and no cell phones. New title: "Travel Tripod Survivor!"
So I use two tripods (a travel carbon fiber tripod from Sirui and a heavier one from Benro which is a 3-section tripod that holds a large amount of weight and is also carbon fiber). So I usually don't chose based on weight or size (unless I'm restricted, like a if I"m flying and can only have a carry-on bag) but rather on function. If I'm going to be out in the desert then I'm probably going to bring the Benro. If I"m going to be in-doors or in areas where wind is not really going to be a problem (perhaps in a canyon for example) I may bring the travel tripod. If I'm flying and can only bring a carry-on, then it's the travel tripod. If I can have a checked bag too, then I bring both so I have both just in case. So I go more for function. AS for the larger tripod, I've just gotten used to hauling it around when needed.
(continued...) For me, 90% of the time, I'll either drive to my destination, take the train, or fly and then rent a car, as i think most people will end up doing. The only people I could see where size and weight may matter while out shooting are those who are hiking long distances or camping and otherwise will be away from any type of transportation (car, bus, etc).
I would add that there is no point in comparing a product which will not be available for another 6 months of so. You should ignore peak design for now.
Worth noting that 3 of those brands will usually have several other models that'll easily shift priorities and competitive advantages to taste, I dunno Manfrotto & Gitzo's lineup very well but Sirui actually has a whole separate line of travel tripods with model numbers starting with a T (rather than N)...
The T-1204KS looks like it might've been a better fit for this roundup, coming in under 15" folded... Though it ends up making an even bigger sacrifice than the PD in max height w/center column down. I went for the T-1205X myself, possibly less stable being a 5 section but it still gets to 44" w/center column down and weighs <2lbs (just about 2lbs with the head I have on it); perfect for my lightweight M4/3 gear.
I would've liked to see you measure folded diameter since that's something PD has made a big deal about and frustratingly almost no manufacturer ever seems to spec that. Finding a head that keeps that down also be tricky.
Also, test tabletop/mini tripods! I think the previous (current?) DPR gear editor was gonna do another article on those but he never got around to it, there was one for stuff sort of in between but not the smallest (Joby Gorillapods, Cullman Copter, Pixi, Joby Micros, etc; I've tried a bunch myself and settled on a Sunwayfoto T1A11 tho I still use some of my small Jobys too). I liked the comparison here even if it wasn't extensive or super scientific.
Considering the upfront disclosure that this was meant to be a practical yet unscientific test, I like the contents and the results! It is actually the first time I am liking a test done on DPR TV, and it is likely because I expected the subjective take of the reviewer from the get go. That said, I think Peak Design's first attempt at a serious, travel tripod is very decent. I don't think I will end up buying it, simply because my current tripods are serving their purposes just fine.
Chris, Chris, Chris...you didn't view the Kickstarter video. Collapsed to open in 9.4 seconds. Add 2 seconds for center column extension.
The trick is to unlock and extend all of the legs at once, then lock all of the legs at once, then spread the legs. Something that you can't do with twist locks, but can with flip locks.
And no, cool as PDTT is, I already have a tripod I hardly use.
One of the amazing things about this website is that people can often not detect nor appreciate a gentle ribbing of our right honorable Chris and a bit of sarcasm towards Peak Design's advertising.
Sarcasm never works well on an international site aimed at gearheads. Some will detect it. some won't. It's your choice how inclusionary you want to be. Complaining about it makes you sound like a newb.
Hmmm...point taken, but never has been a problem for the last decade or so I've been here, conversing with folks from around the world. And I'm sure that Chris got the joke. But if you're saying that humor doesn't really have a place on this website because humor is cultural, then Chris and Jordan would be quickly out of a job.
"but never has been a problem for the last decade or so I've been here" ...well it tends to follow the degree of subtlety, as one might expect. "But if you're saying that humor doesn't really have a place on this website because humor is cultural," -not said, or implied, though, obviously, humor can be cultural, thus narrowing the target audience. I was referring primarily to your complaint; a complaint I've seen dozens on times on this site.
The vibration test is laughable. Taping on a vibrator and determining the image sharpness is not science. What was the frequency of the vibrator? Is the frequency something that we would experience in real life from wind? What if the frequency is different, would it affect the images taken from the tripod? What is the harmonic frequencies of the tripod? These guys should stick something they actually know something about.
Real testing involves people who know what they are doing. The center column web site does just that. https://thecentercolumn.com
No, it's not a plug. I have no connection with David who created the site. He does real testing using real scientific equipment (not a vibrator) to determine stiffness and damping of tripods, and compares the qualities of the many numbers brands and models. It's a great resource.
Great, video. Really, really useful. I have the Gitzo (with RRS bullhead) but have ordered the Peak Design because I travel a ton and have one rule. Carry on only. So any tripod that maximizes luggage space is useful. When I get it and use it, it will be interesting to compare it in the real world versus the Gitzo, which is a fantastic tripod.
I don't know much about your gitzo travel tripod but I'm pretty sure that the PD won't get you anything significantly and quantificantly measurable in terms of improvement.
One example that I seriously took into acfount is that my travel tripod has 1 leg that can become monopod. I don't see such of an option on the new PD travel tripod so for me it would be 1 step backwards... All of this is personal of course.
Space in the luggage. My tripod goes in my carry-on. The design of the Peak Design means that I take up significantly less space. I travel well over 100,000 miles are year, so optimizing the luggage arrangement is crucial.
The flip leg vs twist lock argument is quite valid. Twist locks are awful if you suffer from finger/wrist ailments, including arthritis and carpal tunnel syndrome.
And if you use twist locks, you increase your risk of those ailments.
I prefer flip-locks because I value my health. Having gear that won't leave me disabled is important to me.
I much prefer flip (or level) lock. It cannot make mistake when you in rush as your eyes can see if flipped or locked or not. Years ago I had such mistake with a Sirui twist-lock tripod that one lock on one leg was not fully twisted that caused the tripod collapsed mounted with A7r+EF 24-70L/2.8 II. Fortunately it fell to the right direction that the lens hood and L-plate on A7r saved the set with only the lens hood damaged and since unable to securely clicked-in.
I pre-ordered the PD tripod via Kickstarter, saves $110. I wish it has 4 sections instead and don't mind it's a bit longer when retreated. Otherwise it seems a perfect traveling tripod.
The only tripod I can consider always carrying with me by weight and size is the Gorillapod, it is more versatile than it seems. For everything else I have a normal Vanguard tripod, not too big, but very little comes out of the trunk of the car because I like to walk through the forest and 80% of the times I need a tripod I find a rock or a branch on which to put the Gorilla
Yes, I have seen it, but mine has suffered many falls, has been in several streams and has been moored to the most rusty, moldy and disgusting places imaginable, but still without problems. The last day to force one of the legs "broke" a ball, I thought it had broken but just as it came out it was re-coupled without problem. It is obviously not perfect, but it is a very useful solution, it is the perfect substitute for our old handmade denim bags filled with chickpeas or rice. Do not get carried away by the waves of negative comments, today there are really good return policies in addition to more than reasonable guarantees, it is better to try things for yourself. Also, with the price that Gorillapod has, you don't have to dock a bank ...
I wonder which manufacturer will first put a note in their manual "if you use vibrating devices for health care or whatever reasons, switch it off." I'm only posting here for being called crazy - I have 5 Gitzos, one Sirui and a tiny wheeny MeFoto for the short focal length cameras without a shutter shake.
4 Gitzos from series 2 to 5. No series 1: too flimsy - if I gonna pay that much money already, it's useless to go for a "cheaper" Gitzo which isn't cheap. I learnt that 30 years ago, when I got such a flimsy Gitzo, named "Tatalux" from the era they were manufactured in Paris and not just over the road opposite of Manfred, aah, frotto.
And the Tatalux had to hold a Mamiya 645 in place. And did, even when the center column's 2nd section was extended. Film was very tolerant for camera shakes... and "mirror up" + wire release helped a lot.
But today's pixel giants are demanding for tripods. Fix a laser pointer on a camera, film it's target and enjoy the jumps a mirror can cause.
And for the old Gitzo: 15 years ago I lost the tripod's camera screw. Got a sparepart from Gitzo. 5 years later the tripod fell from the bike while cycling, panorama axis of the "brevete rotule profes.", as they called the of center ball-head, was bent. Got a spare part, from Gitzo which meanwhile was sold to Manfrotto.
Spikes are overrated. RRS's idea "rock claws" are much better outside. Chinese copies are even better manufactured and three of them cost less than one RRS, sorry.
The hook of the center column, with a hanging camera bag, rocking in the wind - that's an ideal test of how good IBIS is... it depends of the exposure time, but slow perpendicular movements also have an impact.
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What’s the best camera for around $2000? These capable cameras should be solid and well-built, have both speed and focus for capturing fast action and offer professional-level image quality. In this buying guide we’ve rounded up all the current interchangeable lens cameras costing around $2000 and recommended the best.
What's the best camera for shooting landscapes? High resolution, weather-sealed bodies and wide dynamic range are all important. In this buying guide we've rounded-up several great cameras for shooting landscapes, and recommended the best.
Most modern cameras will shoot video to one degree or another, but these are the ones we’d look at if you plan to shoot some video alongside your photos. We’ve chosen cameras that can take great photos and make it easy to get great looking video, rather than being the ones you’d choose as a committed videographer.
Although a lot of people only upload images to Instagram from their smartphones, the app is much more than just a mobile photography platform. In this guide we've chosen a selection of cameras that make it easy to shoot compelling lifestyle images, ideal for sharing on social media.
Our team at DPReview TV recently reviewed the new Canon EOS R10 mirrorless camera. Check out these sample photos shot while filming their review and let us know what you think of the R10's image quality.
A production copy of the Canon EOS R10, the company's newest entry-level APS-C mirrorless camera, has arrived in Canada. Chris tells you what you need to know, including how the R10 stacks up to the competition.
Photographer Mathieu Stern loves the strange and unusual. He also enjoys DIY projects. He combined these passions by turning a disposable camera lens into a cheap lens for his mirrorless camera.
Camera modifier and Polaroid enthusiast Jim Skelton wanted to use the affordable Instax Wide film but didn't want to use a cheap, ugly Instax 100 camera. He hacked together the Instax 100 and a stylish bellows-equipped Polaroid Model 455.
Autel has released firmware updates for its Lite+ and Nano+ drones. These include accessible flight logs, the ability to turn off voice notifications when using the Sky app and an increase the maximum flight distance.
CineD's new video tour and interview with Sigma's CEO Kazuto Yamaki offers fascinating insight into the building's design and Sigma's philosophy toward creating better imaging products. Yamaki-san also talks about Sigma's new F1.4 prime lenses, Sigma's Foveon sensor and the ongoing chip shortage.
We've shot and analyzed our studio test scene and find the X-H2S gives a performance very close to that of the X-T4, despite its high-speed Stacked CMOS sensor. There's a noise cost in the shadows, though, which impacts dynamic range.
The Sigma 20mm F1.4 DG DN Art has solid build quality, some useful functions and weighs less than you'd expect. Does it take pretty pictures though? We have the answers.
The latest version of Sigma's 20mm F1.4 Art lens comes with substantial improvements, especially for astrophotography. Check out our gallery, including some astro images, to see how it performs!
Canon has partnered with Takara Tomy, the company behind Transformers, to release a run of Canon EOS R5 mirrorless camera models that transform into Optimus Prime and a Decepticon.
Midwest Photo was robbed late last week after a stolen truck broke through the store's front entrance. The store is in the progress of recovering from the damage and stolen goods. Photographers should be on the lookout for any suspicious product listings online.
OM System Ambassador Peter Baumgarten visits the wetlands of central Florida to photograph birds with the OM-1. Travel with Peter to see how he shoots, and view some of the spectacular photos he captures along the way. (Includes sample gallery)
We go hands-on with Sigma's latest 'Digital Native' wide-angle lenses for L-mount and Sony E-mount cameras to see what features they have and what sets them apart from the rather limited competition.
Sony has announced in-camera forgery-proof photo technology for its a7 IV mirrorless camera. The technology, aimed at corporate users, cryptographically signs images in-camera to detect future pixel modification and tampering.
CRDBAG's CRDWALL is a thin, space-efficient storage solution that you mount on your wall. It uses tracks, cords and hooks to store your gear flat against the wall without hiding it from view.
The new Sigma 24mm F1.4 DG DN Art has a brand new optical formula designed for mirrorless cameras. Check out our sample gallery to see how sharp it is, as well as how it handles flare, chromatic aberrations and sunstars.
Sigma’s new 24mm F1.4 DG DN lens for L-mount and E-mount features a physical aperture ring that can be de-clicked, stepping motors with full support for Sony MF assist modes, a rear filter holder and more.
Sigma's new 20mm F1.4 DG DN lens for L-mount and E-mount offers a unique set of features for Astro and landscape photographers, including a rear filter holder, a Manual Focus Lock switch and a Lens Heater Retainer.
This behemoth uses the same 8K full-frame Vista Vision CMOS sensor found inside the standard V-RAPTOR, but adds an impressive I/O array, integrated ND filter and more to make it a production-ready rig.
Alfie Cameras is launching its Alfie TYCH next month on Kickstarter, but before then it needs beta testers to see how its triple lens half-frame camera performs.
NASA is preparing for a simulated Mars mission that will house four crew members in a module on Earth. The crew will remotely control drones and rovers to collect rock samples on a simulated Mars. Skypersonic, a remote control drone company, is supplying mission-critical technology as part of the mission.
Scientists using the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) have observed a neutron star merger in millimeter-wavelength light for the first time. The explosion created one of the most energetic short-duration gamma-ray bursts ever observed.
The Panasonic GH6 is the latest in the company's line of video-focused Micro Four Thirds cameras. It brings a new, 25MP sensor and 10-bit 4K capture at up to 120p. We've put it to the test, both in the studio and out in the field.
The Tamron Lens Utility Mobile app is set to launch later this year. The app will let you use your compatible Android device to control, customize and update compatible Tamron lenses without the need for a computer.
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