Essential guide to tripods

There are many reasons why you might use a tripod and some are more obvious than others. Ostensibly, they are designed to support your camera and lens, eliminate camera shake and ensure pin-sharp shots, and if you’re a fan of landscape or still-life photography, a sturdy tripod is just as important as the camera and glass you opt for, particularly as sensor resolutions increase. But there are hidden benefits to using a tripod: they force you to slow down and therefore make it easier to make fractional adjustments to compositions and settings, which invariably results in a more considered approach and better results.

Choosing the right tripod for your needs can be bewildering, as there is so much choice; and of course budget, subject and style will influence your decision. The first considerations are material and weight. Most tripod legs are made from either aluminium or carbon fibre: aluminium legs are cheaper, but tend to be quite weighty, while carbon fibre legs are lighter, but can be significantly more expensive. So, if sturdiness is key, aluminium is ideal; if portability is more important, dig deep and invest in carbon fibre. It’s also worth noting that some legs feature three sections, while others feature four or five. Plus, some utilise flip locks while others use twist locks. If speed of set-up is important, look for legs with three sections and twist locks; if portability is essential but speed less so, look for legs with four or five sections and flip locks (tripods with more leg sections tend to have shorter folded lengths). Also check the leg angles, particularly if you shoot on uneven ground or in confined spaces where you need to splay one or two legs further than the others. Look for legs that