June Newsletter
Greetings from
Porter's Camera Store!

Why use a tripod?
Many picture problems such as exposure, cropping and color balance can be corrected later, but if the image is blurry due to camera shake, there isn't much that can be done. This is as true with digital photography as with film cameras. But with prices for tripods ranging from $20 to $600, how do you select one? The type of photography you do may be the best starting point. A wildlife photographer will need a different tripod than a studio photographer. While many pro photographers have different tripods for various situations, the average person will purchase one tripod and use it for years, and they want to do it right. Things you should ask yourself are:
• How heavy of a load will it need to support?
• How tall should it extend?
• How short does it need to collapse?
• How much weight can I carry?
• How much do I want to spend?

Most tripods under about $75 have pressed aluminum legs with plastic knobs or locks. These tripods will generally have non-removable heads and have a variety of weight limits, but most will be for the occasional shooter who stays predominately indoors or on the beaten path.
The Vivitar line works well for this type of photographer.


For the traveler, Velbon has the MAXI series of tripods. Each of these is small and light enough to put in a suitcase or carry-on luggage, yet extend to a comfortable height for shooting without stooping. The various models in the MAXI line give you a selection of sizes, head types and other features.


For serious amateur and professional users, Bogen tripods set the standard by which all other tripods are compared. The legs are precision-machined spun aluminum with metal joints and knobs. Most Bogen tripods are sold as legs and heads separately, so you can customize the tripod for your type of shooting. For example, someone doing videography will want a fluid head for smooth pan and tilt adjustments. A portrait or wildlife photographer would do well with a joystick ball head. With one action, the head can move 360 degrees to accommodate any angle needed. Many Bogen tripods have adjustable leg spread angles. This is particularly helpful when the terrain is rough, there is high wind, or you want to shoot very close to the ground.


For landscape and wildlife photographers who are dedicated to their craft, carbon fiber legs may be the solution. They are just as sturdy as the aluminum Bogen tripods but because they are made from carbon fiber, they are very good at dampening the vibration and are only about half the weight. This is particularly important when there is a lot of foot travel with a backpack full of supplies.