Tripod for national parks
p.1 #1Tripod for national parks
I'm relatively new to photography and have spent a lot of time on here and watching video reviews trying to find a tripod that meets my needs. Currently I use a Sirui that has had vibration issues.
I use a Fuji XT5 and my heaviest lens is a Tamron 100-500, which is 5-6 pounds. I'd mostly be using it for landscape or birds/animals while hiking, so it needs something that can be carried. There are also many nights I drive into national parks for long exposures, so I'm not looking for an ultralightweight travel tripod with stability issues.
Ideally, I'd like something in the 3-4 pound range, 58" in height, 4 section, small center column if there is one, head that can support 10+ lbs, legs that support 18 lbs+, and under $450. That doesn't seem to exist, which I'm sure you all know. There always seem to be comprises in weight, support, vibrations, etc. I mostly shoot in sandy desert environments, which is another issue.
My question is when one is looking for a fictional package like that where do you make compromises? Money is a fixed issue and carrying something more than 4 pounds with the body, lenses, water, and other few things I take hiking is probably set as well. I don't mind bending over a bit, but sometimes there are bridge supports or walls I have to shoot over and I've found 58" to be about right.
Thanks for any direction you all can give me
I use a Fuji XT5 and my heaviest lens is a Tamron 100-500, which is 5-6 pounds. I'd mostly be using it for landscape or birds/animals while hiking, so it needs something that can be carried. There are also many nights I drive into national parks for long exposures, so I'm not looking for an ultralightweight travel tripod with stability issues.
Ideally, I'd like something in the 3-4 pound range, 58" in height, 4 section, small center column if there is one, head that can support 10+ lbs, legs that support 18 lbs+, and under $450. That doesn't seem to exist, which I'm sure you all know. There always seem to be comprises in weight, support, vibrations, etc. I mostly shoot in sandy desert environments, which is another issue.
My question is when one is looking for a fictional package like that where do you make compromises? Money is a fixed issue and carrying something more than 4 pounds with the body, lenses, water, and other few things I take hiking is probably set as well. I don't mind bending over a bit, but sometimes there are bridge supports or walls I have to shoot over and I've found 58" to be about right.
Thanks for any direction you all can give me
Sep 11, 2026 at 03:12 PM
p.1 #2Tripod for national parks
Loads of options at B&H if you use their configuration tools on the left... for example - https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1157826-REG/benro_tma27c_mach3_9x_carbon_fiber.html
Sep 11, 2026 at 04:31 PM
p.1 #3Tripod for national parks
Which Sirui are you using?
I have been searching for a tripod to use with my Sony 200-600 and bought both Sirui AM-324 and a Leofoto LS-284C Pro, counterintuitively, the Leofoto is a lot sturdier, even with its smaller leg diameter. I think I will be returning the Sirui.
If height is not a concern, I highly recommend the Leofoto LS-284C Pro for the price (I bought it used but in new condition for only US$115) It’s also water resistant. I am pairing it with Flexshooter Mini for everything wildlife, landscape and astrophotography
I have been searching for a tripod to use with my Sony 200-600 and bought both Sirui AM-324 and a Leofoto LS-284C Pro, counterintuitively, the Leofoto is a lot sturdier, even with its smaller leg diameter. I think I will be returning the Sirui.
If height is not a concern, I highly recommend the Leofoto LS-284C Pro for the price (I bought it used but in new condition for only US$115) It’s also water resistant. I am pairing it with Flexshooter Mini for everything wildlife, landscape and astrophotography
Sep 11, 2026 at 08:29 PM
p.1 #4Tripod for national parks
Although I believe this is not being updated it still has a lot of good information on tripods, The Center Column https://thecentercolumn.com/rankings/travel-tripod-rankings/
Sep 11, 2026 at 09:20 PM
p.1 #5Tripod for national parks
You are caught in the tripod triangle. The rule has always been, when it comes to a tripod there are three aspects - affordable, light, sturdy. You get to pick only two. And since sturdy is always important, there are really only two choices, sturdy and affordable or sturdy and light. The easiest way out of this is to raise your budget. 
That said, the Gitzo 2545T is currently on sale at B&H for $440. It has 4 sections, weighs just under 3 pounds, extends to 60", folds down to under 18", and Gitzo rates it to 26.5 pounds. I have one and use it as my light/hiking/travel sticks.
No, it is not as sturdy as either of my larger and heavier RRS tripods, but it works wonderfully. It replaced a Gitzo 2540L that I had for about 20 years and gave to a friend who was just entering the hobby. The older Gitzo was excellent and spent several years as my primary legs. The newer Gitzo is even better. I've used it shooting in White Sands NP, shooting landscapes on multi-day hikes, and for modest birding outings when travelling. I've even used it to shoot astro, though only when using 3 of the four sections. It works perfectly fine in that manner, even when using a Move Shoot Move star tracker and a 4-minute exposure. Highly recommended.
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1328233-REG/gitzo_gt2545tus_traveler_tripod_ser_2_4s.html/specs
That said, the Gitzo 2545T is currently on sale at B&H for $440. It has 4 sections, weighs just under 3 pounds, extends to 60", folds down to under 18", and Gitzo rates it to 26.5 pounds. I have one and use it as my light/hiking/travel sticks.
No, it is not as sturdy as either of my larger and heavier RRS tripods, but it works wonderfully. It replaced a Gitzo 2540L that I had for about 20 years and gave to a friend who was just entering the hobby. The older Gitzo was excellent and spent several years as my primary legs. The newer Gitzo is even better. I've used it shooting in White Sands NP, shooting landscapes on multi-day hikes, and for modest birding outings when travelling. I've even used it to shoot astro, though only when using 3 of the four sections. It works perfectly fine in that manner, even when using a Move Shoot Move star tracker and a 4-minute exposure. Highly recommended.
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1328233-REG/gitzo_gt2545tus_traveler_tripod_ser_2_4s.html/specs
Sep 12, 2026 at 09:17 AM
p.1 #6Tripod for national parks
Todd Warnke wrote:
You are caught in the tripod triangle. The rule has always been, when it comes to a tripod there are three aspects - affordable, light, sturdy. You get to pick only two. And since sturdy is always important, there are really only two choices, sturdy and affordable or sturdy and light. The easiest way out of this is to raise your budget.
That said, the Gitzo 2545T is currently on sale at B&H for $440. It has 4 sections, weighs just under 3 pounds, extends to 60", folds down to under 18", and Gitzo rates it to 26.5 pounds....Show more →
I don’t have experience with the 2545T, but I’ve used a larger Gitzo 2542L “Mountaineer” Carbon Fiber Tripod for years on the trail and it has been a good compromise between my super-light (emergency) travel tripod and my monster RRS tripod.
That Gitzo “series” should be plenty solid for the purposes you describe.
As you have pointed out and others confirmed, there’s a basic tradeoff among price, height, solidity, durability, etc. when it comes to tripods.
You are caught in the tripod triangle. The rule has always been, when it comes to a tripod there are three aspects - affordable, light, sturdy. You get to pick only two. And since sturdy is always important, there are really only two choices, sturdy and affordable or sturdy and light. The easiest way out of this is to raise your budget.
That said, the Gitzo 2545T is currently on sale at B&H for $440. It has 4 sections, weighs just under 3 pounds, extends to 60", folds down to under 18", and Gitzo rates it to 26.5 pounds....Show more →
I don’t have experience with the 2545T, but I’ve used a larger Gitzo 2542L “Mountaineer” Carbon Fiber Tripod for years on the trail and it has been a good compromise between my super-light (emergency) travel tripod and my monster RRS tripod.
That Gitzo “series” should be plenty solid for the purposes you describe.
As you have pointed out and others confirmed, there’s a basic tradeoff among price, height, solidity, durability, etc. when it comes to tripods.
Sep 12, 2026 at 09:23 AM
p.1 #7Tripod for national parks
Buying used is the best way to get the most bang for your buck. Gitzo 1, 2 and 3 series can be found in your budget with a head on eBay.
Sep 12, 2026 at 11:04 AM
RoamingScott
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p.1 #8Tripod for national parks
I must be a simpleton. I have had the same 5lb Manfotto 055XPROB for 15+ years and have only replaced the head once with a basic Leofoto ballhead. I have taken this thing all over the US (to 23 National Parks!) and it has never let me down. I hear people yapping endlessly about which tripod to get or upgrade to when I've never once thought about it after purchasing this one. I must be stupid. I should spend more time worrying about it.
Sep 12, 2026 at 11:35 AM
p.1 #9Tripod for national parks
Well I guess I am in the same category. My Manfrotto 055 is @45 years old with no issues. I did replace the black plastic foot caps right away with their retractable rubber spike feet. I have used it with several heads however my current 3 head choice is my Foba Superball with an RRS QR plate or a Leofoto GW-1, or a Manfrotto MVH500AH fluid head and Kirk QR Bridge plate.
My other two leg sets are Manfrotto 161 (@43 years old) and 161MkII (@30 years old) for studio work.
RoamingScott wrote:
I must be a simpleton. I have had the same 5lb Manfotto 055XPROB for 15+ years and have only replaced the head once with a basic Leofoto ballhead. I have taken this thing all over the US (to 23 National Parks!) and it has never let me down. I hear people yapping endlessly about which tripod to get or upgrade to when I've never once thought about it after purchasing this one. I must be stupid. I should spend more time worrying about it.
My other two leg sets are Manfrotto 161 (@43 years old) and 161MkII (@30 years old) for studio work.
RoamingScott wrote:
I must be a simpleton. I have had the same 5lb Manfotto 055XPROB for 15+ years and have only replaced the head once with a basic Leofoto ballhead. I have taken this thing all over the US (to 23 National Parks!) and it has never let me down. I hear people yapping endlessly about which tripod to get or upgrade to when I've never once thought about it after purchasing this one. I must be stupid. I should spend more time worrying about it.
Sep 12, 2026 at 12:42 PM
p.1 #10Tripod for national parks
I have a Giottos of similar build (although twist locks not snap) some of the Manfrotto 055 aluminums. Also a tank. Not a backpacking tripod..
I'd suggest "matching" the "capacities," as a strong head on wobbly legs, wobbles, a slippy head on strong legs, slips. etc. Note that some makers are more accurate/conservative in their ratings, too.
Four sections is more compact folded, probably not a sturdiness issue these days. bearing in mind the final section strength. If driving, I might lean towards a taller tripod. Weight is less an issue and the ability to adjust around uneven ground, stairs, etc., is worth considering. I don't have a current recommendation, I haven't shopped a main tripod for years.
I'd suggest "matching" the "capacities," as a strong head on wobbly legs, wobbles, a slippy head on strong legs, slips. etc. Note that some makers are more accurate/conservative in their ratings, too.
Four sections is more compact folded, probably not a sturdiness issue these days. bearing in mind the final section strength. If driving, I might lean towards a taller tripod. Weight is less an issue and the ability to adjust around uneven ground, stairs, etc., is worth considering. I don't have a current recommendation, I haven't shopped a main tripod for years.
Sep 12, 2026 at 01:47 PM
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p.1 #11Tripod for national parks
I just bought a Leofoto LS-324CEXX on sale from amazon for $359. It has a leveling base and thus no center column. It weighs 3.51 lbs. It compares favorably to my Gitzo tripods.
Leofoto LS-324CEXX
Leofoto LS-324CEXX
Sep 13, 2026 at 10:43 AM
p.1 #12Tripod for national parks
I have the LS-324CEX, not sure how the CEXX it is different from the CEX.
The CEX is a decent tripod though not as sturdy or well made as my Gitzo or RRS legs. The default first leg angle is rather narrow so I increased it by removing some metal from the angle stops to notably helped stability.
I prefer the Gitzo 3 series long systematic (GT353xLS or GT354xLS) for landscapes, though it is relatively heavy. Gitzo at BH is on good sales occasionally. Whatever tripods you buy they can last a long time, so it's not a place to skimp.
EBH
The CEX is a decent tripod though not as sturdy or well made as my Gitzo or RRS legs. The default first leg angle is rather narrow so I increased it by removing some metal from the angle stops to notably helped stability.
I prefer the Gitzo 3 series long systematic (GT353xLS or GT354xLS) for landscapes, though it is relatively heavy. Gitzo at BH is on good sales occasionally. Whatever tripods you buy they can last a long time, so it's not a place to skimp.
EBH
Sep 13, 2026 at 11:06 AM
p.1 #13Tripod for national parks
austinlau wrote:
Which Sirui are you using?
I have been searching for a tripod to use with my Sony 200-600 and bought both Sirui AM-324 and a Leofoto LS-284C Pro, counterintuitively, the Leofoto is a lot sturdier, even with its smaller leg diameter. I think I will be returning the Sirui.
If height is not a concern, I highly recommend the Leofoto LS-284C Pro for the price (I bought it used but in new condition for only US$115) It’s also water resistant. I am pairing it with Flexshooter Mini for everything wildlife, landscape and astrophotography
Sorry, I was in a national forest all weekend without service. I'm using the AM-254, which is fine, but it's too short for me along with the vibration issues.
Edited on Sep 13, 2026 at 01:45 PM · View previous versions
Which Sirui are you using?
I have been searching for a tripod to use with my Sony 200-600 and bought both Sirui AM-324 and a Leofoto LS-284C Pro, counterintuitively, the Leofoto is a lot sturdier, even with its smaller leg diameter. I think I will be returning the Sirui.
If height is not a concern, I highly recommend the Leofoto LS-284C Pro for the price (I bought it used but in new condition for only US$115) It’s also water resistant. I am pairing it with Flexshooter Mini for everything wildlife, landscape and astrophotography
Sorry, I was in a national forest all weekend without service. I'm using the AM-254, which is fine, but it's too short for me along with the vibration issues.
Edited on Sep 13, 2026 at 01:45 PM · View previous versions
Sep 13, 2026 at 01:34 PM
p.1 #14Tripod for national parks
Todd Warnke wrote:
You are caught in the tripod triangle. The rule has always been, when it comes to a tripod there are three aspects - affordable, light, sturdy. You get to pick only two. And since sturdy is always important, there are really only two choices, sturdy and affordable or sturdy and light. The easiest way out of this is to raise your budget.
That said, the Gitzo 2545T is currently on sale at B&H for $440. It has 4 sections, weighs just under 3 pounds, extends to 60", folds down to under 18", and Gitzo rates it to 26.5 pounds....Show more →
Thank you for explaining that. I don't mind increasing my budget, but it always seemed like there would still be an issue even if I spent a lot more. That Gitzo sounds wonderful.
You are caught in the tripod triangle. The rule has always been, when it comes to a tripod there are three aspects - affordable, light, sturdy. You get to pick only two. And since sturdy is always important, there are really only two choices, sturdy and affordable or sturdy and light. The easiest way out of this is to raise your budget.
That said, the Gitzo 2545T is currently on sale at B&H for $440. It has 4 sections, weighs just under 3 pounds, extends to 60", folds down to under 18", and Gitzo rates it to 26.5 pounds....Show more →
Thank you for explaining that. I don't mind increasing my budget, but it always seemed like there would still be an issue even if I spent a lot more. That Gitzo sounds wonderful.
Sep 13, 2026 at 01:36 PM
p.1 #15Tripod for national parks
I'm grateful for so many replies. Thank you all for taking the time to help me.
Sep 13, 2026 at 01:45 PM
p.1 #16Tripod for national parks
I know they are 'copies' but the Leofoto tripods are every bit as good as RRS and other top tier units. I have a few of them in various sizes and they are designed, machined and built very well. I'm bringing this up because you will surely find one that meets your needs and budget. They are a bargain.
Sep 14, 2026 at 09:27 PM
p.1 #17Tripod for national parks
If you do this for many years you will settle on a favorite and stick with it for most of your outdoor shoots, but you may find others, or others may find you along the way.
I have a no-name tripod that I bought when first getting serious in photography, about 1952-4. I had no idea what to buy, and that first one was a terrible choice. There weren't many available back then, so I just bought the first that I found. It kept me happy for about 10 years though. When I became more serious about photography, experiences and seeing others that were available taught me a lot. I was out of high school and working before I could afford better, but finally found and bought a "better" tripod with good locking features and a crank-up head. It too kept me happy for a few years, but I learned even more about what a "better" tripod needed, and then bought another. I have no idea how many tripods that I've owned or adopted me over the years, but I now have about 7, plus two camera stands and a dozen or so different camera heads. Some heads let me flip the camera portrait or landscape, some are micro adjustable (a feature that makes "Still Life" and ""Product" type photography easier, some tripods work well when shooting very close to ground level and some have adjustable leg angles, handy when dealing with side of the mountain shots. A crank up center column is great, sometimes, if it locks well. About 20 years ago I bought a Slik 212 Pro tripod that pretty much filled all of my wants, very stable with adjustable legs and leg angles, almost to horizontal, a crank-up center column with a great and very stable lock, and the bottom end has a stud allowing the head and camera to be mounted upside down for those really close to the ground shots, or just to attach an eye nut and hang a weight or tie down the tripod in a fierce wind. . There is a 1/4-20 stud on one leg that lets me hang another camera head or hook to hold most anything, and the head that comes with these has a quick lock feature to allow attaching and removing the camera quickly. With a second attach piece, I can switch cameras very quickly in the middle of a shoot. The first of this tripod model was new and had everything that I wanted in a tripod, except the weight, at about 5.5 pounds with head, but no camera. I now have three of these tripods, having found and picked up two more on the used market. They have served me very well and had every feature that I have wanted, except the weight. I'm now 84 with heart issues, so now looking some to see what's out there that does everything that my Slik tripods can do but is maybe 1/2 the weight, but even now I tend to just grab one of these when I'm not certain what features may be needed on a remote shoot, because I have grown to depend on them. The rest of the tripods in the corner all seem to do one thing or two very well , but because of this I tend to grab one of the Slik tripods more often than any of them. Yes, some of the ones that I have are very much lighter, but I won't take one of them if there is any uncertainty as to what I might encounter.
If you don't know what kind of shooting you will be doing i may be best to just buy a monopole until you figure it out, or steady your camera on a fence post, car, rock, tree, or anything else that will help you hold your camera steady. People have been taking photos this way almost since cameras became available. New digital cameras can be set for very high shutter speeds and F-Stop settings, and even variable ISO now, so a steady high speed shot hand held has become easy when outdoors in even relatively low light with the right camera settings now. So take your time and shoot hand held or leaning against something before you figure out what tripod fits your needs before buying. You don't even need one if the camera settings are right for what you are doing in bright Sun or even moderate light. High shutter speeds prevent blur, so most of the time you use a tripod now when taking multiple, almost identical shots for focus stacking, etc. Make sure you really need one and why before you spend your money. It's not a status symbol. You can be a good photographer without one.
Charley
Edit - I've heard that some parks are now banning tripods because of their safety hazards in and around crowded places. Check with the park management before going.
I have a no-name tripod that I bought when first getting serious in photography, about 1952-4. I had no idea what to buy, and that first one was a terrible choice. There weren't many available back then, so I just bought the first that I found. It kept me happy for about 10 years though. When I became more serious about photography, experiences and seeing others that were available taught me a lot. I was out of high school and working before I could afford better, but finally found and bought a "better" tripod with good locking features and a crank-up head. It too kept me happy for a few years, but I learned even more about what a "better" tripod needed, and then bought another. I have no idea how many tripods that I've owned or adopted me over the years, but I now have about 7, plus two camera stands and a dozen or so different camera heads. Some heads let me flip the camera portrait or landscape, some are micro adjustable (a feature that makes "Still Life" and ""Product" type photography easier, some tripods work well when shooting very close to ground level and some have adjustable leg angles, handy when dealing with side of the mountain shots. A crank up center column is great, sometimes, if it locks well. About 20 years ago I bought a Slik 212 Pro tripod that pretty much filled all of my wants, very stable with adjustable legs and leg angles, almost to horizontal, a crank-up center column with a great and very stable lock, and the bottom end has a stud allowing the head and camera to be mounted upside down for those really close to the ground shots, or just to attach an eye nut and hang a weight or tie down the tripod in a fierce wind. . There is a 1/4-20 stud on one leg that lets me hang another camera head or hook to hold most anything, and the head that comes with these has a quick lock feature to allow attaching and removing the camera quickly. With a second attach piece, I can switch cameras very quickly in the middle of a shoot. The first of this tripod model was new and had everything that I wanted in a tripod, except the weight, at about 5.5 pounds with head, but no camera. I now have three of these tripods, having found and picked up two more on the used market. They have served me very well and had every feature that I have wanted, except the weight. I'm now 84 with heart issues, so now looking some to see what's out there that does everything that my Slik tripods can do but is maybe 1/2 the weight, but even now I tend to just grab one of these when I'm not certain what features may be needed on a remote shoot, because I have grown to depend on them. The rest of the tripods in the corner all seem to do one thing or two very well , but because of this I tend to grab one of the Slik tripods more often than any of them. Yes, some of the ones that I have are very much lighter, but I won't take one of them if there is any uncertainty as to what I might encounter.
If you don't know what kind of shooting you will be doing i may be best to just buy a monopole until you figure it out, or steady your camera on a fence post, car, rock, tree, or anything else that will help you hold your camera steady. People have been taking photos this way almost since cameras became available. New digital cameras can be set for very high shutter speeds and F-Stop settings, and even variable ISO now, so a steady high speed shot hand held has become easy when outdoors in even relatively low light with the right camera settings now. So take your time and shoot hand held or leaning against something before you figure out what tripod fits your needs before buying. You don't even need one if the camera settings are right for what you are doing in bright Sun or even moderate light. High shutter speeds prevent blur, so most of the time you use a tripod now when taking multiple, almost identical shots for focus stacking, etc. Make sure you really need one and why before you spend your money. It's not a status symbol. You can be a good photographer without one.
Charley
Edit - I've heard that some parks are now banning tripods because of their safety hazards in and around crowded places. Check with the park management before going.
Sep 22, 2026 at 02:53 PM
p.1 #18Tripod for national parks
I searched for a tripod exactly like what you’re looking for a couple months ago. I settled on a carbon fiber Peak Design travel tripod. I bought the universal head adapter to put an RRS BH-40 on it but that may be unnecessary, I don’t know yet.
I tried the Gitzo 2545T and while it is nice, it wasn’t drastically more sturdy than Peak Design, it’s also way more bulky. And I didn’t like the Gitzo ball head.
I also tried the Peak Design Pro Lite and it’s also quite nice, but it’s still much bigger and heavier than the travel tripod. I would definitely take it over the Gitzo though.
Then I tried the Falcam Treeroot and it’s nothing more than a cheap Chinese knockoff of the Peak Design travel tripod. I didn’t like anything about it more than any other tripod I tried out.
So in the end, the Peak Design travel tripod ended up being the perfect fit for me. I also have an RRS TVC24L that I’m going to bring along to use for roadside and night photography
I tried the Gitzo 2545T and while it is nice, it wasn’t drastically more sturdy than Peak Design, it’s also way more bulky. And I didn’t like the Gitzo ball head.
I also tried the Peak Design Pro Lite and it’s also quite nice, but it’s still much bigger and heavier than the travel tripod. I would definitely take it over the Gitzo though.
Then I tried the Falcam Treeroot and it’s nothing more than a cheap Chinese knockoff of the Peak Design travel tripod. I didn’t like anything about it more than any other tripod I tried out.
So in the end, the Peak Design travel tripod ended up being the perfect fit for me. I also have an RRS TVC24L that I’m going to bring along to use for roadside and night photography
Sep 24, 2026 at 07:42 AM
p.1 #19Tripod for national parks
@Duramaxjon, There are so many brands and versions of tripods to choose from today that you have only scratched the surface of the possibilities. Joining a club and seeing/trying other's tripods may help you find that "perfect one", but also keep in mind that what you shoot may determine which is best for you and your way of shooting. Only by trying out and learning which features work best for your kind of shoots will you be able to choose that perfect one for you. But then you may end up with several different tripods because while one will work great for landscape, it may not be a good choice for portraits, etc. Save your money until you know what you like.
I stumbled into my first Slik 212 Pro when it was a Christmas gift to me, and how they knew that it was right for me I'll never know, since they aren't even a photographer themselves. But the first few times that I used it I began to realize that it did almost everything very well for me and the way that I shoot. Like I said, I have a bunch of tripods in the corner of the studio, some that I bought over the years, and some that just found me. All have a feature or two that I like or they wouldn't still be here. I have frequently given away tripods to other photographers when they are just getting started or really like it when they use it in my studio. The pile keeps changing, although slowly, but I have fallen in love with my Slik 212 Pro tripods, and while I sometimes let others use one of them for a shoot, they aen't getting to take it home with them. There may be better out there, and I'm certain much lighter, but I have these and no longer look for anything else. I'm 84 and just had my 11th heart surgery, so I don't see any way that I'll be wearing out what I already have.
Tripods are only a way of steadying or holding your camera while you take a photo. There re many other ways to do this and most don't cost any money. Tripods just make photography a little more convenient, and some times when the camera needs to be held in that certain one in time position, they can be great to have with you, but only with experience will you learn what works best for you and your way of shooting.
Charley
I stumbled into my first Slik 212 Pro when it was a Christmas gift to me, and how they knew that it was right for me I'll never know, since they aren't even a photographer themselves. But the first few times that I used it I began to realize that it did almost everything very well for me and the way that I shoot. Like I said, I have a bunch of tripods in the corner of the studio, some that I bought over the years, and some that just found me. All have a feature or two that I like or they wouldn't still be here. I have frequently given away tripods to other photographers when they are just getting started or really like it when they use it in my studio. The pile keeps changing, although slowly, but I have fallen in love with my Slik 212 Pro tripods, and while I sometimes let others use one of them for a shoot, they aen't getting to take it home with them. There may be better out there, and I'm certain much lighter, but I have these and no longer look for anything else. I'm 84 and just had my 11th heart surgery, so I don't see any way that I'll be wearing out what I already have.
Tripods are only a way of steadying or holding your camera while you take a photo. There re many other ways to do this and most don't cost any money. Tripods just make photography a little more convenient, and some times when the camera needs to be held in that certain one in time position, they can be great to have with you, but only with experience will you learn what works best for you and your way of shooting.
Charley
Sep 25, 2026 at 10:39 AM
p.1 #20Tripod for national parks
Likely some good advice in this thread (didn't read all the replies) but I'll add my comment to the list - if you are going to use long and heavy lenses then don't spend big on a tripod and then cheap on a head.
My large Benro ball head was often not stout enough for my 200-600mm whose weight would cause the head to slowly move until the lens, body would fall over. I caught it twice as it began to fall before deciding to upgrade. After a long search I bought an Acratech Long Lens Head + Leveling Base. It may look expensive but when you consider you are placing $3-$5,000 worth of gear on top of your tripod the head better be a good one.
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1551070-REG/acratech_long_lens_head_with.html
My large Benro ball head was often not stout enough for my 200-600mm whose weight would cause the head to slowly move until the lens, body would fall over. I caught it twice as it began to fall before deciding to upgrade. After a long search I bought an Acratech Long Lens Head + Leveling Base. It may look expensive but when you consider you are placing $3-$5,000 worth of gear on top of your tripod the head better be a good one.
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1551070-REG/acratech_long_lens_head_with.html
Sep 30, 2026 at 08:29 AM