SLIK Tripod Buyer’s Guide

Whether you are buying a SLIK camera tripod or any tripod, there are some important factors to consider. First, think about what types of photography you do most. Choose a tripod according to your needs, weighing features vs. cost, size vs. portability, and considering sturdiness, ease of use, and so on.

The first important consideration in a tripod is the material. Usually this comes down to carbon fiber vs. metal (typically aluminum). The advantages of aluminum are that it is cheaper and generally not that much heavier than carbon fiber. The advantages of carbon fiber are better sturdiness, increased vibration dampening, and ease of handling in extreme temperatures; however, it can be considerably more expensive than metal.

Size and portability is another important consideration. Tripods range from tiny tabletop models that fit in a pocket to large, heavy models with wheels for studio use. Think about how important portability is to you. If you plan to take your tripod with you while hiking, size and weight will be more important. If you plan to use it primarily in the studio, you may opt for a sturdy, albeit heavier model.

Be sure to check the maximum weight your tripod can hold. You will need a suitable weight rating and rigidity to avoid unwanted vibrations in your photos. If your tripod becomes overloaded by a camera that is too close to its maximum weight, not only will you experience more vibrations, you may be putting your camera equipment at risk.

Make sure your tripod also extends to a comfortable height. You should be able to use your camera at eye level without bending down uncomfortably. Also, make sure the proper height can be attained without your tripod becoming unstable or unbalanced. The center column should not be extended fully during normal usage – a portion should remain retracted to give a lower center of gravity and stability to the tripod.

Be sure to consider what kind of tripod legs you want to use. Locking rings tend to be less expensive, but slower to use. If you find yourself setting up and collapsing your tripod frequently, you may want to go with flip locks. Flip lock legs are generally more expensive, but much faster to set up and take down.

You also have some options to consider in the tripod center column. Rapid sliding columns are faster to use, and typically less expensive. Geared columns are slower, heavier, more expensive, but they are usually better with very large cameras due to their weight and stability.

Lastly, make sure your tripod comes with a quality, easy-to-use head, and make sure you can interchange heads if needed. A good ball head or three-way head is recommended. Also, take into account any additional accessories you may need for your tripod, and check to see if the manufacturer you choose provides compatible accessories.