Guide to Tripod Materials

2012-01-20 5:32 pm

There are three main materials that tripods are made out of: aluminum, carbon fiber, and basalt. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages when it comes to stabilizing your camera.

• Aluminum tripods: these are the most basic tripods and used to be the industry standard because they are light yet sturdy and affordable. Aluminum tripods don’t stand up to the newer materials though. If you want to save money, then a quality aluminum tripod is the way to go. If you are a pro who wants something light and very sturdy, then carbon fiber is best.
• Basalt tripods are made from glass fiber and have basalt exteriors. They are not as expensive as carbon fiber tripods. They are lighter than aluminum but they lack sturdiness. It is usually best to go with one of the other options.
• Carbon fiber tripods are the industry finest. They have quickly become the standard amongst professionals and even amateur photographers. The carbon fiber material is about 25% lighter than aluminum and are very sturdy. There are a lot of other benefits to using a carbon fiber tripod, like the fact that they don’t change dimensions in heat or cold. However, do note that they can become weak in the cold and may break if you drop it. On the plus side, they aren’t going to stick to your palms when you shoot in the cold, which can be a problem with other tripods.

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