Tackling another one of my most frequently questions today, since we often talk about self-portraits! I am often asked for tripod recommendations after folks learn how to take a self-portrait. Definitely a wise investment if you are getting worried about stacking books for your camera to rest on! I’ll cover other scenarios you might use a tripod, too. 😊
Please note this post contains amazon affiliate links because I am an amazon affiliate (see full Amazon Affiliate disclosure at end of blog post).
Basic Tripod Requirements
A tripod is just a three legged stand that holds your camera for you (I know you know that!). Attached to a tripod is a tripod head that connects your camera to the tripod, usually with a detachable plate. A ball head is a common head. You have to have some sort of tripod head and plate to connect it to your camera. 😊
Tripods considered “complete units” have a head included with them. The type of tripod head you get depends on what you will use your camera/tripod for. For example, if you shoot video, you might want a fluid head. Otherwise, you are probably good to go with a ball head or a pistol grip head which is similar but easier to move.
The other thing to look for in your tripod is the max height. I recommend picking a tripod that has a max height at least at your eye level. It doesn’t need to be much taller than you unless you plan on using it with a stool, but you don’t want it to be too short so you’re bending over.
When looking for a tripod, you just need to cross check that is has a ball head and max height that works for you, the max weight limit/payload will hold your gear, and that it isn’t too heavy for you to carry around.
When to use a tripod
Obviously you need a tripod if you are taking a portrait, but when else would you use it?
Any time you are shooting in a low-light environment, a tripod will be super helpful to you! Why? Because the less light you have, the slower the shutter speed you must use in order to capture enough light to take a photo. When you use a slower shutter speed, you’re susceptible to motion blue that appears from both the subject you are shooting, and even unsteady hands. So placing your camera on a sturdy tripod will help cut out any motion you might create yourself.
You may also want to use a tripod if you are using a very deep DoF or narrow aperture setting as well, because you are once again potentially going to be using a slower shutter speed to compensate for the narrow opening in your lens. Think of taking a landscape photo or if you are taking a portrait where you want to see the landscape clearly, too.
Tripods to consider/comparisons
Manfrotto is the brand of tripods I like and trust (this is what I own), but to be honest, I am not super picky about them! I purchased that one because I needed a reliable tripod that had a column I could use for flatlays and stop animations. I bought an inexpensive tripod from Best Buy in a pinch once that I used for years.
Like I said above, you just need to cross check that the max payload will hold your gear, that the height works for you, and that it isn’t too heavy for you to carry around! Here are some to consider that I pulled from Amazon’s “best sellers” so you can compare the important parts about them.
| COST | WEIGHT | MAX HEIGHT | WEIGHT LIMIT | Notes | |
| Amazon Basics lightweight tripod | $27.99 | 2.72 lbs | 60″ | not listed, but probably not more than 3 lbs |
Only use for very lightweight camera or phone
|
| Manfrotto compact action with hybrid head | $68.99 | 4.4 lbs | 61″ | 3.3lbs |
Will only work for a lightweight DSLR+lens
|
| GEEKOTO 77” Tripod | $79.99 | 3.37 lbs | 77″ | 17lbs |
Much better weight limit and height
|
What is a shutter release tool?
A shutter release tool is exactly as is sounds! It is a tool that releases your shutter for you, without your finger on actual camera shutter button. This is usually in the form of some kind of button remote, which can be wired or wireless. Sometimes you can also use the wifi feature on your camera and a compatible app. This is what allows you to take self-portraits or working with props out of reach of our camera and still able to take the photo.
Recommended shutter release tools
*Check that the one you are purchasing works with your camera!
- Canon RC-6 Wireless Remote
- Amazon Basics Wireless Remote for Nikon
- Canon Connect App info (check here for compatibility)
- Nikon Wireless Mobility App (check here for compatibility)