Choosing a tripod? 6 helpful tips

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Een statief kiezen? 6 handige tips

A tripod is an indispensable tool for photography or filming. It ensures you can hold your camera securely and stably, wherever you are. Tripods come in all shapes and sizes, suitable for various devices like smartphones, cameras, and action cams. But how do you choose the right one? We'll help you get started – read on!

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When do you need a tripod?

A tripod ensures you can hold your camera or phone steady and stable. But it offers many more possibilities. For example, a tripod allows you to shoot with longer shutter speeds or with telephoto and macro lenses. A tripod is also ideal for filming: your footage becomes more stable, giving your video a more professional look.

Before purchasing a tripod, it's wise to consider what you'll primarily use it for. Do you travel a lot? Then a lightweight, flexible tripod is a smart choice. We recommend considering the following six points when choosing the right tripod:

1. Think carefully about the weight of your tripod

A tripod is a useful tool, but it must remain practical and portable. It shouldn't be a burden, for example, due to its large size or heavy weight, unless you primarily work from a fixed location, such as a studio.

For most content creators, a lightweight, compact tripod is best. Choosing the right material ensures a tripod that's both lightweight and sturdy.

  • Working in a studio? Then weight is less of a factor. A heavier tripod actually provides extra stability.
  • Working on location? Then a lightweight and easy-to-carry tripod is much more convenient. This way, you prevent your gear from becoming a burden.

2. Maximum load capacity

In addition to the tripod's own weight, it is important to pay attention to its maximum load capacity: the weight the tripod can handle without becoming unstable.

  • If you're using a smartphone with a small microphone, a weight capacity of approximately 1–2 kg (2.2–4.4 lbs) is sufficient.
  • If you're using a DSLR or mirrorless camera with a large lens, choose a tripod that can support at least 5 kg.

Make sure the tripod is sturdy enough to support your equipment – ​​this will prevent damage or wobbly footage.

3. Working height

The working height of a tripod is more important than you think. You don't want to be surprised if you discover the tripod isn't high (or low) enough.

What suits your usage situation?

  • Talking head videos standing: Choose a tripod that reaches eye level (±150–180 cm).
  • Shooting at a table or desk: A table tripod or arm tripod (±30–80 cm) is ideal here.
  • Product videos or top-down shots: Go for a tall tripod (±150–200 cm) with a tilting or horizontal arm.
  • Traveling a lot or filming in different locations: Choose a light, compact travel tripod with a working height of ±120–160 cm.
  • Images close to the ground: Make sure the tripod can also be set very low.
MOJOGEAR 167cm 3-in-1 statief: driepoot, monopod & horizontale arm - Grote statieven

4. Choose the appropriate material

The material of a tripod affects both its weight and price. The most common materials are carbon, aluminum, and plastic:

  • Carbon: Very light and strong. Ideal for travel and professional use. More expensive, though.
  • Aluminum : Light and sturdy. A good balance between price and quality.
  • Plastic: Less sturdy, but still affordable. Suitable for lightweight devices like smartphones.

Also pay attention to the tripod's connections. Many tripods have a 1/4-inch or 3/8-inch threaded mount for cameras. If you want to mount a GoPro or smartphone on this, you'll need an adapter or phone mount. Check if one is included, or purchase one separately.

Looking for accessories for your GoPro?

5. Flexibility

Before purchasing a tripod, it's important to determine the situations you'll primarily use it in. There are fixed tripods and flexible tripods. Fixed tripods are often height-adjustable, but you can't clamp them around objects. Flexible tripods often allow you to bend the legs as needed, allowing you to place them on a flat surface or attach them to other objects, such as a pole or tree. Flexible tripods are also often super lightweight, ideal for travel.


  • Do you produce a lot of travel content and vlogs? Then it's handy to be able to set up or attach your tripod anywhere. With a flexible tripod, you can easily attach your camera, smartphone, or action cam to a tree branch or fence.
  • If you primarily shoot from a table or other flat surface, it's wiser to purchase a fixed tripod or tabletop tripod . It's more difficult to position a flexible tripod completely vertically. So, if you frequently conduct interviews, it's better to opt for a tripod with fixed legs.

6. Versatility

Consider the tripod's versatility carefully. Some tripods are multifunctional, while others serve only one purpose.

Examples per usage situation:

  • All-round vlogger (filming yourself and your surroundings):
    Ulanzi MT-44 : Suitable for both camera and smartphone. Can be used as a tripod or selfie stick.
  • Product videos and top shots:
    MOJOGEAR 179cm 3-in-1 : extra height and adjustable arm for top-down shots.
  • When traveling or in changing circumstances:
    Flexible mini tripod : compact, lightweight, and with bendable legs. Attaches to posts, branches, or railings.
  • Table arrangements and vlogs at your desk:
    VIJIM LS02 : Clamp to a table for stable shots. Ideal for talking heads and product videos.

Conclusion

When choosing a tripod, look at what suits your situation, not what is most expensive.

  • Do you film a lot on the go or create social media content? Then choose a light, compact, and flexible tripod.
  • Do you primarily film in a studio or make product videos? Then choose a larger and more stable model.

By carefully considering your usage situation beforehand, you'll avoid a bad purchase. There's a suitable tripod for every situation: whether you work professionally or simply want to create beautiful content. Consider weight, height, material, and versatility to ensure you choose a tripod you'll enjoy for years to come.

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