Talk to me about tripods

Homer-Simpson · 1 Nov 2025 at 20:35

Looking for some advice based off your experiences etc, I mainly take photos of static cars at events or locations such as C&M. With this time of year the light seems to be very limited so thinking about getting a tripod. This is my first camera etc so I'm definiately not a seasoned photographer :cry:

I don't want anything that's super heavy/takes ages to setup, current camera/lens is an A6700 with a Sigma 17-40 so not that heavy. If you were going to purchase a tripod now, what would you get and why?

ethan · 1 Nov 2025 at 23:23

From my experience people usually get in the way, so a tripod would be more of a liability. Couldn't you just bump up the iso?

Felon · 2 Nov 2025 at 02:11

if you’re at busy events full of people and weight is an issue, you might be better off with a monopod instead,

Snapshot · 2 Nov 2025 at 07:18

I agree with the comments about using a monopod instead of a tripod.
But, if you insist on a tripod then the rule about selecting one is that you can have any two of light, stable and cheap. My favourite compromise is the Sirui ET-1204 but tripod choice is like belly-buttons - everyone has one.

And · 2 Nov 2025 at 07:28

With where you're shooting and what you're using I'd shoot handheld and have a polariser on hand to cut reflections/glare.

DD_Crash · 2 Nov 2025 at 10:42

I have a Three Legged Thing travel. It is quite light and compact but I seldom use it. It does help with landscape as it slows you down and makes you think of composition.

Homer-Simpson · 2 Nov 2025 at 12:58

ethan said:
From my experience people usually get in the way, so a tripod would be more of a liability. Couldn't you just bump up the iso?

It's what I've been doing at the moment but only goes so far depending on location/light available etc.

Felon said:
if you’re at busy events full of people and weight is an issue, you might be better off with a monopod instead,

Snapshot said:
I agree with the comments about using a monopod instead of a tripod.
But, if you insist on a tripod then the rule about selecting one is that you can have any two of light, stable and cheap. My favourite compromise is the Sirui ET-1204 but tripod choice is like belly-buttons - everyone has one.

Thanks, for the comments about monopods. Will keep that in mind, I don't mind carrying something around but looking at what's available on LCE/Wex there's a big difference and I suppose some are focused more on serious professionals.

Looks like I might have to travel to get to a decent store with kit I can try out. My local LCE is quite small and has limited stock.

And said:
With where you're shooting and what you're using I'd shoot handheld and have a polariser on hand to cut reflections/glare.

I already use a CPL, the issue is lack of light (unless I bring my own).

Terminal_Boy · 2 Nov 2025 at 13:22

I’ve always had great results with my Velbon UT43 - https://velbon.net/product/ut/ut43dii.html

Your body & lens is well with the recommended weight for on of these.

I second everyone else’s comments on a monopod being much easier to use in crowds and public places.

dave28 · 2 Nov 2025 at 13:30

Manfrotto brand is very good and tons of used ones about for a good saving

JohnStewart · Tuesday at 16:47

For your type of use, especially with such a lightweight body and lens I'd recommend something small and lightweight that isn't a pain to carry around and you can quickly position in seconds and doesn't have a large footprint when the legs aren't fully extended. At car shows, the chances of it getting accidentally kicked or bumped into could be quite high.

I have two tripods.

An aluminium Manfrotto one which is very sturdy, very heavy, but doesn't move at all even in blustery conditions. It's about 15 years old and still works perfectly. It extends to over 1.8m high with the central column extended.

Recently I acquired a lightweight Slik sprint pro tripod as part of a package deal with a camera, lenses and some other bits and pieces. It's lightweight, takes seconds to set-up and folds up quite small. I wouldn't trust it with a heavy body or lens or in strong winds, but again it does the job it's intended for. I used it for the first time in anger shooting stills) at a Fireworks display last weekend alongside a second body on my Manfrotto tripod (shooting video).