Why do I need a tripod?
Tripods are an essential tool for any photographer or videographer. They’re not just handy for when lighting gets a little low and you need to use a slower shutter speed. Having a tripod allows you to experiment with long exposure photography, with shutter speeds longer than around 1/60th of a second. Having a sturdy and well-balanced tripod will enable you to get a crisp clean shot with little to no blur. If you’re shooting landscape photography, a tripod will also be your best friend. As you'll more than likely be using an aperture of at least f/8 and up to f/16 to ensure you get a wide depth of field and get everything in focus, using a tripod will help minimise any blur. Filming isn’t to be forgotten here either; if you're shooting something static, like an interview, your video will look so much better when shot using a tripod. Stabilising your camera will instantly make your work look more professional (unless of course you’re going for that documentary feel!). And the list of reasons goes on!
What do I need to consider?
When looking for the perfect tripod for you, there are several things that it’s important to consider:
- Tripod size: There is a vast range of tripod sizes on the market. From tiny, hand-held tripods and grips perfect for lightweight vlogging cameras; lightweight travel tripods that are ideal for carrying with you; through to heavy-duty professional tripods capable of holding the heaviest of equipment. Pick the size that's right for the job.
- Tripod weight: The weight of your tripod, and by default the material that your tripod is constructed from, is a key consideration when picking the perfect one. If you’re looking for something super lightweight and easy to carry, your best option is a tripod made from carbon fibre. Aluminium, while still strong, tend to be a little heavier but the more affordable choice.
- Your camera/device: For the best results, it’s paramount that you choose a tripod capable of properly supporting the size and weight of your chosen camera/device. Usually, the bigger the camera the bigger the tripod.
- Type of tripod head: To get the most out of your tripod experience, it’s important to consider the type of tripod head best suited to you; from ball heads, gimbal heads, double or triple action heads. Keep an eye out for our Buying Guide: Tripod Heads coming soon for a more in-depth analysis.
- Additional features: There are so many different features a tripod can have to aid your photography and/or videography. For instance, centre columns that can add additional height to your tripod (something like the Karoo Ultimate Travel Tripod Kit). Leg locks may differ on tripod models; travellers prefer our Karoo Compact Travel Tripod Kit as they have reverse folding legs for ultimate compactness. Or having the option to quick make your tripod a monopod with a removable leg (as seen on our Karoo Standard Travel Tripod Kit).
Tripods for Your Back Pocket
In the age of vlogging and selfies, having a handy, back-pocket tripod has never been more prevalent. The Kenro Smart Lite Mini Tripod & Grip weighs in at just 95g with a folded (grip) length of just 120mm. This lightweight and compact tripod is the perfect partner to any smaller camera with its standard ¼” screw or with our Kenro Smart Lite Tablet and Smartphone Holder.
Tripods for Travellers
The Kenro Karoo Compact Travel Tripod has been designed with the traveller in mind. With a folded length of just 375mm and a weight of just 1.12kg, it is the best, lightweight tripod for the job. Its compact design features reverse fold legs, that fold back 180-degrees for ultra-compactness and travelling ease. Complete with a dual-action ball head, it’s the best all-in-one, go-to travel kit you’ll need.
Tripods for Beginners
If you’re starting out and want a simple tripod to get you going, our Karoo Standard Travel Tripod Kit is a great all-rounder. It’s compact and lightweight design makes it easy to carry with you, but its carbon fibre construction makes it stable and durable with an impressive load capacity. One of the legs is also removable and can be attached to the centre column, instantly converting your full-size tripod into a monopod with ball head. It’s the best of both worlds.
Tripods for the Pros
The Kenro Heavy Duty Tripod Kit is the pros favourite. Weighing in at 2.2kg and with a maximum load of 14kg, it’s the sturdy and reliable choice. Manufactured from eight layers of high-quality carbon fibre with aluminium alloy castings for heavy cameras. It’s the best choice for studio and stationary location shoots.
Tripods for Videographers
For the professional filmmaker, the Kenro Twin Tube Video Tripod Kit is the ultimate go-to for strength, durability, and substantial load capacity. With twist lock legs, making the tripod quick to set up and adjust as well as its built-in spirit level and levelling platform making uneven panning actions a thing of the past.
Browse the full range of our tripods here.
