Tripod (photography)

In photography, a tripod is a portable device used to support, stabilize and elevate a camera, a flash unit, or other videographic or observational/measuring equipment.

Tripods are usually made from aluminum, carbon fiber, steel, wood or plastic.

They are necessary when slow-speed exposures are being made, or when lenses of extreme focal length are used, as any camera movement while the shutter is open will produce a blurred image.

In the same vein, they reduce camera shake, and thus are instrumental in achieving maximum sharpness.

Materials used in the construction of tripod or monopod legs include metal (typically bare or painted aluminum), wood and carbon fiber-reinforced plastics, among others.

In this application, the BSW and UNC thread profiles are similar enough that one can mount a modern camera on a legacy tripod and vice versa.

Often included is a small pin on the front of the mounting screw that is used to stabilize camcorders.

Another technique involves forming a string triangle held taut around the two feet of the photographer and linked to the camera.

This negative string "tripod" can stabilize the camera sufficiently to use a shutter speed three stops slower.

The camera is attached to the ball by means of quick release plate or a simple UNC 1/4"-20 [7] screw.

This proves useful in wildlife photography as well as in any other case where very long and heavy telephoto lenses are adopted: a gimbal head rotates a lens around its center of gravity, thus allowing for easy and smooth manipulation while tracking moving subjects.

In place of or to supplement a tripod, some photographers use a one-legged telescoping stand called a monopod for convenience in setup and breakdown.

For low-angle shots particularly in cinematography, short tripods with fixed length legs and no center column may be used.

It must be small and light enough to be carried as hand baggage yet has enough strength to support a professional DSLR and fast telephoto lens.

Typical specifications for a travel tripod legs would be: Weight (without head): 2 to 4 lbs (0.9 to 1.8 kg), Height (contracted): 12 to 20 inches (30 to 50 cm), Height (extended): - 60 to 70 inches (152 to 178 cm) and Max Load: 5 to 10 lbs (2.3 to 4.6 kg).