Centuries of loyal service
Tripods have already been around for centuries but within both photography and film they are still indispensable because they contribute considerably to the image quality, by preventing motion blur. The origin of tripods goes back further than that of DSLR, mirrorless cameras or camcorders, because long before photography all viewers and telescopes had to be supported against vibrations. And during the first hundred years, photo material had to be illuminated for so long that tripods were indispensable. Cameras were large and were usually used in studios, where the tripod still plays an important role.
Developed for your convenience
Foldable tripods as we know these days from top brands such as Gitzo, Manfrotto and Velbon originated when photography began to 'move' outside. The first ones were made from wood, metal or brass, and they were also heavy. By using light aluminium, manufacturers such as Gitzo distinguished themselves, so tripods as well as photographers became more and more mobile. Traditionally, their shape was round, but with U-shaped, square or oval tripod legs, Velbon and Cullman for instance made tripods increasingly light. Connections between legs, and clamping systems also became lighter as a result of materials such as plastic and magnesium.
Aluminium and carbon fibre
From the 1980s, Gitzo and Velbon among others discovered 'new' tubing sections from the fishing sport for instance: light and strong material such as glass fibre and carbon fibre. Carbon in particular became popular and later also applied by younger suppliers such as Benro and Redged. Manfrotto, the tripod specialist for cameras, flashes and studio systems, proved that aluminium is still very important, by supplying updated 055 and 190 models in both aluminium and carbon. Not everyone sets the same requirements, this is why for fixing at the correct height a few manufacturers offer both fast clicking systems and screws, sometimes even waterproof like Gitzo's Ocean.
A tripod for every situation
Photo and film are more and more often an Outdoor activity and Redged and Benro, the Velbon Sherpa and Gitzo’s Mountaineer and Ocean series respond in particular to this. With lightweight tripods stability is difficult to realize, which is why some centre columns have a hook for hanging a weight or camera bag on, for extra stability. The other way round for recordings close to the ground, centre columns from Induro and Redged for instance are sometimes reversible for placing cameras as low as possible, or titable as with Manfrotto 190, Gitzo GT2541 and Vanguard Alta Pro 264. In the studio, or with macro and architectural recordings, rotatable centre columns such as with Manfrotto 057 and Gitzo work more accurately.
Compact and light
Mini tripods such as the Velbon UT, Manfrotto Compact and Mefoto Daytrip, and Redged TSC 525K are so light that they can be included in every kit. Even smaller and yet surprisingly stable are Gorilla pods, the legs of which can even climb up branches and doors, thanks to flexible ball joints. All these models fit effortlessly in a shoulder bag or backpack, larger models are transported in backpacks or in tripod bags by Dorr for instance.
Quality for every photographer or filmer
Apart from being complete with a panorama head or ball head, tripods are also sold separately so you can choose the heads yourself. For filmers, as well as fluid heads, we also offer special sets: the Benro video kit, Velbon Videomate, combinations by Manfrotto and various Sachtler kits. You will also find a Hama or Leica table tripod, shoulder tripod, lightweight portable tripod or indestructible version for nature photography in our Superstore!
