Tripods – Finding the Right One for the Way You Shoot
"It’s not the tools you have that matter—it's how you use them that makes the difference."
— Emmert Wolf
Let’s be honest — few bits of kit cause as much indecision as the humble tripod. We all know we need one, but choosing the right tripod can feel like wading through a bog: heavy ones, light ones, twist locks, clip locks, carbon, aluminium, centre columns, no centre columns, travel-sized, beast-sized... the list goes on and the price range for different options is significant.
So, what actually matters? And how do you choose the right tripod for your style of photography?
There’s No “One-Tripod-Fits-All”
I’ve had a lot of tripods over the years. Some were mistakes and ended up gathering dust on the shelf. Some were compromises. My two main ones that I now use, I’d buy again in a heartbeat. But here’s what I’ve learned: the right tripod is the one that fits the way you shoot, not just what the internet tells you is “the best.”
Are you mostly hiking into remote locations? Shooting in rivers and lochs? Doing macro work in the forest? Shooting long exposures on windy days? Your answer will shape what kind of tripod support system will work best for you.
3LT Albert in monopod and tabletop mode
I use a “3 Legged Thing Pro 2.0 Albert” tripod for most of my photography as, with one or two of those compromises I mentioned above, it is the closest I have found to the best all round fit . At 1.87kg, it's light enough for me to carry all day, solid enough to handle the Skye wind and can be adapted for low level macro work, as a monopod or for tabletop photography in just a few minutes.
For the Hiker / Landscape Roamer
If you’re carrying your kit up hills, across bog, or into Glen Etive at dawn — weight matters. A carbon fibre tripod with a decent weight-to-stability ratio is going to save your shoulders and still keep your camera outfit steady in the wind.
Look for:
- Carbon legs
- Twist-lock legs for fewer snag points
- A ball head with a built in level for fast repositioning
- No centre column (or one that reverses or can be removed) for low shots
For Long Exposure & Seascapes
If you’re setting up on sand, in water, or bracing against wind, you need stability. Here, weight becomes your friend — to a point.
Look for:
- Wide leg spread and a spiked feet option
- Good height without the centre column extended
- A hook under the platform to hang your bag for added weight
- A head that won’t sag under load (some ball heads do)
You’d be surprised how often the “budget tripod” falls apart (sometimes literally) when exposed to salt spray or uneven rock. Spend a bit more here, and you’ll spend less replacing gear.
For Macro & Woodland Photography
This is where flexibility trumps height. You want something that gets low, adjusts easily, and doesn’t get in the way of your framing.
Look for:
- Independently adjustable legs
- Removable/No centre column (or one that can move horizontally)
- Compact size for tight forest floors
- Rubber feet for slippery terrain
Some tripods allow you to invert the centre column to hang your camera beneath — a useful trick for fungi and moss detail shots.
3LT Albert in low level macro mode
For General Use & Travel
If you’re shooting a mix — portraits, light landscapes, maybe the odd video clip — and need something packable, a compact tripod with a decent build is a good compromise.
Look for:
- Foldable design
- Lightweight but solid
- Simple, fast setup
- A decent head with quick release plate
Just remember: ultra-light tripods are often ultra-wobbly. If you’re shooting anything where sharpness really matters (telephoto, low light), that shake from the tripod can be the difference between a keeper and the delete key.
A Final Word
There’s no perfect tripod — only the tripod that suits your style right now…and sometimes that changes. That’s why I often let students try out mine on location before they buy. A quick session together — whether you're just starting or refining your approach — can save you a lot of wasted money and frustration.
If you're weighing up tripod options or just want to understand what would best suit your kit and shooting habits, feel free to drop me a message on WhatsApp and we can arrange a quick Zoom chat. No pressure, just a chance to steer you in the right direction.