The tripod is one of the key elements for video. If for photography it is recommended, for video it is mandatory. The tripod is a photographic accessory that also allows you to record video without shakes and generate smooth and fluid movements.
If the world of video catches your eye but you don't want or can do without photography, don't miss our guide with the best cameras to record video.
With that said, let's look at the most important features a tripod should have for shooting video and my recommendations.
DIFFERENCES BETWEEN A TRIPOD FOR VIDEO AND ONE FOR PHOTOGRAPHY
The main difference between tripods for photography and video is that the former are designed to keep the camera as static as possible, while the latter are designed to accompany us in the movements we make with the camera, such as horizontal or vertical sweeps. and pan movement.
In other words, broadly speaking, we can affirm that in photography we use a tripod in order to achieve maximum stability without movement; while in video we seek to achieve stability while making a smooth and fluid movement.
Although at first glance they may seem similar, you will notice differences mainly in:
- The price
- The weight
- The paws
- head type
If you are looking for a tripod for photography, take a look at our buying guide.
TYPES OF MOVEMENT
In video, as I have told you, you must achieve smooth and fluid movements while avoiding any type of jitter.
Although it is true that you can work statically (as in interviews, vlogs, etc.), you usually need to make horizontal and vertical movements since they are the most typical:
- Sweep Horizontal (Pan) : Allows the camera to pan horizontally left and right.
- Vertical pan (tilt): allows the camera to move vertically up and down.
WHAT TO CONSIDER WHEN CHOOSING A TRIPOD FOR VIDEO?
The first thing to keep in mind when choosing a video tripod is that it must be as robust as possible to be effective. Keep in mind that, unlike photography, you are going to move the camera, but the tripod must remain perfectly stable during that movement.
The price: You will see that the prices of video tripods are much higher than those intended only for photography. When buying a tripod, I would recommend that you not buy models that are too simple because you will not be satisfied with the result. It is better to wait a bit and save for a mid-range one. In this case, the "poor person goes to the market twice."
Load weight: It is very important that you look at the maximum weight supported by the tripod you are looking at. I recommend that you do not go just in this sense, calculate the weight of your equipment with your heaviest objective, micro, light, etc. And always calculate something else. Remember that you must ensure total stability.
The weight of the tripod itself: Video tripods, in general, are much heavier than photography ones. I have already told you that they must be very robust to withstand the movement of the camera. But keep this in mind if, for example, you want it for travel or to record outdoors.
The legs: You have two types of tripod legs. The most advanced ones are made up of a double tube to better ensure the stability of the equipment, although you can also find them with a single tube. Be that as it may, make sure they are strong enough.
The maximum height: Try to control that it has a comfortable height to work in most situations.
Versatility: The options for independent movement of the legs, the possibility of adapting to different terrains or the mobility of the column, make or not a tripod versatile. Also keep this in mind when choosing one.
The head: The head to record video is not a fixed head like what we are used to in photography, but rather a fluid head. What a head of this type allows is for the camera to move smoothly and constantly, without friction or jerks, both horizontally and vertically.
- The fluid head has an oily type liquid between the blades which is what helps to generate that fluid and smooth movement. To regulate the level of fluidity, the sheets of the head can be joined or separated.
- Another important aspect when choosing a video head is that it be in the form of a hemisphere. So you can level the camera with respect to the horizontal axis and avoid tilting the equipment.
- The most advanced models include an anti-roll system to avoid the "pitch" of the equipment.
- In models that are also somewhat more advanced, you will find some that allow you to control the friction of each axis through a device (wheel, etc.).
- Some have a spirit level to help us balance the camera.
- Good heads don't come cheap, but if the subject of the video seriously appeals to you, I would recommend investing in the long term.
RECOMMENDED TRIPODS AND HEADS FOR VIDEO
I leave you with a couple of suggestions that meet most of the most important requirements when choosing both a head and the tripod itself without reaching, far from it, an advanced or professional range.
RECOMMENDED HEADS FOR VIDEO
Next, I leave you a small list of heads that, without spending a million, can be interesting to start on the subject of the video with good results.
MANFROTTO 502HD
This Manfrotto fluid head for video supports a maximum load of 4Kg., has a weight of 1.7Kg., is made of aluminum and has an anti-sway system. You can find it on Amazon for about €222.64. Good value for money.
BENRO S8 PRO
This Benro video head means raising the bar a bit in both performance and price. Supports up to 8Kg. of weight, allows to control the friction of the axle box, has an anti-roll system, independent locking levers, etc., and weighs 2.4Kg. You can find it for around €299.00
RECOMMENDED TRIPODS FOR VIDEO:
When choosing a tripod, you can start with one similar to these options that I propose.
MANFROTTO 055 XPRO 4
An ideal tripod for travel. It has 4 sections on the legs, with independent movements between them, it is made of carbon fiber, supports up to 9Kg., a maximum height of 140cm. and has a weight of 2.1 kg. You can get it for about €437.23
BENRO AERO2
This Benro tripod is ideal for travel or outdoors as it is very compact. It has a maximum height of 158 cm, supports up to 2.5 kg, and has a weight of 1.9 kg. In addition, one of the legs, covered in neoprene, transforms into a monopod. You can get it for around €168.99.
SACHTLER – SYSTEM ACE M MS
This tripod is from a well known brand for video tripods. You can investigate it on its own page, although as you will see they are already of a semi or totally professional level depending on the model. This one in particular supports up to 4Kg. of weight, counterbalancing system and a weight of 4.4Kg. among other features. You can get it for €680.99
Some recommended brands for video tripods are Manfrotto, Benro, Sachtler, or Vanguard.
And if you want to see some tricks that you can start practicing with your video tripod, I leave you a video that will surely interest you ? :
And up to here this approach to the tripods to record video. There is nothing better than discovering new hobbies ? , so I hope you found it useful. If so, I appreciate you sharing it on your social networks to help us reach more videographers ? .
