Flimsy tripods from manufacturers you’ve never heard of can cost next to nothing, while range-topping models from premium brands like Gitzo can come with four-figure price tags. So how much do you actually need to spend for a tripod that’s fit for purpose? The first question is what ‘purpose’ you have in mind.
Most of us want a tripod that we can carry around easily, whether we’re in town, strolling through the countryside, or travelling to far-flung destinations. As such, ‘travel tripods’ have become increasingly popular over recent years. Current models almost exclusively feature swing-up legs to minimise packing size.