Let's get right to the point about tripods and tripod heads. They are by far, the best way to stabilize both your cameras and lenses. There is no better way.

Yes, yes, yes! Stabilization in the lenses and stabilization in the camera bodies most certainly work and work great. The problem is they simply don’t work under all conditions or the same way with every photographer.

When shooting conditions require the photographer to shoot at slow shutter speeds, the stabilization systems certainly kick in and allow anywhere from 2 to 4 additional shutter speeds SLOWER to be used and will more than likely, but not necessarily prevent the image that would normally be blurred due to camera and lens movement, from becoming blurred. Whew……

So, how do you make a decision as to what the best tripod and tripod head are going to be for you and your photographic investments and for what you hope to accomplish in your artistic endeavors.

First and always, your budget will certainly come into play. But that should not be the only deciding factor. Inexpensive tripods and heads are inexpensive for a reason. They will more than likely not provide a very stable platform and could cause unexpected results in regards to sharpness and actual composition of your image.

You do have choices, and you have choices in price ranges that should provide you with decent to exceptional tripods and heads. The goal is to only have to buy this gear ONCE.

A  company that provides a broad price range of both aluminum and carbon fiber tripods is Manfrotto. Manfrotto has been around for a very long time. It is distributed by Bogen.

In the low to medium price range, again there is manfrotto.  Manfrotto, in both carbon fiber and aluminum. Manfrotto not only makes tripod legs and monopods but also tripod heads and monopod heads.

In the high end we have Gitzo tripods, and Gitzo tripods have always been considered the ultimate in stable design and quality. They  make aluminum and carbon fiber.  We use a lot of the Gitzo products and have never had them fail us in regards to their legs.  They are one of the most stable platforms out there.

Aluminum tripods are heavier than Carbon Fiber tripods but Carbon Fiber transmits less vibration. For those reasons, Carbon Fiber Tripods cost more money, but in the long run are well worth the investment.

So in the tripod leg category you certainly have a very large selection, between these two brands. I would strongly recommend that these should be the brands you investigate. I would also make the point that while your personal budgets are very important, do not under estimate the need for a strong and solid platform that will enable you to get the sharpest images possible, with the expensive investment you have made in your camera gear.

On the low end plan to budget, just for the legs, anywhere from 175.00 to about 250.00. On the high end plan to budget 350.00 to 850.00.

Some will tell you that weight of your equipment should be the determining factor as to what will best fulfill your needs. That is not always the case, but certainly an important factor. I personally prefer heavier duty legs because I find them to be more stable in regards to vibration transmission as well as lateral movement. Also especially in the wind.

At this time, the best bang for the buck on the high side is the Gitzo tripods.  They are not cheap, but they are carbon fiber, light weight, very stable and suffer much less from vibration.

Look at all the different models, and if you have any questions please be sure to contact me, if you want some direction.  Just keep in mind that you should be buying based on what you think you may use in lenses, if not now, then in the future.  Even if you rent a long telephoto, high speed, heavy lens, you will want a tripod that can handle that kind of load.

Always try and support your local camera stores, who are more than likely stocking the brands of tripods mentioned in this article.

So, what tripods and heads do I use, and what do I recommend based on today’s new mix of products.

I am using Gitzo Carbon fiber legs.  They have certainly gained spot in my heart.  For a while I was using Induro, but with new advances in Gitzo technology my primary tripods are my Gitzo's

My Gitzo tripods are of current models, are lighter in weight and without a doubt incredible, solid and vibration free platforms.

But tripods are again a matter of personal choice. These are in the 600.00 range and that’s enough to scare away a lot of people. However, while I use light weight bodies, I do have long lenses and for that reason alone I want very solid legs and ball heads.

I also use 3 different Gitzo tripods. They have always performed at a high level. I do not use the Manfrotto tripod legs because I prefer the Gitzo twist and pull legs as opposed to the Manfrotto click clamps. It is simply a matter of what is going to work more comfortably for you. To date however, Manfrotto does not produce a heavy duty tripod in the Gitzo made of carbon fiber.

As for tripod heads, you need to look at the Acratech Light Weight Ball Heads. They are the lightest around, and can hold 25 pounds on any angle. Check out their web site. They are great for hikers. Really Right Stuff makes very heavy duty heads. Keep in mind that these ball heads range from 300.00 to about 700.00. My current Really Right Stuff heads which are absolutely rock solid. What am I looking for in a good tripod head? The most solid platform that I can get, that when locked in place does not shift one little bit. I want good friction and pan controls that don't fight me when I need to get the shot. How much can a good ball head cost? $300.00 and up.

Can you buy less expensive heads? Yes! Look into Gitzo, Manfrotto.  When budget is a factor, these manufacturers will have a head that should fit your needs.

My quick release plates come from Wimberley, Really Right Stuff, and Acratech. They are called Arcaswiss mounting plates and are the most universal. They fit Acratech, Wimberley, Really Right Stuff Ball heads

Manfrotto, and Gitzo have their own mounting systems although adapters can be purchased to use Arcaswiss type plates on their heads. Wimberley, Kirk Photo, Acratech and Really Right Stuff sell adapter clamps for most tripod heads.

Beyond these heads I also use a Wimberley Gimble Head which is designed for long lenses, allowing the best movements for follow through of wild life or sports subjects.

If you stick with Gitzo or Manfrotto tripods or any of the above listed tripod heads, you will only be buying once. Anything less than their quality, will send you back to the retailer time and time again.

Here are some links for you to browse through.

• http://www.acratech.net
• http://www.reallyrightstuff.com
• http://www.studioball.com
• http://www.gitzo.com
• http://www.manfrotto.com
• http://www.tripodhead.com
• http://www.feisol.com
  

ELLIOT STERN