Minimum height
The minimum height relative to the base at which the tripod base can be mounted.
The lower the minimum height, the better the tripod is suitable for macro and product photography; in addition, the range of height adjustment available to the user depends on this indicator. Note that for models with the ability to flip the boom (see below), the minimum height is given for the traditional position of the boom, platform up. And if the claimed minimum is significantly less than the length of the tripod when folded (for example, 15 cm with a length of 50 cm), this means that the legs can “spread” to a horizontal position or close to it, thus lowering the entire structure.
Maximum height
The maximum height from the base on which the tripod base can be mounted.
For desktop use (see "Installation"), a large height is not required, therefore, in most of these models, this figure does not exceed 20 cm — the only exceptions are some specific monopods. Accordingly, the difference in height between different desktop structures in most cases does not matter much. But in the floor models, the most "undersized" have a maximum height of about 40 – 50 cm, and the highest ones are able to open up to 2.5 m and even higher. In such cases, the choice should take into account the specifics of use. So, it makes sense to specifically look for a model at
150 – 160 cm if it is fundamentally important to install the camera at eye level (eye level is usually about 10 cm lower than a person’s height). At the same time, most camcorders and many cameras have swivel screens that allow you to comfortably look at the device from top to bottom; and even in the absence of such a screen, bending down to the level of the camera is not so difficult. And it makes sense to pay attention to tripods with a height of
170 cm and above mainly in those cases when shooting over heads is planned — for example, reports from public events.
Leg sections
The number of individual sections that make up the legs of a tripod or monopod shaft (see "Type").
In desktop models (see "Installation"), the legs are often not divided into sections at all, for such cases this parameter is not indicated at all. In turn, almost all floor tripods have several sections, and the number of the latter with the same maximum height can be different. Here it is worth considering that more sections means a smaller size of each of them and more compact dimensions of the tripod when folded; and a smaller number — simplifies the design, increases its reliability and reduces cost.
The most popular options nowadays by the number of sections are 2 pcs,
3 pcs,
4 pcs,
5 pcs,
6 pcs,
8 pcs.
Built-in level
The presence of a
built-in tripod level — a device that allows you to control the horizontal position of the camera.
Spirit levels are most often used — in the form of a sealed flask with liquid and an air spirit: if the spirit is between the marks on the flask, then the camera is on the horizon. The simplest option provides one flask to control the tilt to the right and left in order to avoid a “littered horizon”; however, the design may provide another level that monitors the tilt back and forth, or one common two-axis bulb. And in the model with a horizontal rotation of the rod (see above), an additional level is often set — for the horizontal mode. Anyway, this function greatly facilitates the exposure of the camera "on the horizon".
Maximum load
The maximum camera weight allowed for this tripod.
If a tripod is purchased for use with a smartphone or action camera, you can ignore this parameter: the weight of such gadgets usually does not exceed 200 g, any tripod of the corresponding specialization can easily carry such a load (see "Intended Use"). Compact "soap" cameras generally weigh up to 300 g, and amateur camcorders — up to 700 g; but in both cases there are also more massive models. This should be taken into account when choosing a desktop tripod (see "Installation") for such equipment — some desktop models have rather modest weight restrictions; but with floor difficulties usually do not arise.
But if a tripod is bought for professional equipment, you should pay special attention to the allowable weight. So, a professional video camera can “pull” 2.5 kg or even more; the average weight of a SLR camera is 600 – 800 g, but this is only the "carcass" to which the weight of the optics is added — and in some powerful telephoto lenses it can exceed 2 kg. So for such devices, quite “hardy” tripods may be required.
