For the amateur photographer, a question frequently posed is “do I really need a tripod for landscape photography?” and for the established photographer wanting to upgrade their equipment, the question usually posed is “do I really need to spend that much on a tripod?”.
Put succinctly, the answer to both questions is a resounding ‘ yes you do’ !
Despite advances in technology such as image stabilising built into some lenses and camera bodies, digital correction software and the availability of higher ISO settings with less ‘ noise’, good quality landscape photography invariably relies on shooting an image with a camera resting on a tripod.
Using a tripod will also help you as a photographer to slow down, fully take in your surroundings and work on your composition.
It’s also essential for some types of image capture, such as bracketing, focus stack shots and useful for maintaining the same horizon line when compiling multiple shots for a stitched panoramic image.
Tripod requirements and budgets
For the beginner, still unsure of how far they will progress their photography a basic tripod can make sense, but extremely cheap tripods are best avoided and usually are a false economy, as they are prone to breakages.
Mid-level tripods for landscape photography from established brand names such as Manfrotto, Velbon and Rollei all provide options for different budgets, but expect to pay somewhere between £80 – £200 ($100 – $250) for something up to the job.
Beyond sensible entry level tripods, the two variables aspiring photographers will be paying for to upgrade their equipment is weight saving and sturdiness – and the lighter and sturdier the tripod, the higher the price point as a general rule.
Some photographers will split these requirements and acquire a purpose built lightweight travel tripod, which easily fits into a suitcase without swallowing up baggage allowance, and then have a heavier larger tripod for more local shoots.
Carbon fibre features heavily as a material used in these types of tripods and many manufacturers now have specialised products for this purpose.
In terms of budget, expect to pay anything from £200 – £500 ($250 – $600) for a good quality tripod and ball head.
Example tripods for landscape photography
Two good examples are: The MeFOTO GlobeTrotter Convertible Tripod Kit – weighs in at just over 2kg which is half the weight of some equivalent aluminium alternatives.
And lighter still is the Manfrotto Befree Carbon Fibre Travel Tripod, which weighs just an astounding 1.5kg.
However, if you want a tripod that does it all, then you will want to consider premium brands that offer top end professional equipment.
For the discerning photographer driven by quality and results, rather than budget, these are arguably one of the top choices for tripods for landscape photography.