Tripod or monopod: how to choose for your camera and buy well
Which device is the support for
A tripod for a phone and a tripod for a professional camera with a telephoto lens are very different things. So start with the device, not the brand. For a smartphone a light tabletop or flexible tripod or a selfie stick is enough. For a camera you need a sturdy tripod with a reliable head. For a camcorder you also need a video head with smooth movement. For a ring light you need a stand that can carry its weight without wobbling.
Height, weight and load
- Working height: usually up to 150 to 170 cm, so that you do not have to bend. Ask for the height with and without the centre column raised.
- Folded length: important for travel.
- Load: the weight of the camera with lens and accessories. Take about twice the weight of your gear for a safety margin.
- Its own weight: a light tripod is easier to carry but less stable in the wind.
Material and head
Aluminium tripods are cheaper and strong, carbon ones are lighter and damp vibrations better, but cost more. Heads come as ball heads (quick to set), three-way heads (precise, slower) and video heads (smooth). For panoramas and video a video head is better, for photos and landscapes a ball or three-way head. A monopod speeds up work at sport or reportage because it supports the weight, but it does not stand on its own.
What to put in your request
- Type - tripod, monopod, selfie stick, video tripod, tabletop stand.
- For which device - phone, camera, camcorder, ring light.
- Height - working and folded.
- Load - in kilograms.
- Head - ball, three-way or video.
- Material - aluminium or carbon.
- Model - for example, Manfrotto.
- New or used.
- Delivery, city, budget.
Example: “I need a tripod for a camera with a telephoto lens, height up to 170 cm, load from 8 kg, carbon, with a ball head. New or in perfect condition. Courier delivery to Sha Tin. Budget up to HK$550.”
How to compare offers
Ask whether the head is included in the price, because some tripods are sold with legs only. Check the type of plate mount (Arca-Swiss or a 1/4 inch screw) and whether a quick-release plate and a carry bag are in the kit. For used ones, check that the leg locks hold firmly, the tubes are not bent and the head has no play.
How BlaBlaPrice helps
You create a request, and sellers reply in a chat with the model, price, what is included and delivery. The offers are compared, the best by content is shown first, and reviews are visible by each seller. Your phone is hidden until you choose. Details: how it works.
You can also look at digital cameras and accessories.
