Tripod Tips For Filming – How To Get The Most Out Of Your Tripod
A video tripod has been the standard for maintaining stability for camera gear with photography and videography for many years. While a tripod has seen some competition in many years with the introduction of gimbals and the Steadicam’s for handheld stabilization, there is something to be said about a reliable tripod that can improve any type of filming.
The key to getting the most out of a tripod is to learn how to use a video tripod to its maximum potential, understanding what you can do with a tripod can make a major difference to your filmmaking.
In this article, we’ll look at the advantages and disadvantages of various types of tripods for different types of shooting, as well as some tripod tips on how to utilize a tripod to get the most out of it for filming.
Shaky Video No More! Essential Tripod Skills for Beginners
Section 1: Tripod Basics & Smart Shopping
Tripod Types for Beginners
Budget-Friendly Tripods:
- These are perfect for getting started without breaking the bank. Expect them to handle your camera, a basic lens, and maybe one accessory like a light or microphone.
- Look for models from brands like Manfrotto or Joby. These brands offer decent quality even at lower price points.
- A note on plastic vs. aluminum: Plastic tripods are cheaper but less durable. If possible, opt for an aluminum model for a bit more longevity.
Mid-Range Powerhouses:
- When you’re ready to invest more, you’ll get smoother movements, sturdier construction, and often a better tripod head for creative shots.
- Consider brands like Benro, Sirui, and Sachtler. These offer professional features without the super high-end price tag.
- Look for fluid heads specifically designed for video for the best panning and tilting control.
Travel Tripods:
- Compactness and lightweight design are key! If you film on the go, look for models that fold down small, but are still stable enough for your gear.
- Brands like Peak Design, Manfrotto Befree, and 3 Legged Thing offer great travel options with varying features.
- Consider the tradeoff between weight and stability. Ultra-light tripods may be less steady in windy conditions.
Key Features Made Easy
Load Capacity:
- Imagine you’re filming an interview with your camera, a heavy telephoto lens, and a shotgun microphone attached. This all adds up quickly! A tripod with insufficient load capacity might struggle to support this weight.
- The result? Shaky footage or, even worse, the tripod could tip over entirely, ruining your shot. It’s always best to get a tripod rated for at least a few pounds more than your current gear to ensure stability and avoid frustration.
Height Range:
- Check both the minimum and maximum height. You’ll want to be comfortable filming someone seated for an interview (low height) and also have the option to get higher angles for creative overhead shots.
- Consider your own height: A tripod that’s too short will force you to hunch over for extended periods, which can get tiring and uncomfortable. Aim for a tripod where the viewfinder is at eye level when fully extended.
Head Types:
- Fluid Heads: These are the smoothest operators! Imagine silky-smooth pans as you follow your subject walking across the room. Fluid heads have built-in resistance that allows for precise control, perfect for those professional-looking video movements.
- Ball Heads: These offer more flexibility for quickly changing camera angles. Think of adjusting your camera to film from a low angle or pointing straight up at the sky. However, ball heads can be trickier to master for smooth video because they lack the built-in resistance of fluid heads.
Shopping Tips
Reputable Online Stores:
- Sites like B&H Photo/Video, Adorama, and Shop Moment are filmmaker favorites. They have knowledgeable staff, clear product descriptions, and helpful resources to guide your decision.
Used Gear:
- You can find amazing deals on used tripods! Check local camera stores (they often inspect gear), online marketplaces, and filmmaker communities.
- Thoroughly check the seller’s reputation and product listing for details about the tripod’s condition. Don’t hesitate to ask questions!
Do Your Research:
- Read reviews from other filmmakers, not just general tech sites. This helps ensure the tripod performs well for video.
- Consider your long-term filmmaking goals: A slightly more expensive tripod now may save you from needing an upgrade sooner.
Taking the time to find the right tripod is an investment in your filmmaking! Knowing the basics, along with these shopping tips, empowers you to make a smart decision that will elevate your videos for years to come.
Section 2: Mastering Tripod Techniques
Get Perfectly Level Shots
Ever noticed how watching a tilted video feels… off? A level horizon is crucial for professional-looking footage, and luckily, your tripod makes this easy!
- Find the Bubble Level: Most tripods have a built-in bubble level. It’s usually a small circle with liquid and a bubble inside.
- Center the Bubble: Adjust the tripod’s legs until the bubble is perfectly centered within the circle. This means your camera is level.
- Why It Matters: A tilted camera makes your videos look sloppy. It’s especially noticeable in landscape shots – the horizon should be a straight line, not slanted! A crooked horizon distracts viewers and can even cause a subtle feeling of unease.
Panning & Tilting Like a Pro
These are the building blocks of dynamic filmmaking! Think of following your friend walk along a path (panning) or revealing a beautiful view from the bottom up (tilting). Tripods help you do this smoothly and add a sense of cinematic flow to your videos.
- Start Slow and Steady: Practice is key! Begin with very slow pans and tilts, focusing on keeping your movements even.
- Smooth Starts and Stops: Avoid sudden jerks by gently easing into and out of your movement. Imagine starting your pan by counting “one-one-thousand” in your head.
- Use Your Whole Body: Don’t just use your wrists! Turning slightly at your waist helps achieve a longer, smoother pan.
- Fluid Head Advantage: If you have a fluid head tripod, experiment with its adjustable resistance. This allows you to fine-tune the feel of your movements.
Tips:
- Find a Reference Point: Choose a distant object to pan towards or follow. This helps keep your movement straight.
- Practice Makes Perfect: Set up a simple subject (like a water bottle) and practice your pans and tilts until they feel natural.
- Common Mistake: Don’t try to pan and tilt at the same time! Focus on mastering one movement before combining them.
Easy and Creative Tripod Hacks
Ready to level up your tripod skills? These simple tricks will open up a whole new world of creative shots!
Hack #1: The “Fake Slider”
- What it does: Creates a smooth, sliding camera movement without any fancy gear.
- How to: Place a cloth under your tripod legs. Gently push the tripod forward or backward for a sliding effect.
- When to use it: Add subtle movement to a close-up, emphasize an entrance, or create dynamic product shots.
Hack #2: The “Overhead Shot”
- What it does: Lets you film from directly above, which is impossible handheld.
- How to:
- Flip your tripod’s center column upside down (if possible). Carefully position your camera over your subject.
- Alternative: Tape a clamp to a table edge and securely attach your camera (great for tabletops).
- When to use it: Great for flatlays, showing processes (cooking, drawing), or unique perspectives.
Hack #3: The “Jib”
- What it does: Mimics the movement of a camera jib (upwards and downwards arc) for establishing shots or dramatic reveals.
- How to:
- Extend two tripod legs fully, leaving one short.
- Secure a weight to the base of the tripod, or have a friend stabilize it.
- Gently tilt your camera up and down for the jib effect.
- When to use it: Film an impressive landscape reveal, or establish a person’s location within a large space.
Hack #4: The “Dolly Zoom” (Slightly Advanced)
- What it does: Creates a mind-bending effect where the subject stays the same size, but the background seems to grow or shrink. (Think Hitchcock films!)
- How to:
- Position your subject. Zoom in a bit, then physically move the tripod backwards while zooming out at the same time.
- It takes practice to get the timing right!
- When to use it: To convey surprise, confusion, or heightened emotion in a scene.
Section 3: Keep Your Tripod Happy
Storage Tricks for a Long Tripod Life
Think storing your tripod is just collapsing it and tossing it in a corner? Think again! A few simple habits, that take seconds, make a huge difference in how long it lasts and how well it performs.
- Loosen Those Locks: Before storing, loosen any tension knobs, friction locks, and leg locks. This reduces stress on the mechanisms. [Image showing a tripod with tightened locks vs. loosened locks]
- Extend (At Least a Little): Don’t collapse the legs fully. Leaving a small bit of extension prevents parts from seizing up over time.
- Clean and Dry: If your tripod has been used outdoors, give it a quick wipe down to remove dirt or sand. This is especially important if you’ve been near saltwater!
- Humidity Hack: If you live in a humid climate, store your tripod with a silica gel packet to absorb excess moisture.
- The Case Question: If your tripod came with a carrying case, use it! This minimizes dust buildup and protects it during transport.
Quick Cleaning Tips
Got back from a beach shoot with sand in your tripod? Don’t panic! Cleaning it is simple and protects your gear for the long run.
- Basic Wipe Down: For general dust and light dirt, a damp microfiber cloth (just water) does the trick. Dry with a second cloth immediately.
- Sand Attack: Disassemble what you can safely (check your tripod manual). Remove sand with a soft-bristled brush (like a clean paintbrush) or compressed air. A drop of lubricant for camera gear on joints helps if they feel gritty.
- Saltwater SOS: Rinse with fresh water as soon as possible. Dry thoroughly to prevent corrosion.
- Stuck Parts: If something won’t budge, don’t force it! Consult your manual or seek help from a camera shop to avoid damage.
- Gentle Products: A tiny bit of diluted dish soap can handle tougher grime. A soft lens cleaning brush is great for tight spaces.
- Warning: Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners. These can damage the tripod’s finish or mechanisms.
Note: Even a quick wipe-down after most shoots prevents dirt from becoming a bigger problem later!
Post-Shoot Checklist
These quick steps take seconds but will add years to your tripod’s life!
- Loosen: Release any tension knobs, friction locks, and leg locks.
- Extend (Slightly): Don’t collapse the tripod legs completely.
- Wipe: Give it a quick wipe down if it was used outdoors.
- Store: Place it in its case (if you have one) or a designated spot.
- Humid Climates: Toss a silica gel packet in your case or storage area to reduce moisture.
- Advanced Users: Check for any loose screws and tighten as needed.
Section 4: Beyond the Basics
When a Tripod Isn’t the Right Tool
Sometimes, the smoothest footage comes from ditching the tripod! While they’re fantastic tools, recognizing when going handheld is better will open up your creative options as a filmmaker.
Scenarios Where Handheld Works Well:
- Fast-Paced Action: Chasing a playful dog or capturing the energy of a sporting event benefits from the freedom of handheld movement.
- Tight Spaces: Navigating crowds or cramped rooms is much easier without a tripod getting in the way.
- Run-and-Gun Vlogging: If your content is spontaneous and on-the-go, a tripod can slow you down. Think about how [Popular Vlogger] captures their energetic travel adventures.
It’s About the Feeling:
- Energy and Excitement: Handheld can add a sense of immediacy and rawness to your footage, perfect for conveying high energy situations.
- Intimacy and Spontaneity: Handheld footage can feel more personal, especially for vlogs or documentary-style content.
Stabilization Alternatives: For smoother handheld, consider a gimbal for your camera or a phone stabilizer. These offer more control than filming handheld alone.
- Disclaimer: Tripods are still incredibly valuable tools! Knowing when to embrace handheld lets you choose the right approach for each project.
Common Beginner Tripod Mistakes (Don’t Worry, We’ve All Done Them!)
Avoid rookie missteps and keep those tripod frustrations at bay! Here are a few things to watch out for:
- The Crank-Down: Overtightening knobs and locks seems logical, but can put stress on your tripod. A firm tightness is all you need.
- Missing Parts Panic: Always double-check that you have your camera’s quick-release plate and any small tools or accessories before heading to your shoot.
- The Wobble: Take a few seconds to ensure all legs are fully extended and that your tripod is stable on the ground, even if it’s a bit uneven.
- “Oops, I Tripped It”: We get focused on getting the shot, but glance back at your tripod occasionally, especially during long takes. A gentle bump can go unnoticed!
- The “Aha!” Moment: Forgetting to remove the lens cap. Happens to the best of us!
Common Model-Specific Mistakes:
- Manfrotto Befree: Not fully extending the center column lock can lead to instability.
- Peak Design Travel Tripod: Make sure the leg angle selector is firmly in place before mounting your camera.
Is It Time to Upgrade Your Tripod?
Your trusty first tripod has served you well, but how do you know when it’s time for something new? Here are some signs:
- Stability Struggles: If your tripod feels shaky even in simple setups, or can’t handle the weight of your gear upgrades, it may be holding you back.
- Feature Envy: Are you finding yourself wishing for smoother head movements (consider a fluid head), a taller height range, or other features your current tripod lacks?
- Ambition Boost: As your skills grow, you may want to tackle advanced shots that require a sturdier tripod or specialized features.
- Frustration Factor: If setup is a constant hassle or your tripod frequently limits what you can film, it might be time for a change.
Not Yet? That’s okay! If your current tripod meets your needs for now, keep honing those skills. There’s always time to upgrade later.
Next-Level Features: When you are ready, look for:
- Fluid Heads: For those smooth, cinematic pans and tilts.
- Carbon Fiber: Lighter weight, great for travel or long shoots.
- Modular Designs: Allows for maximum flexibility in setup.
Tip: Try before you buy! Renting a higher-end tripod is a great way to see if the investment is worth it for your filmmaking goals.
Summary
Whether you’re a beginner just getting started or ready to level-up your gear, your tripod is a powerful filmmaking tool. By understanding the basics, avoiding common mistakes, and recognizing when your needs change, you unlock the potential for smoother, more dynamic, more professional-looking footage.
Remember, practice makes perfect, so get out there and experiment! You got this!
Share your favorite tripod hack in the comments! Let’s help each other become better filmmakers.
Check out our gear guide page for the best filmmaking gear suggestions for every sort of video creation.
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About the author: Trent (IMDB | Youtube) has spent 10+ years working on an assortment of film and television projects. He writes about his experiences to help (and amuse) others. If he’s not working, he’s either traveling, reading or writing about travel/film, or planning travel/film projects.
