What to look for in a tripod

We’ll use this Manfrotto 290 Dual as our guide to some key tripod features

Pivoting centre column

On some tripods, the centre column can be rotated to produce an angled boom, which is perfect for overhead shots, macro work and table-top photography – such as on the Manfrotto 290 Dual, pictured here. Using the centre column, does reduce the stability of the tripod, however, so is best avoided with long exposures. Maximum & minimum heights The maximum operating height is important if you want to shoot from normal eye-level or higher... but this may mean extending the centre column. The lowest operating height can be just as important for some subjects, such as fungi. Head types

Ball heads are compact and quick to use, but not so good for small, controlled movements. Three-way heads are larger but allow precise adjustments for each axis independently. But there are other options too… Types of feet

Rubber feet are fine on most surfaces but best on carpets and wooden floors, where you don’t want to cause damage. Metal spikes are good for soft and uneven ground. Some tripods have rubber feet, which can be screwed back to reveal spikes. Specialist heads

Geared heads allow you to make fine adjustments to camera angles. Gimbal heads are designed for use with long, heavy lenses – which can otherwise can unbalance a tripod. And then there are specialist heads for panoramas and video too. Leg spread

Most tripods have legs that can be angled independently – which is particularly useful when working on sloping sites or in cramped areas. Splaying the legs is also a way at achieving a lower minimum shooting height – very useful for a worm’s eye view. Reversed legs for storage Many so-called ‘travel’ tripods, such as this model from the Manfrotto Element range, have legs that fold upwards for storage and completely enclose the head. This makes them smaller and neater when folded and easier to carry around.