Market is loaded with wide variety of tripod units so most of the buyers feel confusion while investing to buy a new tripod. Tripods play an essential role in digital recording, they helps to keep your footage stable but while buying a Tripod you need to focus upon several specifications.
The article below is designed to provide you all necessary information about Tripods so that you can invest on right product and it can meet your requirements. Keep reading this review of top 8 Tripod units that are compatible with 4K cameras.
How to Choose Right Tripods for Your 4k Camera?
Before choosing a tripod for your 4K camera, there are some things you need to consider:
1. Weight Capacity
First of all you must think about the weight handling capacity of a tripod. Professionals recommend picking a device with capacity 2 times higher. Note that sometimes you may need to rest your hands on it during long hour shooting so it must be able to handle that additional pressure. You may also need to use a battery grip for your camera at some time during recording applications or may even need to use it with heavier accessories so all these factors must be considered while making a purchase.
2. Tripod Height
A tripod that is equivalent to your height is best because it will not force you to shoot with odd body posture. In case if you are going to buy a tripod that has attached head then this head must reach up to your jaw level for better positioning. One more important thing is to pick a tripod that offers easy portability so that you can carry it to your tours without any disturbance.
3. Tripod Head
A tripod can generally have three types of heads:
The Pan Tilt head that can possess a single handle to assist in horizontal movements or a dual handle that works for vertical as well as horizontal movements.
Ball Head have only one type of control that is simple used to make its grip tighter or loser. While keeping the cameras tightly positioned, these heads use to be highly flexible and they ensure smoother operations.
Gimbal Head is suitable for lenses that have 300mm or higher dimensions. They are highly balanced and allow better results for fast action type photography needs.
4. Tripod Legs
You will find tripods in two different configurations that are tabular and non tabular type. Generally the carbon fiber legs are designed in tabular form; they follow a threaded twist lock type mechanism that makes legs more secure. On other side, steel, basalt and aluminum tripods use to come in various shapes with the flip lock system. With such height variations, you will find at least 3 to 5 tripod leg sections.
Top 8 Best Tripods for 4K Camera in 2017
Section 1: Low Budget Tripods: (Under 500)
Those who are going to buy a tripod for the very first time and want to invest minimum are advised to pick a device from below 500 collections. Below are some of the best suggestions:
1. Bescor TH-770 High Performance Tripod System
Price: $109.95
This highly reliable and durable tripod system is best for mid-sized camcorders that have maximum weight up to 15lbs. It comes with a camera plate that assists in long distance travels. You will be able to buy this tripod with a carry case and head.
Specs:
Parameters
Details
Load Capacity
15 lbs
Weight
7 lbs
Height
76.5 cm to 152 cm
Leg Section
2
2. Manfrotto MVH500A Fluid Drag Video Head with MVT502AM Tripod and Carry Bag
Price: $285.00
This tripod extends support to HDSLR form factor you can enjoy quick leveling with its 60mm half ball even without making additional efforts for adjustments. The head consists of a side lock mechanism ensuring sliding type quick release service.
Specs:
Parameters
Details
Load Capacity
11 lb
Weight
2.5 lbs
Height
12.6cm
Materials
Aluminum Alloy
Fluid head counterbalances
Spring loaded
Tilt range
-70 degrees/ +90 degrees
Leg stages
2
Leg material
Aluminum
Pan range
360 degrees
3. Benro S8 Pro Video Head and A3573F Series AL Tripod with Deluxe Carry Case
Price: $403.67
This is a perfect choice for video recording needs as it can easily support cameras having maximum weight up to 17.6 lbs. This tripod system is able to provide much precise control while offering continuous adjustment service for tilt drag and pan.
Specs:
Parameters
Details
Load Capacity
17.6 lb
Weight
11 lb
Height
63.8”
Folded Length
33.1”
Leg Section
3
Counterbalance
Stepped: 0 to 3
Pan Range
360 degree
Tilt Angle
+90 degree to -70 degree
Section 2: Medium-Budget Tripods: (500)
1. Sachtler Ace M Fluid Head with 2-Stage Aluminium Tripod & Mid Level Spreader
Price: $655.50
This is a perfect solution for camcorders and HDSLR cameras; most of the users love to explore amazing details with this tripod for weddings, documentaries, corporate videos and ENGs. Its light weight structure, mid level spreader and compact size are major advantages.
Specs:
Parameters
Details
Load Capacity
8.8 lb
Weight
9.7 lb
Height
66.5”
Folded Length
33.5”
Leg Section
2/3
Counterbalance
5 step
Tilt Angle
+90 degree to -70 degree
2. Gitzo GT2532 Mountaineer Series 2 Carbon Fiver Tripod
Price: $849.88
Its legs are designed with high modulus carbon fiber that makes it stronger and tough for rough use. With its large leg selector angles, you can make easy grip adjustments and the tripod stability allows trouble free recording even at higher weight ranges.
Specs:
Parameters
Details
Load Capacity
39.6 lb
Weight
3.7 lb
Height
65.4”
Folded Length
25.6”
Leg Section
3
Tripod Feet Features
Rubber - without spikes
Center Column Features
Ballast Hook
Section 3: Top of the Line Tripods: (Above 5000)
1. Miller Compass 25 Solo ENG 3-Stage Carbon Fiber System
Price: $4,516.56
This tripod is commonly used with XDCAM, HDV, DVCAM, P2HD and Large Sensor Cameras. Its classic counterbalance system along with precision fluid drag technology makes it more suitable for fast setup. It ensures consistent performance over wide variations of temperature ranges.
Specs:
Parameters
Details
Payload range
8.8 to 30.9 lbs
Weight
17.1 lbs
Height
23.7 to 66.6 inches
Counterbalance
4 selectable positions
Leg Extension
2 stages
Leg material
Carbon Fiber
Pan Range
360 degree
Tilt Angle
+90 degree to -75 degree
2. OConnor Ultimate 1030D Fluid Head & 30L CF Tripod with Mid-Level Spreader and Case
Price: $9,371.75
Title: [Updated] Expert-Endorsed 8 Tripods for Flawless 4K Footage