Tripod Reviews

Selfie Sticks predate the smartphone by several years. But it wasn’t until all mobile telephones adopted the (more or less) same thin, flat, rectangular shape that universal selfie holders could flourish. Here we look at five great ways to hold your phone in the best position for self-portraits, steady video clips, vlogging or Zoom.

You need a Table Top Tripod to hold your GoPro, Litra Torch, Rode microphone, flash unit, Lume Cube, cellphone, slave strobe, cue cards, etc., etc., and—oh yes—your camera. Whether you’re a vlogger, photographer, Zoom-connected work-from-home-employee (Hommuter) or just somebody who likes to take pictures of their food, you need one of these guys. Maybe two. So here are five good choices to consider.

Every photographer has their essential photo accessories that they can't live without. Fortunately for those on a budget, many of these camera accessories can be had for a pittance.

More and more Shutterbug readers are launching their own photography vlogging channels to share their work and wisdom, so we thought we’d spread the news about this latest tripod “find” from popular photo vlogger Peter McKinnon. In the below video, McKinnon talks about why he likes the new SwitchPod, which is designed as a “minimal, versatile, handheld tripod.”

There is only one photo accessory that improves 100% of your images: the tripod. However, traveling with an extra set of legs can be cantankerous. Ask any centipede. Our friends across the pond have a couple new products that eliminate the temptation to leave the tripod at home.

Shutterbug, a member of the Technical Image Press Association (TIPA), once again joined forces with 30 other member magazines from around the world to choose the winners of the annual TIPA Awards for the best photo/imaging products in 40 different categories. The award process began in early 2017 with an initial selection of a wide range of products conducted by TIPA’s Technical Committee, on which Shutterbug’s Editor-at-Large George Schaub serves. 

While image stabilization in camera bodies and lenses has stretched the bounds of slow shutter speed usage, there’s nothing that can take the place of a good tripod in terms of image sharpness and the ability to take advantage of today’s camera technology. Working with HDR, with very long exposure times, and the ability to shoot at virtually any aperture and shutter speed without resorting to excessive ISOs are obvious benefits.