What to inspect when buying a tripod?


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UncleBen

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Aug 24, 2008
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Toa Payoh
Hi forumers,

I am about to invest on a tripod I dreamed to own for many years. Hence, I would like to find out from you folks what are the area to inspect when purchasing a tripod?

Cheers,
Ben
 

Sorry that I did not make myself clear. What I meant was what to inspect when you are purchasing a tripod at a shop. Eg: is the lock really working, expanding & collapsing the tripod are smooth & etc (I really have no idea what to check/test).

I've gone through the process of choosing the right tripod. I have also sorted out on the ballhead to use.

Cheers,
Ben
 

Last edited:
Apologies for misreading !

Check thru dents over the legs which can make extending / retracting the legs problematic, , look for broken/cracked knobs / locks that tightens extensions ard the legs, smooth central columns that locks well and if the rubber foot tips / spikes are intact. I concerned if the tripod head fits the tripod nicely as well

ryan
 

The price tag.

hahaha. Everything. That it works and no suspected manufacturing defects. That you don't foresee any future problems like flimsy construct...
 

So, generally, physical inspection of the item is the only thing we do when buying a tripod?

Cheers,
Ben
 

So, generally, physical inspection of the item is the only thing we do when buying a tripod?

Cheers,
Ben

Deployment and putting your heaviest load on it in the shop before u commit.

Will seriously recommend TKFoto to get whatever u intend to get :)
 

Mostly is the
(1) Extending/retracting of the legs -> Do it on all legs X5 times & watch for jamming
(2) Locking of the legs & able to hold w/ the recommended weight load applied
(3) Locking of the center column & able to hold w/ the recommended weight load applied
 

So, generally, physical inspection of the item is the only thing we do when buying a tripod?

Cheers,
Ben

Hmm ... not for me.

I also check for uneven load bearing and torsion.

But the pods I use are generally super strong so this becomes a moot point, but can be crucial for less specified pods.
 

TS what's the dream tripod you are intending to get? care to share? I'm looking for one too :)
 

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