Comparison Yunteng VCT-588 vs Velbon UP-400DX

General purpose tripod. Note that many models combine several applications; see below for more on this.

— For cameras. Tripods designed for cameras. When choosing such a device, note that not every photo tripod is able to withstand a massive “reflex camera” with advanced optics, so the allowable load on the structure should be clarified separately. As for the features of the device, models designed only for cameras (and for nothing else) are designed more for holding the camera in a stable position than for quickly changing this position. On the other hand, the design may include various devices to improve the installation accuracy — levels, azimuth scale, separate adjustment along 3 axes, etc. If the tripod also allows other uses (with video cameras, telescopes, etc.) , its design features are often determined by these specialization options, camera compatibility can be provided as an option.

— For video cameras. A distinctive feature of most tripods designed for video cameras is a characteristic long handle attached to the platform. Using such a handle, the operator can simultaneously control the tilt and turn of the camera and quickly change its position — this can be critical when shooting video, when you need to quickly capture various areas of the scene being shot into the frame. However, desktop models (see "Installation") may not have a handle. Tripods “only for video cameras”, i...n addition, have an elongated platform, however, such a strict specialization is relatively rare, most models for this purpose can also be used with cameras (especially since many modern cameras also support video shooting).

— For telescopes and binoculars. Tripods suitable for use with telescopes or binoculars. Modern telescopes are most often equipped with their own tripods, and binoculars do not need such a support so often. Therefore, there are few models with this application option, and even fewer specialized only for telescopes; most often this purpose is combined with the possibility of installing a camera. However, the characteristics of such tripods are very diverse — from models with the simplest ball heads (see "Type of head") to advanced designs with a 3D mount and specialized "astronomical" functions. It is also worth considering that telescope manufacturers may use their own original mounts, so be sure to check compatibility before buying.

— For phones and action cameras. Tripods designed for use with smartphones, action cameras and other similar sized devices. The specificity of such devices depends on whether they can be used with other types of equipment. So, tripods only for smartphones / action cameras almost all have the form of compact desktop structures (see "Installation") — among other things, portability in this case is more important than the versatility of the installation. But models that are also compatible with cameras and/or camcorders may also have a floor version. Note that anyway, before buying, it's ok to clarify the compatibility of a tripod with a specific gadget: smartphones are usually installed in a universal clamp, but an action camera may require a proprietary mount.

The minimum height relative to the base at which the tripod base can be mounted.

The lower the minimum height, the better the tripod is suitable for macro and product photography; in addition, the range of height adjustment available to the user depends on this indicator. Note that for models with the ability to flip the boom (see below), the minimum height is given for the traditional position of the boom, platform up. And if the claimed minimum is significantly less than the length of the tripod when folded (for example, 15 cm with a length of 50 cm), this means that the legs can “spread” to a horizontal position or close to it, thus lowering the entire structure.

The maximum height from the base on which the tripod base can be mounted.

For desktop use (see "Installation"), a large height is not required, therefore, in most of these models, this figure does not exceed 20 cm — the only exceptions are some specific monopods. Accordingly, the difference in height between different desktop structures in most cases does not matter much. But in the floor models, the most "undersized" have a maximum height of about 40 – 50 cm, and the highest ones are able to open up to 2.5 m and even higher. In such cases, the choice should take into account the specifics of use. So, it makes sense to specifically look for a model at 150 – 160 cm if it is fundamentally important to install the camera at eye level (eye level is usually about 10 cm lower than a person’s height). At the same time, most camcorders and many cameras have swivel screens that allow you to comfortably look at the device from top to bottom; and even in the absence of such a screen, bending down to the level of the camera is not so difficult. And it makes sense to pay attention to tripods with a height of 170 cm and above mainly in those cases when shooting over heads is planned — for example, reports from public events.

The diameter of the centre shaft of a tripod or the main shaft of a monopod (see "Type"). In both cases, thicker rods increase the weight and dimensions of the structure, but have a positive effect on strength. And for classic tripods, a lot of weight can be an advantage — a massive rod has a positive effect on stability, especially in the lowered position.

The type of head provided in the tripod is, in fact, the type of mechanism responsible for rotating the platform with the camera relative to the base.

— 2D. Such heads have 2 degrees of freedom and allow you to turn the camera from side to side and tilt back and forth. At the same time, a separate rotation mechanism is provided for each of the two axes. This makes it easy to shoot vertical and horizontal panoramas: the camera on such a tripod can turn strictly along one of the axes without unnecessary movements that spoil the picture (for example, strictly to the side without moving up and down). Such heads are considered suitable primarily for video filming; for photography, they are somewhat less convenient, but they are still found in photo tripods (including highly specialized ones).

— 3D. Heads with three degrees of freedom: turn from side to side, tilt up and down and “roll” right and left; a separate hinge is responsible for each of the three. They are mainly used in models with the ability to install cameras: such freedom of movement is important primarily for photography. However, specialized tripods for video cameras with 3D heads are also produced. Compared to ball heads (see below), which also provide a high degree of freedom, 3D mechanisms are more accurate, they are indispensable in cases where you need to clearly control the rotation along one axis (when shooting panoramic...or shooting with a rotation effect). On the other hand, 3D heads are more complex and expensive, and also less suitable for quickly pointing the camera in an arbitrary direction.

— Ball. In heads of this type, the platform is attached to the ball by means of a rod, which is clamped in a special mount. By loosening the mount, you can rotate the camera horizontally, as well as arbitrarily tilt back and forth and left and right. The key advantage of such mechanisms is the ability to quickly change the position of the camera; in 3D heads (see above) it takes longer. Also, the advantages of ball heads include simplicity, compactness and low cost. On the other hand, it is difficult to turn the camera on such a head strictly along one axis without moving along the other two, which makes some shooting techniques difficult. In advanced tripods, additional equipment may be provided that partly eliminates this drawback — for example, a separate hinge for horizontal panoramas; however, in terms of accuracy, ball heads are still inferior to 3D mechanisms.

The ability to remove the tripod head and replace it with another if necessary. This makes the tripod more versatile: for example, you can shoot panoramic images using a 2D head (see "Type of head"), and at the right time you can replace it with a ball head, which is more suitable for operational shooting. Detachable head is considered mandatory for professional tripods.

The maximum camera weight that this tripod can support.

If the tripod is purchased for use with a smartphone or action camera, you can ignore this parameter: the weight of such gadgets usually does not exceed 200 g, any tripod of the corresponding specialization can easily handle such a load (see "By Purpose"). Compact point-and-shoot cameras usually weigh up to 300 g, and amateur video cameras - up to 700 g; but in both cases, there are also more massive models. This should be taken into account when choosing a tabletop tripod (see "Installation") for such equipment - some tabletop models have rather limited weight restrictions; but with floor-standing ones, there are usually no difficulties.

But if a tripod is purchased for professional equipment, special attention should be paid to the permissible weight. Thus, a professional video camera can “pull” 2.5 kg or even more; the average weight of a SLR camera is 600 – 800 g, but this is only the “body”, to which the weight of the optics is added – and in some powerful telephoto lenses it can exceed 2 kg. So such devices may require quite “durable” tripods.

The presence of additional support in the design of a tripod — more precisely, a monopod (see "Type"): this feature is found mainly in monopods.

Such a support is a small tripod at the bottom of the stem, which can be unfolded and set up completely independently, like a classic tripod. This expands the possibilities of application and provides additional convenience. For example, video filming can be more convenient to conduct strictly from one point, and at this point you can put the monopod on a support, freeing your hands. At the same time, note that such designs are noticeably inferior to classic tripods in terms of stability and are less suitable for uneven surfaces. So a monopod with additional support is not a full replacement for a traditional tripod — it is more an option for the case when you need to move most of the time, but sometimes you also have to stand still for a long time.