Comparison Manfrotto MT290XTA3 vs Velbon Videomate 638

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.

Possibility to rotate the centre shaft of a traditional tripod (see "Type") to a horizontal position. This position allows you to point the camera vertically or almost vertically, which is indispensable for macro photography or product photography. In particular, "horizontal" tripods are very useful for professional food photography. At the same time, it should be taken into account that this function significantly affects the cost and complicates the design, and therefore is used mainly in professional tripods.

The presence in the tripod of a special mechanism that provides raising and lowering the central rod, in other words, height adjustment (usually by turning the corresponding knob). This function complicates and increases the cost of the design, but provides additional convenience: it is easier to set the exact height by turning the knob than to move the bar manually by opening and closing the lock. In addition, the movement is smoother — this is important in situations where the height needs to be adjusted right in the process of shooting.

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.

In tripods with this function, the head has a special plate (platform) with a mounting screw for the camera, installed in the mounts, which ensure its quick removal and re-installation on a tripod. This design increases the efficiency of work: it is enough to screw the platform to the camera once, and installing / removing the camera (together with the platform) will be much faster and easier than if you had to screw it back to the tripod itself every time. Removable platform is considered mandatory for professional tripods.

The presence of a built-in tripod level — a device that allows you to control the horizontal position of the camera.

Spirit levels are most often used — in the form of a sealed flask with liquid and an air spirit: if the spirit is between the marks on the flask, then the camera is on the horizon. The simplest option provides one flask to control the tilt to the right and left in order to avoid a “littered horizon”; however, the design may provide another level that monitors the tilt back and forth, or one common two-axis bulb. And in the model with a horizontal rotation of the rod (see above), an additional level is often set — for the horizontal mode. Anyway, this function greatly facilitates the exposure of the camera "on the horizon".