Nikon D3200 Digital Field Guide

Tripods

A good tripod is a necessity when photographing in low light, or any time you want to prevent the camera from moving during the exposure. It is also important when creating video content. There are three things to take into consideration when picking a tripod: The head, the legs, and the manufacturing materials. When it comes to good tripods, the legs are sold separately. This means that you can mix and match tripod heads with legs. For example, you can buy a set of legs, and then get one head for still photography and another for video. When looking to buy a tripod, the following are some factors you should consider before putting down your hard-earned money:

▶ Load capacity. The tripod needs to be able to support your camera and lenses securely. The Nikon D3200 is pretty light, and when combined with the kit lens, it weighs less than 2 pounds. However, what if, in the future, you want to get a bigger lens or camera body? Just make sure that the tripod you pick not only supports your current camera, but will also be useful for years to come.

▶ Budget. It’s really important to take your budget into account because a good tripod can cost more than the D3200. Keep in mind that a good tripod that is taken care of can last a very long time. I have a tripod that I still use that was purchased over 20 years ago.

▶ Weight. It is really important to take into consideration the weight of the tripod. If it is too heavy, you are not going to take it with you. It’s as simple as that. ...