RECOMMENDED TRIPODS

 

One of the “big three” in videography, a tripod is an essential piece of equipment to a videographer. Having stability in your videos is the key to quality, watchable content. Here are a few things to consider when buying a tripod for your videography setup:

 

  • Weight – Your tripod needs to be light enough to carry to and from deposition video shoots
  • Stability – Your tripod needs to be sturdy to maintain consistency within a long video shoot
  • Durability – Your tripod needs to survive any bumps during transport

 

Here are a few recommended tripods that meet all these criteria to help you make your decision:

1. Manfrotto Lightweight Element Traveler

The Manfrotto Lightweight Element Traveler tripod is a great, sturdy tripod with telescoping legs. This tripod is made of aluminum to give it a lightweight, yet stable construction.  It is easy to use with many adjustable parts for maximum application.

 

The aluminum construction also lends to very high durability for easy transport between deposition locations. Overall, this tripod is perfect for deposition videography and will last for a long time before needing to be replaced.

 

  • Lightweight aluminum frame
  • Independently adjustable legs
  • Customized bag for transportation
  • 360-degree pan
  • Sturdy construction

 

Review:

This is a very well-engineered and well-made tripod. I bought it primarily because of its very small size when folded. The controls are solid, allow for easy adjustment, and securely lock the spotting scope in place. The twist-lock legs lock without any play and convey a sense of quality. It is almost entirely constructed out of aluminum.

 

The tripod is not a featherweight, for sure, but if it were any lighter, I doubt that it would be as secure and stable a platform for an optical device. For my use, the tripod represents an acceptable balance between weight and stability with the major plus of being only a bit longer than 12 inches when folded. The carry bag is nicely constructed as well.

 

I would recommend this tripod to anyone with requirements similar to mine.

Legal Video Tripod

Item Weight: 3.5 pounds
Dimensions: 4.7 x 4.7 x 16.5 inches

Rating
★★★★★

2. Manfrotto MVK500AM Lightweight Fluid Video System

Another great tripod from Manfrotto is the MVK500AM Lightweight Fluid Video System. This tripod has a twin-leg design for a very stable setup. The height adjustments on this tripod are slightly different from the option above. The twin-leg design slides in and out to adjust height and level out shots.

 

The materials used to build this tripod are aluminum and carbon fiber. This keeps weight to a minimum while allowing you to transport it easily. This tripod even comes with a carrying bag to make transport even easier. With a great build, this tripod provides stable use over a long period of time.

 

  • Aluminum and carbon fiber frame
  • Padded carry bag for easy transport
  • Twin-leg design for optimal stability
  • User-friendly features

 

Review:

Bought this for a Panasonic AG UX90. Very happy with it. Pans and tilts are silky smooth and it’s very stable. My camera is pretty light, but I would definitely trust loading more weight on it.

Legal Video Tripod

Weight: 8.36 pounds
Dimensions: 7.3 x 7.3 x 31 inches

Rating
★★★★★

3. Manfrotto 504HD Video Tripod Kit

Yet another great tripod from Manfrotto is the Manfrotto 504HD Video Tripod Kit.  This tripod is very sturdy with the highest quality construction of all the recommended tripods on this list.  It is made with aluminum and carbon fiber as well, but with a different take on the twin leg design.

 

The joints to adjust height and angle are tuned perfectly for smooth movement and precise adjustment.  All the tripods from Manfrotto are great at any price point.  This option is one of the best values for tripods on the market.

 

  • High-quality construction
  • Aluminum and carbon fiber body
  • Twin-leg design for stability
  • 4-step counterbalance system
  • Ergonomic controls
  • Padded carry bag for easy transport

 

Review:

Comparable to tripods twice the price I’ve worked with. I just bought a second.

Legal Video Tripod

Weight: 13.89 pounds
Dimensions: 3.94 x 10.63 x 3.94 inches

Rating
★★★★★

Choosing the Right Legal Video Tripod

A tripod can add great quality and stability to the footage you capture during a deposition. While it may be a bit of an investment, this is one piece of equipment you will continue to use for years to come.

 

If you are interested in more deposition video equipment, click here.