Tips & Tricks
The Best Tripods for Landscape Photography
Photography Talk
When you shop for a tripod for landscape photography, there are a couple of factors to keep in mind.
First, you want something that's easy to carry. That means that it should be lightweight and easy to setup and take down. It's also helpful if it's got a small form factor when it's collapsed.
Second, you want something that can handle rough terrain. Having legs with multiple angle possibilities is helpful, that way they can accommodate uneven terrain.
Lastly, it's also helpful for the tripod to have big rubber feet with metal spikes for added stability.
All of these features mean you can get better photos - and more of them - because you have a tripod that can handle the rough and tumble ways of landscape photography.
With that in mind, I've put together a quick list of a few of the best tripods for landscape photography.
Editor's Note: The tripods we use as examples in this article are all models from Sirui, one of the leading tripod manufacturers in the world. Sirui has established a reputation for developing cutting-edge technologies that make their tripods strong, dependable, easy to carry, and easy to use as well. For more details about their tripods and other photography accessories, visit their website.
Sirui EN-2004 Tripod
Perhaps this tripod's best feature is that one of its legs is removable for use as a monopod.
That's helpful for landscape photography because not all situations require a full-blown tripod.
Another neat feature of the EN-2004 is that it has a unique center column that can either be attached to get higher-angle shots or it can be inverted for unique low-angle shots or up-close shots, like macro images of landscape features.
Like many Sirui tripods, this one has automatic leg angle locks for quick setup and multiple leg angle positions to help you in getting the tripod level even when the ground isn't.
The retractable spiked feet are great for keeping the tripod stable as well.
This rig is lightweight, too. It's made of aluminum, which also means it's incredibly strong.
Whether you're just starting out in landscape photography or you're a seasoned veteran, the Sirui EN-2004 will suit you well.
Learn More:
- Get the Specs and Pricing on the Sirui EN-2004 Tripod
- A Beginner's Guide to Buying Your First Tripod
Sirui W-1004
This tripod's claim to fame is that it's got a waterproof leg design.
That means you can shoot at the beach, in a river, in the snow or mud, and your tripod won't be damaged from the ill-effects of water, dust, and muck.
Even the integrated monopod leg is waterproof, so you don't have to worry about water and debris entering the column when you're using it separate from the tripod.
Another handy feature is that the W-1004 has an integrated bubble level to help you compose your landscapes with a level horizon. Nothing ruins a landscape faster than a crooked horizon!
On the stability front, this tripod has the features that you'd expect.
It's got large rubber feet with retractable metal spikes, three leg angle lock positions for uneven terrain, and a center column hook that allows you to add weight to act as ballast when the wind kicks up.
The leg angle locks are designed for quick adjustments as well, even if you've got gloves on or your hands are wet.
But don't think that all of these features mean that this tripod is big and unwieldy...
The legs fold up 180-degrees so it's easy to carry, and the quick leg locking action makes it easy to take down when it's time to head home.
If you shoot landscapes that involve a lot of water, it's hard to go wrong with this tripod!
Learn More:
- Get the Specs and Pricing on the Sirui W-1004 Tripod
- This is the Most Underrated Camera Gear You Own
Sirui ET-2004 Tripod Kit
The great thing about this tripod is that it's actually a kit.
That means you get the tripod and a Sirui E-20 Ball Head for easy panning for stills or video.
The tripod can hold up to 26.5 pounds of gear, so well within the range of what's needed for a large DSLR and a big telephoto lens.
Even better, the tripod weighs only 3.5 pounds, so you get all that carrying capacity without having to carry around a big, heavy tripod.
Another great feature is this tripod's flip-lock legs, which make for lighting-fast setup and take down. And with automatic leg angle locks on each leg, you can quickly set it up on uneven terrain and still get a nice, level shot.
Speaking of its legs, like the other tripods on this list, they fold up 180-degrees, which makes for an ultra-compact form factor when you're carrying it around. The retractable foot spikes help keep it in place when you're shooting as well.
In other words, you get all the features you need - it's lightweight, durable, packed with features, and easy to setup - in addition to a nice ball head too.
Any of these tripods will serve you well in the field. The hardest part will be deciding which one is best for you!
