The Best Tripods for Landscape Photography
Landscape photography is hands down one of the most popular forms of the art. Capturing the world around us is a major source of inspiration for many and is the driving force of our travels. There’s something to be said about waking up early in the morning in search of wondrous light spilling over the many compositions that lie in front of you. Maybe this feeling comes under the darkness of night as you wait for the stars to align for the perfect astro shot. No matter the scene, a tripod is a must have tool for any landscape photographer.
Stability Matters
We’ve all shown up at a location with our camera in hand ready to fire off as many shots as our heart desires. Handheld, firing from all directions we end up with a catalog of images, many of which come out looking a little…meh. You really wanted to get a long exposure shot or a timelapse but you forgot your tripod. You really wish you had slowed down and taken the time to make a couple amazing images. Look I’ve been there, we all have. These are just some of the reasons why tripods are so incredibly important.
First and foremost tripods force you to slow down. Every time you set the tripod down or make an adjustment you really look through the viewfinder or at your LCD screen and analyze your composition. You are forced to pay attention and to adjust until you are happy with what you see on the other side rather than simply firing off the shutter (believe me I’m working on it too).
Epoch Tripod
Refined, classic, styling meets modern capability with the Epoch. This tripod was designed to be a true photography workhorse. Right off the top you’ll notice it has a 3-way head, well actually it's a 4-way head. This head design makes the Epoch an incredibly precise tool, perfect for the exacting image maker. We love ball heads and they are a staple of our product line but 3- and 4-way heads allow you to fine tune your composition and allow you to more easily create repeatable camera positions. This is in part due to the number markings you’ll find on the head as well as the bubble levels. These help take the guesswork out of getting your camera properly set up. Better yet, the head features an arca type plate making it compatible with many existing plates you’ll find on the market as well as other ProMaster tripods.
Working towards the legs you’ll notice there are only 3 sections, and for good reason. Less leg sections means more stability and faster deployment. This is paramount if you are trying to quickly frame up a shot. The added stability is a major plus when shooting long exposures when you want minimal camera movement. With the included weight hook you can easily keep your tripod in place even in windy conditions.
The Epoch also bodes an impressive range of working heights. Allowing you to get all the way to the ground by removing the center column. Inversely, extend the 3 legs and center column for a working height of approximately 76”. This range gives you all the needed flexibility to achieve nearly any shot and angle you desire.
Oh and check out these film camera inspired leg locks - sweet!
The Epoch was created for the photography lover. While it works in an array of applications it really shines in the landscape arena. With an overbuilt, yet visually pleasing appearance this will be a standout piece for years to come.
Specialist Tripod Series
The specialist series is one of our marquee tripod lines. Rock solid from top to bottom this line offers great value across the board. Offered in 3 different sizes and both aluminum and carbon fiber configurations you’ve got a lot of variety.
Here’s the breakdown:
At the base we have the 425K (425CK). These have a working height ranging from 7”- 68 ¾” and a respective weight of 4lbs 10oz and 3lbs 15oz.
In the middle of the pack lies the 528K and 528CK. Offering a working height range from 7 ¼” - 80 ⅝” and weights of 5lbs 11 ⅝ oz to 4lbs 14 5/8 oz.
At the top of the food chain here is the 532K and 532CK. These offer a crazy range of working heights from 7 ¼” - 84 ½” and weights of approximately 6lbs 9oz and 5lbs 8oz.
Something worth noting is the folded length of the specialist is 5-7 inches shorter than the Epoch in its folded position.
Flip lock legs allow for easy and smooth deployment making for an enjoyable user experience. Unlike standard ball heads, the SPH36P and SPH45P you’ll find in this line feature panning adjustments at the base and top of the head. Along with this you’ll find a memory lock dial allowing you to set the amount of tension on the ball head to best suit the weight of your camera rig.
The Specialist line is flat out reliable. There's a good reason why you’ll find them strapped to the side of camera bags or set up on a mountainside somewhere…they just keep going.
Conclusion
Tripods are one of the most important tools you can have in your arsenal. Investing in the right tool will not only aid in the image making process but can be a piece you’ll use for years to come. Landscape photography can be hard on gear so having something durable is an absolute must. The Epoch and Specialist line of tripods are built to withstand some of the harshest elements and make for an excellent addition to the discerning photographers kit.
If precision is a top priority then you might want to lean towards the Epoch. The 4-way head lends itself to technical photography work very well. While still a precise tool, the Specialist offers a more traditional ball head experience for those that are comfortable with this format. Regardless of the direction you go you will have a piece of equipment that will serve you for years to come.
Posted May 24, 2024
