WRITTEN BY: BRUCE LOVELACE
UPDATED: JANUARY 6, 2024
So, you're asking about Canon Tripods. Canon has never placed a big emphasis on offering tripods to photographers. The more useful idea to explore should be regarding tripods for Canon cameras that are worth getting.
Canon is better known for the long success it's had making and selling an extensive line of cameras and lenses. Hey Canon, it's a good idea to stick to cameras and lenses and focus on making them good!
The two available models of Canon Tripods are the Canon Deluxe Tripod 300 and the Canon Deluxe 200 Tripod. Both of these models are suitable for the entire line of Canon cameras with one big exception. They're not sturdy enough to handle a Canon DSLR with a big lens attached.
Both the Canon Deluxe 200 and the Canon Deluxe Tripod 300 use the same design. The center pole is attached to the legs with 3 stabilizer bars for more stability.
There are design differences in some tripod designs that make them more appropriate for either taking digital stills or shooting video. For most people one tripod is plenty good enough to handle both stills and video.
The advantage to this type of design is that you can set up all three legs to the open position in one easy step. The disadvantage is that you can't set any of their angles independently of each other
The Deluxe 300 model reminds me a lot of a few Velbon tripods I purchased from BestBuy several years ago. The braces are attached from center column to the legs with cheap rivets and do not hold up over time well at all. The attachments all broke with both of my Velbons and I had to replace the rivets by using paperclips of all things to prevent my camera from falling. It was not a good situation.
Several reviewers on amazon reported the same issue with these Canon tripods. These two tripods are of average quality, made primarily of plastic, and are priced accordingly. Here's more on Better Alternatives.
Don't get me wrong, for $40 they are not a horrible choice. You must treat them extremely gently and do not expect them to last a lifetime.
With both of the Canon tripods, the long screwdriver type of handle that's used to adjust tilt and pan is a nice feature. Small adjustments in the precise position of your camera are easy to maker. Ball heads tend to be secure and lightweight but not as easy to adjust.
These two tripods are both entry-level pieces of photography equipment suitable for the beginning photographer on a budget. Usually at this price level, replacement parts are not available and not worth getting. Warranties are also extremely limited, if existent at all for cheaper, plastic tripods.
I do not recommend you buy them unless you are a complete Canon loyalist and want to buy all Canon equipment. This is a good example of when it may not be a good idea to commit to a Canon camera accessory.
At one point Canon attempted to get into making a good tripod for shooting stills and video with a small 8 inch tripod. The Canon Mini Tripod 8 shown below has been discontinued and it's very difficult to find one.
You don't have to use a Canon tripod to get great photos with your Canon camera. Your camera will attach to any brand of tripod using one of two different camera tripod attachment systems.
Tripods with independently locking legs give you a lot more flexibility in where you can set your tripod up. Fierce competition among online tripod sellers has driven the price of high quality alternatives to the Canon models downward.
You have thousands and thousands of other options to choose rather than pick one of the suspect tripods made by Canon.
Can you use any tripod for Canon?
For your Canon cameras, you will need to use a tripod with a 1/4-20 thread mount. This is the standard size for cameras and tripods in the United States. Fortunately, You will find tripods in a huge assortment of lengths, weights, materials, colors, and price ranges.
How do I connect my Canon camera to my tripod?
Most tripods now come with a small quick-releasing adapter that is screwed onto the bottom of your Canon camera. The adapter slides onto the brakcet on top of your tripod and is easily tighten with a thumb screw.
Does it matter what tripod you use for a Canon camera?
What brand you use with your Canon camera does NOT matter. What DOES matter that it supports and steadies you camera, and that it has the right features for the type of photography you shoot with your camera.
Save yourself some time by tapping into the huge number of consumer reviewers who purchased and tried specific tripods. Amazon is the best place to find the most reviews.
Search for yourself and get their opinions.
As an Amazon affiliate Canon Camera Geek receives a small commission from qualifying purchases, at NO added cost to you.
I prefer using tripods that have independently angling legs like my compact RocketFish Carbon Fiber tripod that I use when hiking strenuous terrain. Unfortunately, it's been discontinued so I can't recommend it anymore.
This particular one, the RF-TRP-47C was only a few more dollars tha the Canon tripods. It is a bit shorter, but much stronger and is also lightweight at 2.5 lbs. Each leg can be adjusted for different angles and the metal ball head has kept my Canon 5D Mark III with a 70-200mm f2.8 lens secure.
Canon Tripods are not the best camera accessories that you can buy. The offerings for Canon cameras and Canon camera lenses are more extensive and measure up better to the Canon standards of quality.
Get yourself a good solid tripod by another manufacturer. It is a great addition to your collection of camera accessories including Canon Rebel Accessories.
It's a fact that Canon primarily focuses on designing and manufacturing lenses and camera bodies. The tripod market is better served by various quality third-party manufacturers like Manfrotto, Gitzo, Sirui, and many others. These brands offer a wide range of tripods that will work perfectly fine with Canon cameras, and easily satisfy the needs and budgets of photographers all over the world.
I hope you found this post helpful. See the related articles linked below my signature.
Bruce Lovelace is the publisher of Canon Camera Geek. Read more about him on the About Page. He also publishes how to articles and camera gear reviews at the Photography Tips website.
View some of Bruce's photos on Instagram and Flickr. Join the tribe of followers on YouTube. Bruce also runs photo workshops and provides 1 on 1 digital photography coaching.
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