Here is my trusty and inexpensive Hama Tripod
Note the handy hook underneath that doubles up as a handy hook for say things like your filters mini bag and you can also hang your camera bag on it of the ground is wet or to give the tripod extra stabilisation if it’s windy.
This one comes with a tilt and pan quick release head for the camera to attach to. ( A must for videographers and handy for us stills photographers. It also has a useful wind up centre column for that extra little bit of reach and a handy grip for carrying it with. It also has a sometimes useful addition of a mini spirit level bubble to help you make sure your tripod is totally level before starting to use it.
I find the extended handle for the left to right panning for the tilt pan head excellent and smooth to operate, sadly the same cannot be said for the vertical and horizontal twisty turny knob that Hama sadly cheapen out on.
Mine comes in a fetching Champagne colour and has the standard 1/4″ screw thread for the quick release and the tripod screw mount itself. Its height adjustable centre column is a geared affair which you wind with a crank handle, which is fairly smooth and quick and precise considering it’s price point. Working height is from 60 -153 cm or 23-60″ or 1.9 feet-5 feet. Weighing in at 1220 grams or 2.5 pounds or just over a kilo, its not bad on the weight compared to others I have looked at. It’s aluminium structure creates a strong and sturdy support for cameras up to a maximum weight of 3kg , more than enough for most photographers and perfect for me!
Another worthy mention on it are its rubber feet permit a firm grip on a range of terrains, and they are ball and socket joint so so they will flatten to any gradients.
I particularly love the quick release leg extensions, no twisting to lock the extended legs into position, just flick open the tab and it drops out and extends, then click back into position and its locked away!
Six years on and it’s still doing me well, and the price then was £18.99 on Amazon.co.uk It’s heavy enough to be stable and light .
A fantastic piece of kit for the money, it even comes with its own travel case which it folds neatly into so that you can carry your tripod around with you safely with no hassle. Whether you are hiking up a hill, attending an important event or jetting off to your next holiday destination, you will always be fully prepared for any photographic eventuality thanks to the Star 61!
Journeys From A Small Room 