Tripod
A three-legged support that holds the camera rigid for long exposures, precise framing or heavy lenses.
Measured in
kg (load rating)
In depth
A tripod's usefulness is measured by rigidity under load, not by its maximum weight rating: a set of legs that visibly flexes with a 2 kg camera is useless even if rated for 8 kg. Carbon fibre damps vibration better than aluminium and weighs less, at higher cost. Extending the centre column always reduces stability and should be the last resort for height.
Examples in practice
A four-second exposure of a waterfall is only possible because the tripod holds the frame identical from first to last.