Nature, with its fascinating themes, has the power to captivate any photographer. To get the most beautiful shots, photographers have to be able to rely fully on their equipment. To avoid shaky photos and for sturdiness on any terrain, camera supports such as tripods or monopods have to fulfil different requirements, depending on how they are to be used. The wide product range from Hama offers the right camera support to suit every need.
Why use a camera support at all?
You need a camera support to be well equipped for photography because even the most effective picture stabilisers are no magic bullet for avoiding blurriness caused by shaking. Camera supports are often a requirement to achieve the highest possible sharpness, particularly for large focal lengths and long exposure times. They are essential, too, for close-up shots, microphotography and macrophotography.
What should be considered when choosing the right camera support?
1. The type of camera support
The first thing to decide when choosing the right camera support is which type of support suits your needs best. What you plan to use the camera support for later on is most important here.
An overview of the most common types of camera supports and their application
Description
Application
Tripod
The classic tripod is renowned for its stability on uneven ground.
Universal use
Monopod
They can be transported easily, require little space and allow for longer exposure times and smaller apertures.
Ideal for sport and animal photography
Mini tripod
Small and practical companions that can be used quickly and flexibly.
Practical travel companions
Flexible tripod
For special perspective shots, you need special options to fasten your camera. Flexible tripods can be fastened to anything, e.g. to trees, poles or similar.
Perspective shots with special camera position requirements
Special supports
For special photography requirements, the choice is endless. From supports for your car or table to supports that are held by suction cups or clamps.
Special solutions for individual requirements
2. The weight
A compromise always has to be made when it comes to the weight of a camera support.
Stable camera supports are usually heavier, while camera supports that are easy to transport have less stability. You should be clear about the intended use when making a purchase. If you mostly go travelling or on photo safaris, you ought to consider a camera support with a low weight. The stability then has to be made up for by the material. The right material is important for finding the optimum balance between weight and stability.
3. The material
The camera support material has a big influence on the weight and the response to vibrations, so special attention should be paid here.
There are different materials to choose from, depending on personal requirements for the transport weight or particular stability. Alongside trusted materials like wood, steel and basalt-fibre, aluminium and carbon play an important role in the optimum composition of camera supports. Aluminium and carbon allow weight to be kept low while providing a good response to vibrations and high stability.
Features
Aluminium
Relatively light and stable
Good value for the money
Carbon
Very light and durable
Absorbs unwanted vibrations
Reflected in price (higher price segment)
4. The camera support head
The choice of camera support head depends on the intended use and personal preference. You have the choice between a ballhead and a three-way head.
Advantage
Disadvantage
Application
Ballhead
Quick adjustment in any direction
Panning and tilting only possible along one axis only and imprecise
Ideal for close-up shots, animal photography and much more
Three-way-head
The camera position can easily be reproduced
Every axis must be set individually
Ideal for architecture shots, quick sport photography, panoramas and video recordings
It doesn’t matter what your requirements for camera support are - Hama always has the right solution!
A look at the wide range of Hama camera supports
Tripods
Omega Carbon series - stable and lightweight
This tripod series satisfies the greatest demands in stability, low weight and versatility. The carbon material ensures that any semi-professional photographer can easily transport it to a photo session. Rubber feet with a ball joint and extendible steel spikes provide for completely secure positioning, even in rough terrain. The stable 3D precision ball head is impressive. It features a separate ball and pan head lock, adjustable tension settings as well as a quick-release plate with a safety catch and locking screw.
Hama Omega Carbon III Tripod 4293
Hama Tripod Omega Carbon II 4292
Omega Premium series - miraculously stable equipment
This tripod series is characterised by solid construction, convenient details and the aluminium material and satisfies all demands for professional use. A multifunctional 3D pan head, a locking grip and a non-slip foam grip on each leg make it suitable for many different applications.
Hama Tripod Omega Premium I 4260
Hama Tripod Omega Premium II 4261
Hama Tripod Omega Premium III 4263
Omega Video II series - specialist for moving pictures
This tripod, designed especially for video recordings, combines stability and precision for high demands. The double profile legs for the highest resistance to vibrations and the rubber feet with retracting steel spikes allow the tripod to stand sturdy on any surface. The fluid-damped, 2-way metal video tilt head with a guide handle for left-handed or right-handed use enables the most extraordinarily light rotating movement.
Hama "Omega Video II" Tripod
Profil Duo series - timeless versatility
This classic tripod series can be used for all different kinds of applications. With the retractable central column the tripods can be used either with three legs or as a monopod. The monopod is the perfect companion for sport and animal photography, where it allows the photographer to follow quick movements. The three-way head with a quick-release coupling guarantees precise and shake-free shots.
Hama "Profil Duo III" Tripod 4210
Hama "Profil Duo II" Tripod 4209
Traveller series - compact travel companions
Whether taken on travels or last-minute photo safaris, this tripod series represents the perfect combination of low weight and sturdiness. The small pack size and weight are made possible by the aluminium construction. The rubber feet ensure sturdiness, wherever it is used. The series is characterised by its simple and trendy design, as well as its precise 3D ballhead for professional use.
Hama Traveller Compact Pro 4214
Hama Tripod "Traveller Mini Pro", Black 4213
Star series - price-conscious entry models
The entry level tripod series is marked by a good price/performance ratio. The functional, quick-action clamps on the aluminium tripod make setting the desired leg length quick and easy. Rubber feet ensure a secure hold. They all include a three-way head for freedom of movement and the integrated spirit level to set up the tripod precisely for shots. A practical tripod case is included in the scope of delivery.
Hama Star 5 Tripod 4105
Hama Tripod Star 61 4161
Hama Star 62 Tripod
Hama Tripod Star 63 4163
Hama Star 75 Tripod 4175
Hama Tripod Star 700 EF Digital 4133
Other camera supports
Alpenpod - practical monopod for walks
Hama Alpenpod 4103
The Alpenpod combines both a walking stick and a monopod. It has a 2D head that can be tilted forwards up to 90° for brilliant shots. For walking, it offers an ergonomic handle with a hand loop and a built-in spike with an attachable rubber cap. The three-part monopod can be extended to any length from 67 cm up to 141 cm and, at 360 grams, barely weighs a thing. An integrated compass always points you in the right direction and a snow disc even prevents it from sinking into the snow during winter walks. Now, nothing stands in the way of your walking tour!
Alongside the wide range of tripods, Hama also has monopods and mini tripods in its product range.
