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"Tripods are a pain." "Tripods are too heavy." "My photos are sharp and I always hand hold." "I have steady hands. I don't need a tripod." "Tripods are just for studio and nighttime use." "I have IS lenses. They are just as good as a tripod."

The rationalizations and excuses go on and on. But the fact is that a tripod is, after the camera and lens, the most essential tool a photographer can own. I guarantee that, if you start using a tripod, you will see a notable improvement in overall image quality. Of course, tripods are not usually practical for sports/action photography. But even in those cases, a monopod can make a huge difference.

When you're ready to improve your photography and buy a tripod, don't be cheap. Spend as much money as you can afford to get the best tripod available. No, those little Velbon tripods with the square-channel legs are not good tripods.

When you buy a tripod, you buy two components--the legs and a head.

Tripod Legs

Consider these factors/features when buying your tripod legs:

• Get legs that are tall enough for you. It is not comfortable or enjoyable to use a tripod if you have to extend it to its full height and still stand in a half crouch to see through the viewfinder. You also don't want to have to regularly use your tripod extended to its full height. That's its least-stable configuration.
• Choose a locking mechanism that's easy and quick for you to use. There are at least a couple of leg locking mechanisms. Test them to see what you like and consider what will work easiest for you in the cold. I prefer flip-lever mechanisms.
• Get legs that can splay out and a column that is reversible so you can get your camera close to the ground. Legs that can splay out are also very useful when shooting on uneven surfaces.
• If you shoot outdoors in cold weather, foam leg covers are very nice to have if you have metal legs, because metal sucks the heat out of your hands.
• Consider weight and collapsed length. A heavy tripod is a stable tripod, but there is a limit to how much anyone will carry. I have a large, heavy tripod that I've owned for more than 25 years. It will easily last another 25 years, and I use it a lot, when I don't have to carry it long distances. I also have two mid-range tripods that I can pack in my suitcase when I travel. They're quite a bit smaller and shorter (my large tripod extends to more than 7 ft. in height), but having one of them on a trip requires minimal effort. They're also the tripods I use for most of my flower/insect macro work because they offer much more flexibility and are considerably easier to carry and manipulate in the field.

Tripod Heads

Manufacturers offer a wide range of tripod heads with a cost range to match. Again, don't be cheap. The head is the part of the tripod that you will manipulate the most and if it's not easy to use and doesn't hold your camera where you want it you'll quickly grow to hate using your tripod. I've tried several heads and highly recommend that you buy a good quality ball head. Ball heads are compact, easy to adjust, and don't have all of those handles sticking out. For virtually all adjustments, you just have to loosen the ball, position the camera where you want it, and tighten the ball.

Here are some other things to consider:

• Make sure your tripod head has a quick-release design. Quick-release means there is some kind of plate that is attached to the camera that is then clamped to the tripod head. This allows you to attach and remove the camera from the tripod without having to unscrew the camera from the head each time. There are several quick-release designs. You'll have to decide which you like best.
• A ball head that also has a separate rotation control is handy so you can rotate your camera after it's leveled without having to re-level it.
• Speaking of levels, at least one bubble level built into the head is very handy. Many come with two levels.
• Make sure your tripod head can handle more than the maximum weight of your camera body and you heaviest lens.
• Buy a quality tripod head and it will hold your camera where you want it and last for years. Try to save money and you'll be forever readjusting your camera and end up buying that quality head in a rather short time.

What brand is best? There are several. My tripod legs and heads are all Bogen/Manfrotto. There are several other good brands. Do some research and try several tripods before buying.

The key to buying is tripod is to spend as much as you can afford and maybe a little more. If you buy a top quality tripod, it will last you for years and the extra cost will eventually become meaningless. You'll also use the tripod more because it works well and your photo quality will show a noticeable improvement.