In headshot photography, a crucial piece of gear that often gets overlooked is the tripod. Peter Hurley and the Headshot Crew emphasize its importance in your workflow for many reasons.
Many headshot photographers use continuous light sources, which require lower shutter speeds that can lead to blur and missed focus without the steady support of a tripod. A tripod not only keeps your camera rock-steady but also allows you to lock in the camera height, ensuring consistent framing throughout your session—key for producing uniform and professional headshots.
The benefits of using a tripod extend beyond mere stability. When your camera is securely mounted, you can fully concentrate on engaging with and directing your subject, capturing their best expressions without the distraction of holding the camera. Additionally, many headshot photographers use a second tripod with a Tether Table to hold their laptop, allowing clients to quickly and easily view images as they are captured.
At the Headshot Crew, we trust FEISOL tripods for their exceptional stability, durability, and portability. Constructed from lightweight yet sturdy carbon fiber, these tripods are perfect for both studio and on-location shoots. Their adjustable height and customizable features enable photographers to consistently achieve the ideal angle and composition. The reliability and performance of FEISOL tripods have made them a favorite among Peter and his team.
In the upcoming sections, we will explore two of our preferred FEISOL tripods.
The FIESOL CT-3442 Tournament Class: Great for On-location and Studio
I love the size and feel of the FEISOL CT-3442 Tournament Class tripod. I've used it in the studio as well on-location shoots due to its lightweight and compact design. Weighing around 2.5 pounds (1.14 kg), it’s easy to carry without adding significant bulk to your travel gear. Despite its light weight, the tripod is made from high-grade carbon fiber, providing both strength and durability to withstand the rigors of travel while ensuring reliable stability for your camera
I have had several other brands that I liked over the years but they just didn’t hold up to me moving around while I shoot. When I got the CT-3442 I felt it changed how I was able to manipulate the camera without worrying that my tripod would fall over.
Its quick-release leg locks and a fast setup mechanism, allow for swift adjustments and deployment, which is crucial in dynamic shooting environments. The CT-3442 offers a versatile height range, accommodating various shooting positions and needs, from ground-level shots to standard heights. Additionally, its compact folding size means it fits easily into most travel bags or carry-ons, making it a convenient option for photographers on the move. Overall, the CT-3442 combines portability, durability, and performance, making it an ideal tripod for traveling photographers.
FIESOL is sponsoring our September 2024 Headshot of the Month Contest and the grand prize winner will get a brand new FIESOL CT-3442.
Features of the FEISOL CT-3442 include:
- Constructed of top quality carbon fiber and high grade, CNC-milled 7075 solid block aluminum.
- FEISOL's new Rapid anti-leg-rotation technology to keep top sections from turning.
- Reverse-folding legs which flip up 180 degrees over the ball head for maximum compactness.
- Base diameter of 80 mm (3.15 in).
- Unmatched strength and durability in an incredibly lightweight design - just 1.14 kg (2.51 lb).
- Precision engineered high-alloy parts that respond to the finest adjustments.
- The largest cross-section leg tube diameters of 28 mm (1.15 in), for an incredibly strong and secure tripod performance.
- An attractive tripod bag is included.
The FIESOL CT-3472LV M2 Rapid: A Studio Workhorse
The more you shoot headshots, the more you become intertwined with your camera and ball head. While the CT-3442 serves me well, I felt that in the studio I could benefit from even more of a base with a bigger and stronger stance. I also saw the need for something a little taller as well, which is why I recently upgraded to the The FEISOL 3472LV M2 Rapid
This new Mark 2 model brings several notable improvements over its already impressive predecessor. It features a new leg lock mechanism that allows for quicker and more secure adjustments, enhancing stability and ease of use. The redesigned center column includes a rapid lock system, facilitating smoother and more precise height adjustments, which improves control over camera positioning.
The CT-3472LV M2 Rapid is constructed with advanced carbon fiber materials, making it lighter while increasing its strength and durability, which enhances portability and resilience. Additionally, it offers greater flexibility with leg angle adjustments, providing a wider range of shooting positions and better adaptability in various environments.
The new model includes stability enhancements such as a re-engineered base and improved leg spread, resulting in a more stable and vibration-resistant setup. These updates collectively make the FEISOL CT-3472LV M2 Rapid a more advanced and user-friendly tripod compared to the older model.
Newly added Mark 2 Features include
- Integrated Bubble Level.
- Additional weight savings.
- Skeletonized Main Frame for extra sleek Look.
- Re-designed angle-locking system.
Additional Features of the CT-3472LV M2 Rapid include
- Constructed of top quality carbon-fiber and high grade, CNC-milled 6061 T6 solid block aluminum.
- FEISOL's new Rapid anti-leg-rotation technology.
- Revolutionary Leveling Center Column.
- Interchangeable Standard Base Plate for further weight reduction.
- A load capacity of 30 kg (66 lb).
- Remarkably lightweight construction just 2.20 kg (4.85 pounds).
- Base diameter of 90 mm (3.5 in).
- Our CNC-milled low angle ball head mount is multi-layered to withstand the most punishing conditions.
- An attractive tripod bag is included.
Which Tripod Should I Get?
Either one is great tripod that you won't be disappointed with. I personally use both. I primarily use the CT-3472 in the studio and travel with the CT-3442. Being that the CT-3442 is smaller and lighter it’s easier to pack and fly with. I enjoy how small the footprint is when you fold it in even with the ball head still on.
I also sometimes use the CT-3442 in combination with a Tether Table to hold my laptop while tethering.
Servicing Your FEISOL Tripods
As with any piece of hardware there will come a time where normal wear and tear require some repairs or servicing. When such a time comes, FEISOL offers two options for servicing your tripod. 1, you can send it in for a full service or 2, order the parts to do it yourself.
One of the reasons I will never switch to any other company once I made the move to FEISOL is their customer service. Not only do they respond back right away, they are knowledgeable and will answer your questions with any issues you are having.
In Conclusion
When it comes to headshot photography, there are plenty of tripod options to choose from. However, with their exceptional durability and quality, FEISOL tripods have quickly become a favorite among Headshot Crew photographers. Investing in a FEISOL tripod is not just a purchase—it's a long-term commitment to superior performance and quality.
Do you own a FEISOL tripod, or do you have a different favorite? We’d love to hear about your go-to gear in the comments below!
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