Placing A Camera On A Tripod – Step By Step Guide

First of all, I would like to tell everybody what a tripod is. Basically, a tripod is a simple stand that owns three legs. It is an accessory, that is used to support cameras as well as telescopes for example. Many different tripods come from different brands, and the most important thing that they should own is the plate and the sturdiness.

In this article, you will be able to find out how to put a camera on a tripod! Even though it may sound like a job that requires a lot of time, it is really very easy.

Stick to the end so that you can use it very easily!

How to put a Camera on a Tripod?

As mentioned above, the plate of a tripod is one of the most important things that we need when putting a camera on it. You should know that different tripods come with different types of plates/mounts, but still, they have the same function.

You may have heard about the quick-release tripod mount that comes with most of the new launchings of tripods, but however, there are some tripods that require more jobs while doing it.

Always remember that the tripod mount should be put on the downside part of the camera in which you will see a little threaded hole.

Some tripods come with some side screw threads and even a screw head. Those tripod plate screws can be used so that you can tighten the camera. That means that the plate that they own isn’t a quick-release one, but it requires some other things in order to be put in place.

There’s also the tripod head that you need to pay attention to. Just note that you will find a tripod head on professional grade tripods mostly and it is utilized for adjustment purposes.

There are also the tripod legs that play a huge role in what type of tripod it is and how steady it is. Another thing to keep in mind before you make a hasty purchase is the camera plate, yeah pay attention to that part too before you go and put a 1 star review on a retail website.

Jokes aside, the tripod’s top section has a camera plate attached to it. This is a flat piece of metal or plastic that has a screw on it.

Your camera’s tripod mount accepts this screw. Locate the release lever or button close to the camera plate, then slide the tripod off of it.

Each brand has its own connection system, so yeah it is not a universal mount thing, simply put if the camera plate is not compatible with the tripod mount you won’t be able to mount it. It is not as complicated as you might think since most tripods have a detachable camera plate which makes it a breeze for you to set up the tripod properly.

Different tripods are those that come with what is called a D-Ring. It is a small metal ring that can be flipped up and has to be pushed back when in place. That ring is added and attached to the plate of the tripod.

Other tripods have a different design and they don’t use either of the things that I already mentioned above, besides the plate. There is found a notch that looks somehow like a screwdriver. It requires to be tightened by something hard that you may have on hand, for example, I use a coin in order to tighten it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you put any type of camera on a Tripod?

Tripods are known as fully universal accessories; which would do the job perfectly with any type of camera. The basic response to the question asked above is: Yes they can be used with whatever camera that you want. Of course, if the camera plates match with the tripod.

Just don’t forget to level your tripod body first, once you level your tripod body which is done via the flip locks present on the tripod legs, you are good to place your camera.

When do I need to use a Tripod?

Tripods can be used wherever and for whatever you want. If you mean more, then tripods are a great usage when it comes to taking pictures of different things; especially when it comes to panoramic shots, long exposure shots, or night shots in general, of course, without leaving behind the travel, landscape, astronomical, architectural photography. Nevertheless, you can simply use a tripod even just for a selfie.

Wouldn’t recommend the latter one though. 

We all know that a telephoto lens can be very heavy to carry in hand and the stabilization handheld is awful, that’s when a tripod kicks in and make the camera steady. 

Can I put my phone on a Tripod?

Yes, you can be based on some things of course. If you notice that your tripod owns what may be called a phone holder, you are more than free to do so. But still, if you notice that your tripod cannot hold your hand, don’t even try it or your phone will fall off.

What Is a Bottle cap Tripod?

This is pretty intriguing because a bottle cap tripod is a cheap, homemade tripod that just costs $2.

The bottle tripod is a foldable, lightweight, and uncomplicated tripod with a 15-degree pivot.

Yes, and you can do it with just about any bottle. Just make sure the plastic bottle can handle your camera or phone.

Final Thoughts

Here we came at the end of the article, answering the question “How to put a Camera on a Tripod?”. I think it is very easy, but you should look at the things that are mentioned above. That way you will do better the job.

In case you just bought a Nikon D3200 Camera, and you are looking for a tripod; check out our article Best Tripod for Nikon D3200, which may help you a lot!