Wooden Tripod (Base) | Surveying, Construction, Photography | Material: Ash hardwood (15mm thickness, ASTM D143 certified) Weight: 2.5kg (ISO 830) Load Capacity: 15kg (ASME B30.5) | Cost-effective, natural damping (reduces vibrations), eco-friendly | Heavier than aluminum (2.5kg vs 1.8kg), less durable in wet conditions |
Wooden Tripod (Advanced) | Professional Photography, Heavy-Duty Surveying | Material: Reinforced wood with epoxy coating (ASTM D543) Weight: 2.8kg (ISO 830) Load Capacity: 25kg (ASME B30.5 ▲) | Higher load capacity (▲ vs Base), water-resistant, ▲ durability | Slightly heavier, premium coating increases cost |
Aluminum Tripod | General Photography, Field Surveys | Material: Aluminum alloy (6061-T6, 12mm thickness) Weight: 1.8kg (ISO 830) Load Capacity: 10kg (ASME B30.5) | Lightweight (lightest option), corrosion-resistant, widely available | Conductive (risk in wet environments), may vibrate in wind |
Carbon Fiber Tripod | Professional Photography, High-End Surveying | Material: Carbon fiber composite (ISO 527 tested) Weight: 1.2kg (ISO 830) Load Capacity: 20kg (ASME B30.5) | Ultra-lightweight (lightest), non-conductive, ▲ stiffness vs aluminum | Expensive (~3x cost of wood), prone to scratches/dents |
Plastic Tripod | Casual Photography, Classroom Use | Material: Durable plastic (ABS, 10mm thickness) Weight: 1.5kg (ISO 830) Load Capacity: 5kg (ASME B30.5) | Inexpensive (~$20), corrosion-resistant, compact storage | Low load capacity (only 5kg), less stable in windy conditions |
Surveying Tripod (Steel) | Land Surveying, Construction Sites | Material: Reinforced steel (ASTM A36) Weight: 4.0kg (ISO 830) Load Capacity: 30kg (ASME B30.5 ▲▲) | Highest load capacity (▲▲ vs others), unmatched durability in harsh terrain | Bulky (4.0kg), expensive, requires frequent maintenance |