Which Tripod for Harbron Easels?

There's an exhaustive range of tripods out there. Which one is best for the Harbron Tripod Easel? Let's look at how to get the tripod easel matched up correctly.


Mount plate compatibility (also known as: Quick-release plate, quick-release shoe, screw plate).

  

The Harbron Tripod Easel has a 1/4 inch threaded hole at the base of its body to enable attachment of a tripod mount plate. Most standard tripods come with a mount plate with 1/4 inch screw. If your tripod has a different size, don't panic! Adaptors are available.

TIP: Look for a tripod with a 1/4 inch mount plate.

Mount plates can be bought separately and its a good idea to have a spare permanently attached to your easel, so you don't accidentally leave it still attached to your camera back at home - not that I've ever done that, ever!      

TIP: Buy a spare mount plate and fix it permanently to your easel.


Adjustment of tripod head

To position the easel vertical, you will need to be able to swivel the tripod head 90° downward so that the mount plate points forward. Check your tripod has this full range of adjustment, as not all of them do.   

 
 

TIP: Look for a tripod that has a head that can swivel 90° downward, so that the mount plate points forward (as opposed to upwards).


Height extension

If you stand at your easel and intend to paint with it set vertical, you'll want to ensure you can raise your painting surface to a suitable height. The ideal is head height, so that you look side to side, rather than up and down between subject and painting. Be aware that some 'compact' tripods are short to maximise portability and will not extend particularly high. I recommend a tripod that extends to at least shoulder height.  

TIP: Look for a tripod that extends to at least shoulder height.  


Leg diameter (if using a tripod shelf)

To fit a Harbron Tripod Shelf, you will need a tripod with legs no thicker than 30mm in diameter. Most budget and mid-level tripods don't exceed this diameter, but check with the seller if it's not clear. Some tripods have a foam bumper on one or more of the legs, increasing the diameter size, but these can easily be removed.          

TIP: To accommodate the Harbron Tripod Shelf, ensure the tripod legs are no thicker then 30mm in diameter.

 

Conclusion

Here's your checklist for tripod shopping: 
  • It needs to come with a 1/4 inch mount plate, or a 1/4 inch adaptor
  • Ensure the tripod head can swivel downward 90° on the vertical plane (so that the mount plate points forward).
  • Ensure the tripod can extend to at least shoulder height.
  • If using a tripod shelf, ensure the legs don't exceed 30mm thickness / diameter


Which tripod do I recommend?

When browsing online, I noticed a large number of tripods for sale that fit the requirements specified above. I searched 'dslr tripod' and found examples from Samtian, Geekoto, Neewer, and K&F, which all meet the specifications we have discussed above. Some of them seem to be re-branded versions of the one I have been happily using for several years now. Cost comes in around the £55-80 mark. Cheaper solutions can also be found, particularly on auction websites, so remember the tips above and shop around.


Example of a suitable tripod on amazon. Notice much of the spec we have discussed is in the title.

I hope you find this article helpful. If you have any further questions, please do get in touch: harbronpleinair@gmail.com or comment below.

Happy painting!

- Alex 


Did you find this article useful? Have something to add? Or perhaps you spotted a mistake, inaccuracy or something missed? Please let me know in the comments below. 

Comments

  1. wwaveApril 12, 2022 at 9:53 PM

    Pretty good post. I just stumbled upon your blog and wanted to say that I have really enjoyed reading your blog posts. easel hire melbourne I hope you post again soon. Big thanks for the useful info.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Alex HarbronApril 21, 2022 at 10:18 PM

      Thanks for your kind feedback. I am planning to relaunch this website later this summer. I hope you'll keep in touch :)

      Delete

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