Tripod

Purpose

Hold the camera dead still through multi-second and longer exposures.

Used in kits

• Portable Astrophotography Kit

  Hobby & Making

Alternatives

• Beanbag/solid surface— A field improvisation; no framing control.

Maintenance notes

• Clean grit from leg locks after sandy or dusty use.

Buying considerations

• Stability and a solid head beat a headline weight rating.
• A hook for a weight steadies it in wind.