Stativs

Stativs, commonly referred to as tripods in English, are three‑legged supports used to stabilize cameras, binoculars, spotting scopes, and other equipment. A typical stativ consists of three extendable legs, a center column, and a head that holds the device. Legs may use flip-locks or twist-locks and can be spread to adjust stability. Heads vary: ball heads offer versatile movement; pan‑tilt heads provide controlled axes; fluid heads are preferred for video to achieve smooth framing. Materials range from aluminum to carbon fiber, affecting weight, stiffness, and cost. Most tripods also feature a bubble level, retractable leg collars, and a quick-release plate.

Variants include compact travel tripods, standard photo tripods, and larger video tripods with specialized heads. A monopod provides a lighter, more mobile alternative with less stability. When choosing a stativ, consider maximum load, height range (min and max), stiffness, weight, foot design, and compatibility with your head and quick-release system. For terrain, feet with rubber pads or spiked tips improve grip. In practice, keeping the center of gravity low and avoiding excessive column height reduces vibration.

History: Tripods emerged in the early modern period and became standard photographic equipment in the late 19th and 20th centuries. Today, stativs are produced by brands such as Manfrotto, Gitzo, Benro, and Sachtler for both photography and video.