When you’re shopping for a tripod, one of the more confusing numbers you’ll run into is the tripod’s “load capacity.” It sounds pretty simple: shouldn’t that just be the maximum weight the tripod can handle?
Well, it’s a little more complicated than that, and unfortunately there’s no universal standard for determining the load capacity. So, one manufacturer might say their tripod can handle 20 lbs, while another manufacturer’s standards would rate that exact same tripod at 30 lbs.
Generally, the load capacity of a tripod refers to the maximum weight that a tripod can handle before it starts losing stability (due to the weight only). But, since there’s no universal standard for this number, the rule of thumb is that your tripod’s load capacity should be at least three times the total weight of the heaviest camera/lens/head you’ll be mounting on the tripod.
When you’re trying to find the right load capacity that you need, remember to factor in the weight of the head too, since that will also be mounted on the tripod legs.
Heads have a load capacity too!
Also, don’t forget that tripod heads also have a rated load capacity. It’s the same deal with these too: there are no universal standards for determining this number. So, the best thing to do is be conservative and get a head that’s rated for at least three times the weight of the heaviest camera/lens that you want to use with that head.
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About the Author: Steve Berardi is a naturalist, photographer, computer scientist, and founder of PhotoNaturalist. You can usually find him hiking in the beautiful mountains and deserts of southern California.
So if I have an 18Lbs Cinema Camera, a 12Lbs Cine long lens, and a Geared Head that was 38Lbs that is a total of 66Lbs, If we use a front box there is another 8-10Lbs at least. So, say 75Lbs of support needed.That doesn’t include the weight of the monitors, EVF, Batteries, any Recording medium, etc. which can add another 10-20Lbs. If we go by your recommendations, which are certainly sound, I would need a set of sticks that could support 285Lbs if I am understanding your article correctly. That is like what the old cinema film camera setups used to use. Monster sticks, and usually with Mitchell mounts. Hard to find anything like that these days. Would you recommend a 150MM bowl if I can’t find a resonably priced Mitchell and use a flat base bowl adapter?