The height range of a video tripod is designed based on usage scenarios, user height, and equipment requirements, with significant variations across different types. Below is a detailed breakdown of industry-standard height ranges and practical recommendations in a natural paragraph format:
The height of a video tripod is typically defined by three core parameters: "closed height," "minimum working height," and "maximum working height (with/without head)." For closed height, daily portable models (suitable for mirrorless cameras and small camcorders) usually range from 30 to 45 cm, easily fitting into backpacks or suitcases. Professional heavy-duty models (for cinema cameras and telephoto lenses) have thicker legs, resulting in a closed height of approximately 50 to 70 cm, requiring a dedicated carrying case for transport.
Regarding the minimum working height (ability for low-angle shooting), standard tripods without a center column range from 15 to 30 cm. Models with an invertible or detachable center column can lower to 5 to 10 cm, ideal for macro videos and low-angle scenes (e.g., ground textures, foot-level tracking shots). Some professional tripods also support reverse leg spreading to further reduce the shooting height, meeting special composition needs.
The maximum working height is a key practical parameter. Without a head, portable models typically reach 120 to 150 cm, suitable for users 160 to 170 cm tall. Full-size professional models range from 150 to 180 cm, with some extending to 190 to 200 cm, catering to users 170 to 190 cm tall or elevated shooting scenarios (e.g., concerts, sports events). When including a head, the total height usually increases by 10 to 20 cm, so it’s recommended to select a tripod whose maximum height (without a head) is slightly lower than your eye level to avoid hunching during shooting. For example, a user 175 cm tall should choose a model with a maximum height of 160 to 170 cm (without a head) to ensure comfortable operation after installing the head.