I cannot talk about equipment for bird photography without highlighting the importance of having a good tripod. The use of a tripod allows the photographer to keep the camera motionless when he/she takes photographs. With a tripod, usually the photographs are sharper. It also allows the photographer to take pictures when the light is weak. You will not be able to succeed in bird photography without using a tripod.

The tripod is composed of 2 distinct parts: the legs and the head. So that a tripod can fully do its work, its legs must be rigid. A good tripod must have a certain weight in order to assure some stability. Make sure you choose one with a central column that you can raise without having to use a crank. The column must go sufficiently high for you to be at ease to photograph.

In regards to the head, it must allow a fluid movement of the camera. This is why the ball-heads are increasingly popular. There are also "quick release" heads which make it easier to switch quickly from the camera to your telescope by using the same tripod.

The price of tripods varies between $50 and $700. The price of heads varies between $50 and $ 1000.