Tripod legs are the support system for your camera. They're used for stabilizing both still and motion cameras as well as for keeping a certain height. The tripod legs are not the same as the actual complete tripod sets that include the head mount and case.
Types
Tripod legs, like most accessories, come in a variety of materials.
* '''Aluminum''': These are a good combination of strong and affordable. The downside is that the metal gets kind of heavy and overheated so you won't want to carry this out in the sun without some sort of cover. That, is, unless you think 3rd degree burns are cool (is that an oxymoron?).
* '''Wood''': Kill a tree, make a tripod, take a photo of The Red Wood Forest outside San Francisco to promote environmentalism. Oh, the ironies of life. Wood tripods are good for use in cold weather as they won't conduct the chill, are reliable, and are lighter than their metal alternatives.
* '''Carbon Fiber''': This is your choice if you're dealing with a lot of location changes but you don't want to worry about it getting pretty beaten up. It's strong and decently light. You won't be building up too much of a sweat from carrying it, but you might from its sheer cost. They're expensive.
* '''Basalt''': Forged straight out of the fires of Mt. Doom comes a tripod to destroy the nations of your worldI mean, to endure a lot of abuse. All jokes aside, though, these actually are made of molten rock, and that's just darn cool. They're lightweight, fireproof and durable so you don't have to worry about wear and tear if you plan to take photos or film in tricky locations.
Accessories
* '''Leg Covers and Warmers''': Just like you, your tripod can re-live the 80s with leg warmers. These are for insulating your tripod legs. They will prevent your tripod legs from getting too hot or too cold in extreme temperatures so you can carry them comfortably. The cushioned padding can come either in plain black or something more natural camouflage if you're trying to go unnoticed for nature shoots.
* '''Dollies''': These will put your tripod on wheels for easy mobility and for motion picture tracking shots. This even gives you freedom to experiment with different angled shots for still photography by making the process of setting up the tripod a non-issue: simply roll the tripod over a few paces. Most dollies are made of wood or aluminum like the tripod itself.
