The Great Tripod Debate: Twist Locks or Lever Locks?

Oct 20, 2026

Two camera tripods with ball heads shown side by side outdoors, one on leaf-strewn mulch and one on sand beside a barrel cactus

You’ve noticed that tripods come with two basic kinds of locks: twist locks and lever locks. They’re quite different. Which should you purchase? I’ll tell you my experiences and observations.

 

Twist Locks 

The Robus RC-5570 has high-quality twist locks.

I generally like twist locks, or collar locks, but I feel that you have to really go out of your way to make sure that they are locked down because occasionally, if you are not careful, they can slip.

[Read More]

You’ve noticed that tripods come with two basic kinds of locks: twist locks and lever locks. They’re quite different. Which should you purchase? I’ll tell you my experiences and observations. Twist Locks The Robus RC-5570 has high-quality twist locks.I generally like twist locks, or collar locks, but I feel that you have to really go out of your way to make sure that they are locked down because occasionally, if you are not careful, they can slip.
[Read More] … Read More