Euclid is our Homeboy

Hey, do you know why tripods are the gold standard when it comes to propping up cameras and easels and DJs’ speakers and stuff? Instead of, like, quadpods? Upon first consideration, it sort of seems like a four-legged camera stand would be a more intuitive design, right? It’s how many animals are configured, and they mostly seem pretty stable.

Take cows, for example. Sure, as many a redneck will tell you, they can be tipped if you sneak up on the broad side while they’re sleeping. But try and push one over when it’s awake, alert, and in no particular mood for your shenanigans. You’ll find Bessie pretty solid on her hooves.

But still the tripod rules. Why? No, it’s not because camera accessory manufacturers save money by using fewer legs per unit. We like the way you think, though.

The secret is that any three points describe exactly one plane. That means a tripod is basically disinclined to wobble. When something has four legs, they all have to be in alignment with each other (or relative alignment, given the irregularities or unevenness of whatever surface on which they’re standing). Unless they’re exactingly made, any three of them might be coplanar with each other on one plane, while three different legs could be coplanar on another one. In fact, it’s not only possible, it’s much more likely than not. It’s why restaurant tables so often rock, and not in the good way.

Three feet are on the same plane with each other no matter what. Four feet require precise adjustment to achieve the same result. It takes very careful placement of all four feet. Cows out standing in their fields are outstanding in this field. But manufacturers of photo accessories—and other mere manmade goods—are not. And that’s why the cow can have her four legs, while the milking stool beside her is better served by its three.

Geometry! Also, please buy the rest of these tripods; we can’t wait to be rid of them.

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