Weekly Poll: Tripods - Do you use one?

[Teewinot]

I'm a "use it when I have to" person.

Before starting the threesixtyfive self-portrait project, I only used a tripod for night shots. But even while my current project has me using my tripod for every self-portrait, I still prefer to hand-hold on all the rest of my shots. But that's due to three issues: (1) my tripod is old and heavy, (2) I'm impatient...it takes too long to set-up, and (3) I feel like I lose versatility when I lock my camera to a tripod, especially with macro shots. Basically I really really really want a new tripod and a I really really really want to discipline myself to use it more...wow does it make a difference!!!!!!!!

[Nicole]

Originally Posted by Teewinot

(2) I'm impatient...it takes too long to set-up, and (3) I feel like I lose versatility when I lock my camera to a tripod, especially with macro shots.

I can totally sympathize with both of these. Too long to set up. Plus, I think that if I had a ball-head tripod I would be more likely to use it since mine likes to move just slightly once I think I have it set where I want it since it's a pan/tilt head which doesn't lend itself well to minor adjustments

[snickies]

It took me a while to decide. Until this fall I had only occasionally used my Dad's old (giant) tripods when I was fooling around. I only recently picked up my own smaller one. I find that I use it a lot around the house, but haven't really taken it outside yet.

[klew]

I only have a tripod made for my telescope, so I've used it when I am home and taking astronomy shots. Otherwise, it is way too cumbersome. I carry a gorillapod in my computer bag with my camera, which comes in handy, and impresses the heck out of workmates. I have very steady hands, so I can even take short, handheld time exposure shots with no problem.

[katkero]

I mostly take photo's while hiking: in the woods or the town. I rarely take my tripod with me, only when I want to do selfportrets while hiking.
I only use my tripod for posed portraits and nightshots.

[G.Scot]

I love using tripod. I bought a cheap one few months ago to experiment with. I found that not only I get pin-sharp images, but also it helps me compose my shots carefully (When camera on tripod i spend more time looking at the LCD screen).

I don't feel comfortable using tripod with my point-and-shoot camera in some places. I get a feeling that the passerbys might laugh seeing a tiny lil camera on a tripod lol

[Murtasma]

I don't leave home with out my tripod I even have one of those mini ones with the flexible legs that work great when walking around the city. I'll use whatever I can a bench the ground a rock.

That's why some of my pictures are so low to the ground but I like it, it's diffrent then being right at eye level or just below it. I can't stand unsharp images esp in landscapes which is mostly what I shoot.

[mdwsta4]

shouldn't there be a third option? all the time or none of the time aren't really good options. i use a tripod often, but i would hardly say it's all the time, nor would i say it's only when i need to. my $.02

[wulf]

In the end, I opted for the "no tripod". I do often take one with me but it doesn't get used that much. The percentage of tripod / non-tripod shots depends on the kind of subjects I am shooting but, more often than not, I end up strongly to the "no tripod" side.

Wulf