Tripod question

[Mike410]

Hello,

Just wondering how often do you guys shoot using a tripod?

And any recommendations on which one to buy? (Not massively expensive though!)

Id like one that is compact and light, so could be used while travelling.

Thanks,

Mike

[OsmosisStudios]

I only ever use a tripod when I need to: Serious landscape work, long exposure, macro. If I dont need it, I dont use it.

[CelticOrigins]

Originally Posted by OsmosisStudios

I only ever use a tripod when I need to: Serious landscape work, long exposure, macro. If I dont need it, I dont use it.

Can agree with the above, and what type to use, that depends on you budget and how much weight you want to carry, I have used £25 tripods for the last year or two and just upgraded to a Slik Pro 500DX which I never leave home with out, does the job nicely and doesn't break the back..

[Mike410]

Thanks for your replies!

[BCampbell]

Mike, I shoot a lot of urbex and the tripod is invaluable. It's slower and there are a lot of opportunities I walk past for the sake of speed, but the doors it opens up by being able to expose for 1/20th and longer are more than worth it.

It comes in handy for night shots (fireworks...) and portraits/self portraits too. Having a cable release is a huge bonus.

People will talk about materials and head types, but height and weight are the two really important factors. You want the tripod to extend far enough to bring the viewfinder to your eye level. There are many times you don't want to be bending down for every shot. I carry mine for hours at a time, walking literally miles at many sites, so light weight is important to me. One disadvantage of light weight is less stability; the heavier your tripod is, the less it's affected by wind and ambient vibrations. Some have hooks to hang weights on for this reason.

To be perfectly honest, I use a really cheap aluminum tripod that I bought for $25. With what I use it for, it's going to get beat on, a lot. I have sand in the legs from night shoots on the beach, it has who knows what gunk all over the feet and legs, it's a disaster and I'll probably replace it soon. Sure, I could spring $300 for a really nice model, but since I abuse mine so much I might as well get something I'll use for 2-3 years on the cheap. If I were keeping it in the studio, I'd probably think differently -- I'm not saying that quality tripods aren't worth it. They are.

If you get one that uses quick-release plates, you'll probably want to get an extra plate or two as well, you will eventually forget the plate at home. Helps to have a spare in the bag.

[sk66]

As seldom as possible....I even use my 800mm "handheld" but it is HEAVY so if I'm using it and going to be stationary for a while I'll set up the tripod.

[ddr]

take note of the $30 tripods that may seem sturdy, and also feature identical axis lock and quick release knob such that you're bound to make a mistake one day

[PhotoPatzer]

I totally get why some try to stay away from tripods. I totally get it.

Unfortunately, I don't think I could do photography without it. The stability, the tack sharp images, the time it takes to set up... all of it plays into my pre-shot process.

Besides, I smoke 4 packs a day... and take Red, Bull intraveanously. So I really can't hold much anything steady...

Tripods rock!


(I honestly love my tripod and often will use it because the only times I can really get out (i'm a family guy with a full time job) early morning or late evening.)

[BCampbell]

Originally Posted by PhotoPatzer

I totally get why some try to stay away from tripods. I totally get it.

Unfortunately, I don't think I could do photography without it. The stability, the tack sharp images, the time it takes to set up... all of it plays into my pre-shot process.

+1 to this.

I'll just put it this way: I've thought "Man, I wish I had my tripod" way, wayyyy more times than "Man, I wish I didn't have my tripod."

[qtox91]

the thing with tripod is... you wont use them allll the time, but if your ever in a situation where you would use you, you usually HAVE to have it. and if you dont its extremely frustrating lol