It appears that my last post Professional Photo Tips for Travelers started some discussion on the use and types of
tripods. So for those unfamiliar with this three-legged companion I offer the following:
Tripods are used to steady a camera for a variety of reasons:
1) Allowing for slower shutter speeds without blurring stationary objects
- Low light
- Night shots
- Eliminating people from a shot. They don’t stay
in frame long enough to leave a substantial image. Although phantom blurs may be evident.
2) Performing careful and repeatable composition. The frame does not move between shots. Panoramas or stitched shots are easier to accomplish, as are High Dynamic Range (HDR) images.
3) Providing a steady panning platform to track action, often limited to one plane. However with repeated practice and a pan/tilt handle one can become proficient at following an object in two dimensions.
4) Intentionally blurring moving objects. This includes moving water/waterfalls for an ethereal, misty image..
Using a tripod is a personal choice and if often comes down to whether you want to lug it around and set it up.
Ranked from smallest/lightest to heaviest (examples are included):
Nothing - Just place it on the ground, a wall, a windowsill or any flat surface. Framing becomes difficult without a flip-up screen.
Your body - Tuck in your elbows, lean against a tree; or kneel on one knee allowing, letting the opposite leg form a 90-degree angle. Rest your elbow on your thigh.
Bean bag/pillow/purse, etc- Commercial products have a built-in tripod mount.
Pocket Pod Fully Adjustable Camera Support System- Camera Bean Bag - Tripod Replacement. For Digital or Film SLR Cameras & Small Video Cameras. For use with Canon, Nikon, Olympus, Sony, Fuji, Pentax, Contax, Leica, Mamiya, Hasselblad, Bronica and more
Mini-pod- Small pocket sized unit, doesn’t provide any height.
Mini Adjustable Tripod+camera Holder for Iphone and Other Cellphone
Gorilla Pod – A commercial product with bendable legs that can perform as a a traditional mini-pod, but also wrap around an object like a tree or post.
GP3 Gorillapod SLR-Zoom Flexible Tripod + BH1 Ball Head with Bubble Level
Monopod – okay, it’s missing two legs, but it qualifies. It is a light weight alternative that provides some steadiness in one plane. It is ‘faster’ to use than a traditional tripod.
Manfrotto 680B Monopod (4-SCTN) - Replaces 680 (Black)
Carbon Fibre Travelling Tripod – Popular but pricey. Usually four-sections that collapse to a shorter length than a standard tripod. Made from space age composites providing light-weight and good stability.
Swarovski Carbon Fiber Travel Tripod
Metal Consumer Grade Tripod – Legs were considered flimsy for heavier 35mm SLRs, but are fine for today’s digital cameras.
Metal Professional Grade Tripod – Usually overkill for today’s light-weight DSLRs. But if you’re looking for rock-steady professional results, this is the only way to go.
Gitzo GT2331 Series 2 3 Section Aluminum Tripod - Replaces GT2330 (Grey)
Some countries, notably Italy, prohibit the use of tripods without a permit. (see page 25) This rule applies mainly to heavily touristed areas, I doubt that you would be stopped in the middle of field, but they would have the right. I was once stopped from using a Gorilla Pod in a church.
Comments
I was always amazed how how fuzzy my hand-held shots looked at 100% magnification as compared to my tripod shots.
Actually a lot of things look acceptably sharp at the web resolution they are used at. So don't sweat it too much.
Even with a tripod, things like wind, floor vibrations, and shutter-press can still affect the shot. Use the camera's self-timer to reduce the shutter-press shake. If your camera has a mirror lock-up, use that, too. And as if we're not carrying enough stuff, a heavy weight hung from the center column helps to anchor it (if the shot is that critical).
Just tonight I was editing some photos I took with a tripod, and it was disconcerting to see that they weren't sharp. I think my mediocre, lightweight tripod gave me a sense of security that went beyond the capabilities of the tripod.