You don’t have to ask a pro or veteran photographer if they need a tripod as one of their tools. However beginning photographers may wonder if they can get away without one. Whether your budget restricts you or you just find it a pain to lug around then the answer is, of course, you can make due without a tripod. I certainly did for a long time when I first started out in photography. Back then it was because I had better uses for my money, like, oh how about raising kids.
Tripods do come in a range of price tags. However you do get what you pay for. If the wallet allows I would strongly urge you to invest in a decent tripod.
What does a tripod do for you?
A. Bottom line is you no longer have to be concerned with camera shake provided you’re not on a row boat in the middle of the ocean (I say sarcastically).
B. It allows you the ability to properly frame up your image, lock it down, and take the shot. This is true whether it’s a family photo or a scenic landscape.
C. You can set the timer on the camera and get yourself in the shot.
D. Sloooooow shutter speeds. You’ll need these for dark interiors, evening shots or getting those cool steaks of white and red lights you see when photographers shoot highways at night.
E. Smaller apertures for increased depth of field. This means you may want to go F11, F16, F22 etc. to have as much of your image as possible in focus. Of course there is always a direct correlation between aperture (F stops) and shutter speed. If you increase your aperture, (a smaller lens opening), then, conversely, you’ll need to lengthen your shutter speed to allow more light in.
F. Astro photography. You may want to lock your shutter open, (known as bulb mode), and point your camera to the heavens. With an open shutter for few hours you’ll record the movement of the stars.
G. Want to sell something on EBAY? Use a tripod to achieve the settings you want without camera shake.
H. HDR Photography. HDR incorporates 3-5 exact images taken within a split second. Many of today’s camera’s can be set to “bracket” from -3 stps to +3 stops. I’ve seen it done with a hand held camera due to the speed of processing but the proper way is to place your camera on a tripod. This will minimize any camera shake and allow your HDR software to easily overlay all the images and reduce “ghosting”.
G. Group photos etc. With a tripod you can frame the shot then walk over to the group and make minor posing adjustments. You can come back, take a peek, and if you’re satisfied take the shot without having to start from scratch.
H. Waiting for the right timing. There are times in photography whether it’s landscape or the yearly fireworks display when you’ll want you’re camera trained into a particular area but don’t want to take the image until a particular object comes into view. Here comes the tripod!
These are just a few of the reasons why if you’re serious about learning photography or a serious shooter you’ll really want to consider a tripod. If you do some quick google searches on tripods you’ll see they come in all types of materials, weights, shapes and sizes.
What should you look for?
A. The most important factor, in my opinion, is will the tripod safely hold my equipment? Can it take a little bump or minor winds without being knocked to the ground? All camera’s are rated for maximum weight. Make sure yours can hold the camera, the heaviest lens you might use, the largest flash, an external battery if you desire and wireless triggers. After you added all that up still give yourself a 50% cushion.
B. What type of action will it sell? Are you going to work weekends with it or are you just a casual shooter. Make sure your camera can stand up to the demands you place on it.
C. Weight. If you’re a photojournalist or a back packer and you’ve got this tripod slung over your back then, after meeting the above criteria, consider the lowest weight tripod that fits the bill.
D. Material. Aluminum, steel, carbon fiber etc. If you can afford carbon fiber you can’t go wrong when it comes to the weight to strength ratio.
E. Size. Does it extend to the height you’re looking for with the center pole extended? Does it go low enough to capture unique shooting angles?
F. Does it have a spreader? A spreader is located on the bottom of the tripod and literally spreads and locks the legs into an open position. This prevents a leg from buckling in when least expected. To collapse the tripod legs simply give the center of the spreader a gentle nudge upward to fold it in. Some tripods come with spreaders built in. If yours does not and you want one you can purchase that separately. They mount in seconds. If you are working quasi professionally and need to set up and move your tripod frequently then, by all means, consider a spreader. It could save your equipment from falling. If you’re a casual shooter like myself then you’ll be able to take the time to properly position your tripods legs without one.
G. Attaching the camera to the tripod. For me there is no other way to go then a ball head and quick release attachment to your camera. This will allow your camera to move into any position including vertical by simple releasing/locking one mechanism.
H. Cable Release. Another separate accessory like the ball head. Cable releases can be manual devices that thread into the center of the cameras shutter button. They are also, many times today, electronic and plug into an outlet on your camera. They are also available in radio transmitters or infra-red. Whatever your choice this is an item you’ll come to appreciate for the convenience it affords you.
The above ProMaster Carbon Fiber Tripod is what I carry today. Now when I worked professionally this would have been useless for me. However, today I’m older and just a casual shooter. So I want the portability that carbon fiber allows me along with it’s strength. I can extend the tripod from about 14″ to 53″. I have the time to extend and lock each extension. I don’t need a spreader because I’m in no hurry. At just over 2 lbs. I can strap it over my shoulder and go anywhere with it.
Shown to the left is the ProMaster BH23 Ball Head with quick release plate. The quick release plate attaches to the 1/4-20″ female on the bottom of your camera.
Now this plate is in direct correlation to the camera I use. I would never use such a small ball head on a Nikon D800 for example. However, on my small, mirrorless, lightweight Sony Nex-7 it’st just the ticket.
Here again I’ve kept weight at a minimum while still affording myself all the benefits that a tripod, ball head and quick release attachment can offer.
Shown below is an example of a heavy duty tripod with a spreader. You can see for yourself the stability that a spreader adds. Here again if you’re working quickly or semi-professionally you’ll truly benefit by adding a spreader to your set up.
Last but not least is a tripod back pack shown below. You can use a larger backpack and store a small folding tripod inside or a slimline version as shown below. You can also simply purchase straps that allow you to hang it over your shoulder or across your back. Either way it’s nice to have if you’re going to be logging some miles with your gear.
Well there you have it. Basic considerations for the tripod. Hope your decision is a little easier and happy shooting!
Please not: The photographs used in this blog entry were taken from the respective manufacturers web pages.
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