Tripod
- Thread starter orangio
- Start date
- Messages
- 458
- Name
- Tim
- Edit My Images
- No
Although I'm not 100% sure where you're going with this question, I'll answer on the basis that you're trying to assess whether you should buy one or not. It depends on your style of shooting and also what you're shooting.
It's not something that I personally would take on a stroll through the woods unless I'd seen something on a previous visit that was worth taking my tripod along for. A monopod or gorillapod might be a better bet for those opportunistic shots, but a full tripod is not always practical.
For landscapes and buildings, I'd always want to use one if it was planned. Same with macro and (some) portrait shoots I guess.
It's not something that I personally would take on a stroll through the woods unless I'd seen something on a previous visit that was worth taking my tripod along for. A monopod or gorillapod might be a better bet for those opportunistic shots, but a full tripod is not always practical.
For landscapes and buildings, I'd always want to use one if it was planned. Same with macro and (some) portrait shoots I guess.
- Messages
- 3,036
- Name
- Mark
- Edit My Images
- Yes
Depends what type of photography I was doing at the time...
Night shots usually require a long exposure in excess of 1 second and there's no way anyone can hand hold a camera steady for that long without creating camera shake.
A monopod is better than hand holding, but depends what size lens you have..I'd sooner put up with lugging my Gitzo around all day any day of the year if it meant I could get sharp photographs.
For long exposures during the day, ie. landscapes where you want to blue the motion of water, or perhaps get creative with wind blowing wheat then I'd also use a tripod for that.
As mentioned above, a tripod is essential for macro shots, because when you are close to subject, any movement is exagerated in the viewfinder/final image..
Really up to what shots you plan on taking really...
Night shots usually require a long exposure in excess of 1 second and there's no way anyone can hand hold a camera steady for that long without creating camera shake.
A monopod is better than hand holding, but depends what size lens you have..I'd sooner put up with lugging my Gitzo around all day any day of the year if it meant I could get sharp photographs.
For long exposures during the day, ie. landscapes where you want to blue the motion of water, or perhaps get creative with wind blowing wheat then I'd also use a tripod for that.
As mentioned above, a tripod is essential for macro shots, because when you are close to subject, any movement is exagerated in the viewfinder/final image..
Really up to what shots you plan on taking really...
- Messages
- 9,521
- Edit My Images
- Yes
Well I'll assume he's asking if you have one, when & where do you use it ??? 
The short answer is rarely
That said, when shooting for fun rather than professionally, I often carry the damn thing miles and still don't use it - just cos I know the first time I haven't got it with me I'll need it :bang:
I've never used one for portraits, and would otherwise use them only for long exposure shooting - more than 1/15th sec (depending on focal length)
I also believe that if it's worth having a tripod, it should be a big sturdy one too - and if nothing else, your fitness & strength levels will benefit from carrying 6lbs or more of excess gear everywhere you go - think of it as Wii-fit for togs
DD
The short answer is rarely
That said, when shooting for fun rather than professionally, I often carry the damn thing miles and still don't use it - just cos I know the first time I haven't got it with me I'll need it :bang:
I've never used one for portraits, and would otherwise use them only for long exposure shooting - more than 1/15th sec (depending on focal length)
I also believe that if it's worth having a tripod, it should be a big sturdy one too - and if nothing else, your fitness & strength levels will benefit from carrying 6lbs or more of excess gear everywhere you go - think of it as Wii-fit for togs
DD
Use one 90% of the time for everything including portraits. My background was with Large Format where they are obligatory and I suppose it just becomes habitual. It does make my shots more deliberate, however this is not always a good thing particularly with portraiture.
Each to his own I suppose. If you like spontaneity then tripods may not be for you. If your approach is more sedate and considered give them a go.
I agree with DD that if you are going to use one make sure that it is sturdy enough. Too many are too flimsey to be of any practical use. However if it is intended for taking on hikes it needs to be portable as well (carbon fibre are a good alround choice).
Each to his own I suppose. If you like spontaneity then tripods may not be for you. If your approach is more sedate and considered give them a go.
I agree with DD that if you are going to use one make sure that it is sturdy enough. Too many are too flimsey to be of any practical use. However if it is intended for taking on hikes it needs to be portable as well (carbon fibre are a good alround choice).
Just wondering after seeing really nice/top quality pictures, And the comparisons between them and the ones ive been talking 
(sometimes slightly burrred) (i know about shutter speed etc...)
I know ive still got a bit of learning to do, i was just wondering how often you photographers will take one out with you
(sometimes slightly burrred) (i know about shutter speed etc...)I know ive still got a bit of learning to do, i was just wondering how often you photographers will take one out with you
- Messages
- 9,521
- Edit My Images
- Yes
Just wondering after seeing really nice/top quality pictures, And the comparisons between them and the ones ive been talking
I know ive still got a bit of learning to do, i was just wondering how often you photographers will take one out with you
Assuming by 'blurred' you don't mean Out of Focus (OoF) - then yes, shutter speed is likely to be your problem
It could be that you can't hold your camera/lens steady enough, your subject moves too fast, or both - either way a faster shutter speed will do
A tripod is then needed if your subject isn't moving much, but you can't hold the camera steady enough; or you can hold is perfectly steady but your subject is moving too much so you need a nice smooth panning action - or both
And it's used for effects where you are deliberately using a shutter speed so low nothing but holding the camera/lens perfectly steady would work - that could be a wall, or floor, but a tripod is a bit more flexible
What have you been shooting that's 'not right'? Can you post a shot or two?
DD
