Keep It Steady
When it comes to digital photography a good sturdy tripod is a must for any photographer who wants to obtain the sharpest pictures possible. By using a tripod you eliminate camera shake and lens lag especially in the lower end digital cameras that don't have an anti-shake function. It also comes in handy when trying to steady telephoto lenses. Their slower maximum aperture requires the need for a slower shutter speed which can add to the problem even more.
A good rule of thumb for deciding whether to hand hold a telephoto lens or use your tripod is to use a shutter speed of at least one over the (1/) the focal length of the lens. For example, if you are using a 500 mm. lens the minimum shutter speed you would normally need to use without a tripod would be 1/500 second. When using a shutter speed slower than 1/500, it is wise to use a tripod.
A good sturdy tripod comes in handy when taking pictures in low-light settings also. This is especially good for time exposures and night-time effects.
Sometimes it is tough lugging a tripod around. It slows down the picture taking process. However, by spending more time preparing your shot, you will have the opportunity to become more aware of elements that affect the results of your photographs such as lighting and surroundings.
Note that most cameras with a built in shake reduction function require that it be disabled when using a tripod. So check your camera's manual.
I use a tripod whenever and wherever possible. I use a Bogen-Manfrotto 190xpro with a 3-way pan/tilt head. The 190xpro gives me sturdy camera support and flexibility. It allows me to place the camera anywhere from inches off the ground to above eye level. This is important also because it is easier to sight at eye level than stooped over. It is also light weight and easy to carry.
It is not always possible or practical to carry your tripod with you every time you go out shooting. With this in mind, remember that there are several natural tripods available when you are out--a fence railing, rocks, walls, etc. Just make sure your camera is well-supported to prevent damage or the effects of gravity may come into play.
A good rule of thumb for deciding whether to hand hold a telephoto lens or use your tripod is to use a shutter speed of at least one over the (1/) the focal length of the lens. For example, if you are using a 500 mm. lens the minimum shutter speed you would normally need to use without a tripod would be 1/500 second. When using a shutter speed slower than 1/500, it is wise to use a tripod.
A good sturdy tripod comes in handy when taking pictures in low-light settings also. This is especially good for time exposures and night-time effects.
Sometimes it is tough lugging a tripod around. It slows down the picture taking process. However, by spending more time preparing your shot, you will have the opportunity to become more aware of elements that affect the results of your photographs such as lighting and surroundings.
Note that most cameras with a built in shake reduction function require that it be disabled when using a tripod. So check your camera's manual.
I use a tripod whenever and wherever possible. I use a Bogen-Manfrotto 190xpro with a 3-way pan/tilt head. The 190xpro gives me sturdy camera support and flexibility. It allows me to place the camera anywhere from inches off the ground to above eye level. This is important also because it is easier to sight at eye level than stooped over. It is also light weight and easy to carry.
It is not always possible or practical to carry your tripod with you every time you go out shooting. With this in mind, remember that there are several natural tripods available when you are out--a fence railing, rocks, walls, etc. Just make sure your camera is well-supported to prevent damage or the effects of gravity may come into play.
Choosing the Right Tripod
The first thing you'll need to consider when choosing your tripod is the size and weight of the camera equipment you will be using. Your tripod MUST be capable of supporting it. Check the tripod's stated load capacity, and if you can, test your camera and lens combination on the tripod before you buy. Some studio photographers prefer heavier tripods because their weight makes them inherently more stable. But if you love to travel and enjoy shooting nature photography, lightness and transportability may be critical factors in your choice. Remember that the lightness of a tripod itself is not related to how much weight it can support.
Tripod weight itself has more to do with the construction methods and materials used. Newer high-tech materials and construction have allowed many tripod manufacturers to offer tripods that are incredibly sturdy, yet light and very easily transported. Carbon fiber, magnesium and aluminum are the most common materials used in light weight tripods. The lightest tripods are made entirely of carbon fiber with magnesium castings. The main advantage of carbon fiber in tripod fabrication is not its reduced weight, but its increases rigidity and strength. Aluminum is the most common material used in tripod construction, offering great support at a typically lower price.
There are many tripod manufacturers that make tripods that fall somewhere between the two, offering both weight-saving features using more common materials at a mid-price range. There are also tripods made of larger diameter aluminum tubing and heavy-duty castings, used with medium and large format cameras that can sometimes weigh more than 20 lbs.
With so many great tripods to choose from, it can be overwhelming at times. Like I mentioned earlier I use a Manfrotto 190xpro tripod. Manfrotto is known for their superior quality at an affordable price and offer a very broad range of styles, technical solutions, sizes and materials. Expect to pay about $150 to $250 if you want a good, medium-range tripod that will perform for years. The top professional tripods like those made by Gitzo may be more than the average photographer needs. However, a low-end tripod probably won't last, will probably be spindly and shaky. I recommend the medium-range tripod as it has worked very well for me. Price ranges are wide, so you should have no problem finding a tripod that has the features you need and is within your budget.
There is also the mono-pod which only has one leg versus three on the tripod. The mono-pod is not as stable as the tripod, but it is easier to carry, and can double as a walking stick.
Regardless, of which you choose. Get out there and shoot away!
Tripod weight itself has more to do with the construction methods and materials used. Newer high-tech materials and construction have allowed many tripod manufacturers to offer tripods that are incredibly sturdy, yet light and very easily transported. Carbon fiber, magnesium and aluminum are the most common materials used in light weight tripods. The lightest tripods are made entirely of carbon fiber with magnesium castings. The main advantage of carbon fiber in tripod fabrication is not its reduced weight, but its increases rigidity and strength. Aluminum is the most common material used in tripod construction, offering great support at a typically lower price.
There are many tripod manufacturers that make tripods that fall somewhere between the two, offering both weight-saving features using more common materials at a mid-price range. There are also tripods made of larger diameter aluminum tubing and heavy-duty castings, used with medium and large format cameras that can sometimes weigh more than 20 lbs.
With so many great tripods to choose from, it can be overwhelming at times. Like I mentioned earlier I use a Manfrotto 190xpro tripod. Manfrotto is known for their superior quality at an affordable price and offer a very broad range of styles, technical solutions, sizes and materials. Expect to pay about $150 to $250 if you want a good, medium-range tripod that will perform for years. The top professional tripods like those made by Gitzo may be more than the average photographer needs. However, a low-end tripod probably won't last, will probably be spindly and shaky. I recommend the medium-range tripod as it has worked very well for me. Price ranges are wide, so you should have no problem finding a tripod that has the features you need and is within your budget.
There is also the mono-pod which only has one leg versus three on the tripod. The mono-pod is not as stable as the tripod, but it is easier to carry, and can double as a walking stick.
Regardless, of which you choose. Get out there and shoot away!
More Digital Photography Tips and Links
If you are like me, you are always looking for more information to help in your quest to become a better photographer. You may find some of the links below helpful:
This lens outlines what inspires the photographer to seek out the subjects he chooses. Offers a variety of helpful and informative tips on digital photography.
Tricks and techniques for better images with your digital camera. Use your digital camera to take stunning photographs!
These fantastic ebooks will help you transform your digital photos into beautiful, professional quality pictures even if you've never used a digital camera before.
How to easily start up and market a profitable photography business even if you have never been in business before. Earn up to $720 per week part time with your camera, selling photos.
Get a FREE MEMORY CARD with purchase of select digital frames at the Kodak Store!
20% Off Everything (Digital Cameras, Digital Camera Accessories, etc) at Fujifilmmall.com! Use Promo Code: 20Deal
This lens outlines what inspires the photographer to seek out the subjects he chooses. Offers a variety of helpful and informative tips on digital photography.
Tricks and techniques for better images with your digital camera. Use your digital camera to take stunning photographs!
Get Paid To Submit Photos To The Internet!:
Genuine home-based photography system lets you earn up to $250 a day and also gives you the opportunity to earn monthly residual income off every photo that you submit online!These fantastic ebooks will help you transform your digital photos into beautiful, professional quality pictures even if you've never used a digital camera before.
How to easily start up and market a profitable photography business even if you have never been in business before. Earn up to $720 per week part time with your camera, selling photos.
Get a FREE MEMORY CARD with purchase of select digital frames at the Kodak Store!
20% Off Everything (Digital Cameras, Digital Camera Accessories, etc) at Fujifilmmall.com! Use Promo Code: 20Deal
Oh! Don't Forget Your Head.
Like a sturdy set of legs the head is just as important, generally when you purchase a tripod the head is not included. You will have to buy a tripod kit that includes the legs and the head. Purchasing the items separately gives you the opportunity to more or less customize your tripod. It also gives you the ability to change out heads for different applications and cameras. Keep in mind there are quite a few different models and types of heads to choose from, each of which has its strong and weak points. In still photography there are two types of heads used, the ball head and the 3-way head.Nature photographers and users of spotting scopes or long telephoto lenses may opt for video heads for the extra counterbalance and adjustable friction controls they offer.
The key points to remember when selecting a head are how smoothly it moves, how much weight it can safely support and whether it has a quick release plate. Make sure you purchase a head that is matched to the size and weight of the heaviest gear you plan on mounting on it. Many heads come with a quick release camera mounting device that makes changing or replacing the camera a snap.
One important note, I don't recommend lugging your tripod around with the camera still attached.
Tripods Up For Auction
You can save a lot of money and still get great tripods by buying used. Don't want someone else's? You can find new equipment too.
Other Photography Lenses
For more information on photography, check out some of my other photography lenses below:
Your Positive Comments Are Appreciated!
I appreciate your comments and welcome information sharing so feel free to share your thoughts and recommendations with me and the readers.
-
-
SusansZooCrew
Nov 27, 2010 @ 2:24 pm | delete
- I was doing a favor for a friend and doing extra wedding pics (on top of the pro's pics) and the pro was kind enough to show me something.....some tripods have a removable part where the camera screws on so that you can get your camera off the tripod with a flick of a switch (leaving the screw on piece on the camera). My tripod didn't have any instructions with it so I never knew. Now I justleave the removable part attached to the camera :)
-
-
-
flowski
Aug 31, 2008 @ 3:30 am | delete
- I've been known to stake down, or duct tape my tripod to the ground. Just to make sure it doesn't move, or worse yet get knocked over if, and when I, or some oblivious soul bumps it. This works good especially at crowded night time events like fireworks displays.
-
-
-
Janet21
May 18, 2008 @ 5:22 pm | delete
- Nice lens! Welcome to the Everything Photography Group! :)
-
-
-
Janet21
May 18, 2008 @ 5:22 pm | delete
- Nice lens! Welcome to the Everything Photography Group! :)
-
Tripods For Sale
Here are several great tripods. Which is your favorite? Feel free to add your recommendations.
Flip ATR1B Tripod for Flip Ultra Camcorders
for Flip Video camcorders * interchangeable feet match Flip Video camcorder colors * maximum height: 5" * warranty: 30 days *0 points
Joby GP1-01EN Gorillapod Flexible Tripod (Grey)
When your digital-camera camera needs support for unique photo shoots, an ordinary tripod might not be able to tackle the job. That's when a gorilla comes in handy. Actually, you need a Gorillapod. The Original Gorillapod is the lightest and most versatile camera tripod available today. Featuring over two dozen flexible leg joints that bend and rotate, the Gorillapod will firmly secure your compact digital camera to virtually any surface ? anywhere and everywhere! Gorillapod is the ideal camera....0 points
Digital Concepts TR-60N Camera Tripod with Carrying Case
Sakar International Inc. designs and manufactures a wide range of technology, toy, and consumer electronic products. It offers consumers a unique blend of high quality products at affordable prices.0 points
Sunpak 9002DX Tripod with 3-Way Quick-Release Pan Head
The Sunpak 9002DX Tripod is a great economical full-size tripod. Oversized, single action locks with rubber leg tips and retractable spiked feet give non-skid stability. The 9002DX has an oversized leg diameter of 1", allowing this tripod to handle any 35mm camera with upto a medium telephoto lens or a total weight of 6.6 lbs. The geared center column gives positive up & down adjustments without the worry of slipping0 points
Joby GP3-01EN Gorillapod SLR-Zoom Flexible Tripod for Digital SLR Cameras
The Gorillapod SLR-Zoom is a heavy-duty version, designed with the serious photographer in mind. It makes taking digital photos more fun than ever. Mount your camera or video camera just about anywhere you want so that you can increase your creative options. All you need to do is use the universal 1/4-20 screw or your own tripod head to attach your camera to the standard tripod mount and then wrap the three flexible segmented legs securely to a nearby tree branch, fence, park bench or anything e...0 points
by Soulshine_Expressions
One of our greatest passions is learning. We're not experts on anything. We don't believe anyone is. Some people just know more about a particular subject... more »
- 32 featured lenses
- Winner of 10 trophies!
- Top lens » Trendy iPhone Cases
Feeling creative?
Create a Lens!
Explore related pages
- The Psychology of Photography The Psychology of Photography
- Express Your Soul Express Your Soul
- Take A Hike Take A Hike
- Photography Poses - A Posing Guide Just For You Photography Poses - A Posing Guide Just For You
- Things To Photograph - Photography Ideas To Get You Motivated Things To Photograph - Photography Ideas To Get You Motivated
- Bokeh Photography Bokeh Photography
