Tripods explored. - DPChallenge Forums

Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM

10/01/2003 12:17:57 PM · #1

Just for interest I did a comparison on how sharp my hand held shots are compared to using a tripod, and pressing the shutter, and also using a tripod and a cable release.

I found out that I was worse than I expected.... The typical figure for 'acceptably sharp' images is to shoot at 1/focal length or faster shutter speeds - for the 35mm equivalent.

I used a 380mm effective lens and tried it out.

Found out I could get what looked like acceptably sharp hand held at even 1/250s and at 1/125s things started to get a bit softer. But then
I compared to shots with mirror lockup on a decent tripod - comparing these, I could see the results ere sharper even at the 1/500s shutter speeds when compared to the handheld shots.

I see a lot of entries here that could be a lot crisper, with tripod use - so how often do you use yours ?

Its worth, even for those who are convinced they can hand hold down at 1/60s on zoom lenses, to compare and see how you do - pick something with some fine sharp detail and just shoot it side by side, one hand held, and one with the best technique you have - tripod, timer release, remote release or cable - whatever your camera lets you do - and see if you can see a difference. You might be surprised.

C-Fox

Canon EOS-20D

10/01/2003 12:45:44 PM · #2

One of the first bad habits having a digital (instant feedback) camera broke was my tendence to hand-hold in situations where I could have used a tripod. My new rule of thumb, if you can use one, do. It makes a surprising difference. (Course then I broke 2 cheep tripods, and knocked over my nice new D10 causing it to hit the cement from 5 foot hight. D10 was fine, lens less so, but I am now the proud owner of a professional quality tripod.)

pinback

Sony DT 11-18mm f/4.5-5.6 Aspherical ED Super Wide Angle Zoom

10/01/2003 12:56:29 PM · #3

My rule of thumb: if I can use a tripod, I do. I also, wherever possible, use a remote release when the camera's on the tripod. If I can't use this (because I'm using flash - they use the same socket), I use the self-timer.

It's a good point to bring up, though, Gordon - thanks.

Spork99

Canon EOS M6 Mk II

Canon EF-M 22mm STM Lens

10/01/2003 01:07:05 PM · #4

I always use a tripod if I can. It makes it a lot easier to get a sharp image. Since I'm using the same tripod I used with my 20+ lb view camera, I know it's rock solid with my little G5 on it.

MikeO

Fujifilm x100

10/01/2003 04:39:35 PM · #5

I have only recently bought my first tripod and i was very suprised at the difference it makes, only trouble is its something else for my wife to carry for me.....bless her.

JPR

Sony Alpha a55

10/01/2003 04:47:43 PM · #6

Yes, I always use a tripod when available. Of course, it's not always appropriate, such as action shots, etc. The thing that bothers me is that I use a tripod to get perfect focus on something rather than hand holding it and then I edited out the dust and scratches with neat image and I get comments that the photo is slightly out of focus. Can't people tell the difference between a poorly taken photo and a well edited one where the softening takes place in the correct places and adds a soft focus feeling without loosing crispness or detail? Ah well...

TooCool

Canon EOS-300D Rebel

Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II

10/01/2003 05:33:45 PM · #7

I recently purchased a copy of Digital Photography Made Easy published in England. (11 dollars here in US.) It had in the bag with the magazine and a CDRom a mini (about 5inch high) tripod with flexible legs. It's kinda cool for quick set up shots and fits in your camera bag!!!

JC_Homola

Canon EOS-20D

Canon EF 135mm f/2.0L USM

10/01/2003 05:38:43 PM · #8

I use a tripod, 90% of the time, the other 10& my camera is resting on something. I can't hold it still enough, period. I also use my remote about 75% of the time.

But then, I think my physical condition tends to make me less steady.

ScottK

Canon EOS-350D Rebel XT

Canon EF 28-135mm F/3.5-5.6 IS USM

10/01/2003 05:42:21 PM · #9

I love this excerpt from The Ultimate Exposure Computer:

if you are using a 200 mm lens, your shutter speed must exceed 1/200 second (I.E. 1/250 or faster). If not, you should use a tripod. If your subject is moving, double this shutter speed. If you are moving (such as in a boat or plane) triple the speed. If you are doing macro work (.25 magnification or greater), always use a tripod... To be safe, weld your camera to the tripod.

Now, where's that blow-torch?

10/01/2003 05:46:33 PM · #10

Isn't it the absolute value of the lens that you have to worry about (ie 1/200th for 200mm handholding on the 70-200) instead of the 35mm equivalent? You're not magnifying, only cropping.

I don't use a tripod much, if only for the reason that my tripod sucks and I've yet to get a better one. I want the tripod collar for my 70-200 so I can use it with a monopod but the collar price is painful, even the black one designed for the 200 F2.8. I didn't see a huge need for a tripod with my F717 but the 10D is a different story entirely...

Originally posted by Gordon:

10/01/2003 08:58:26 PM · #11

Originally posted by jimmythefish:

Isn't it the absolute value of the lens that you have to worry about (ie 1/200th for 200mm handholding on the 70-200) instead of the 35mm equivalent? You're not magnifying, only cropping.

That's probably correct - and why I found I was okayish at 1/180s, even with a 200mm lens and a 1.4x teleconverter. It did fall appart about 1/125s - though it very much depends on your definition of 'acceptable' in acceptable sharpness. Even though, there is a clear difference between the 1/250s handheld and 1/250s tripod mounted and the same way, the 1/500s handheld looks softer than the 1/500s tripod mounted.

It is worth testing out yourself to find out your limits I guess - though it also depends a lot on the quality of the tripod like you mentioned.

10/01/2003 09:49:36 PM · #12

I'm gonna pick up a monopod and I guess bite the bullet for the tripod collar for the 70-200 sometime soon. I'd really like a collar where you can swivel freely from portrait to landscape orientation. I think there's something out there which will do that...

Do you like the 1.4x teleconverter? I'd like an even longer lens in the future - the 300 F4 IS seems like a dynamite lens at an OK price (thought I'd prefer a non-IS, used verison) and anything longer is just silly expensive. The teleconverter seems like a good compromise for now and will of course work on both if I decide to go longer in the future.

The monopod seems like a good compromise as far as weight and portability go, though I do need a good tripod too. Sometimes I feel like a bit self-conscious with the tripod, though...sounds funny but true. The F4 with the hood on it is bad enough...

James.

Message edited by author 2003-10-01 21:50:25.

10/01/2003 10:10:54 PM · #13

Originally posted by jimmythefish:

I think that is the big advantage of the tripod collars - that you can rotate to portrait, without having to flop a tripod head off to the side, off the center of balance - so you stay more stable and can easily rotate - wish it wasn't so pricy though!

The 1.4x converter is good - still get sharp results, ( //www.pbase.com/image/21062041.jpg is an example) and a resonable trade-off. Makes the lens a F5.6 though - which is the main reason I didn't get the 2x converter - it would cause it to be a F8 max aperture, and the AF wouldn't work - without some weird workarounds.

I've used a couple of monopods - the big thing to make sure is that it has an adjustable head - I have a couple of freebie cheap ones that aren't a whole lot of use with a big SLR on them.

10/01/2003 10:16:44 PM · #14

So does the lens swivel freely on the collar, or do you have to unscrew the locking mechanism, rotate it and then lock again? If it's a progressive tightening where you can get some swivel that'd be much preferred...

Yeah I'm not interested in the 2x setup, either...autofocus be good thing.

Message edited by author 2003-10-01 22:20:34.

Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM

10/01/2003 10:17:42 PM · #15

PS - nice butterfly shot! Very sharp...

Niten

Canon EOS-20D

10/01/2003 10:55:48 PM · #16

Cameras work without a tripod???

Tim

btw We see alot of soft pictures due to file size more than anything.

ellamay

Canon EOS-1D Mark II

Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS

10/01/2003 11:10:22 PM · #17

lol- cameras work with them??
I am embarrassed not to own one, occassionally use a monopod.
Leaving, hiding in shame now under a rock.
Will put tripod on Christmas list. : )

10/02/2003 08:14:32 AM · #18

Niten.....great comment.

For those who may be purchasing their first tripod or "upgrading" please consider these things before purchase.

Manufacturer (at least look at Bogen, Manfrotto)
Ball head (extremely versatile and fast)
Weight vs sturdiness

Most manufacturers rate their tri-pods as to the designed load (lbs or kg)

I am extremely happy with my manfrotto 3021pro and 3026 ball head. Very sturdy, about 6 pounds. I also use a monopod w/a 3229 head. My backpacking tripod is a Slik 960G-QL. Very light, not too sturdy.

10/02/2003 09:23:06 AM · #19

Originally posted by jimmythefish:

PS - nice butterfly shot! Very sharp...

It was handheld :) at 1/320sec. The sidelighting helps a lot with the apparent sharpness too, though.

10/12/2003 11:44:40 AM · #20

Just thumbing through February's issue of Popular Photography. Page 34 has a mention of Manfrotto's new Digital Tripod. 3.7 pounds with a ball head. Digi 719B. $99.00 street price. www.bogenphoto.com.

Looks like a great piece of equipment. Raises to eye level and collapses to 20". May be worth considering for those in the market.

The 719B has been replaced by the 724B. Rated to hold 7.7 lbs. Collapses to 19" and weighs 3 pounds.

Message edited by author 2003-10-13 12:01:55.

lionelm

Canon EF 24-105mm f/4.0L IS

10/12/2003 01:21:27 PM · #21

Just a warning, Usually the 'digi' tripods would not be suitable for a DLR except with a light lens. Maybe this one is. Just one thing to check.

Sony 16-50mm f/3.5-5.6 E-mount

10/12/2003 05:49:11 PM · #22

I concur, regarding the Digital SLR's. This unit's ball head appears to be near a mini or midi's size. Check mfgs specs for weight ratings. Many shooters on this site are using compacts like my 4300. I recently lugged my Manfroto 3021Pro w/ 3026 ball head (about 6+ lbs) and my little 4300 at 12-14 ozs. Just seemed like overkill.

Message edited by author 2003-10-13 12:03:02.

jmsetzler

Sony Alpha a6000

10/12/2003 06:05:00 PM · #23

The 714SHB tripod will support 5.5 lbs. This is enough to handle most standard SLR setups. Granted, it will not hold some of the larger lenses. This one is only 14" collapsed and it weighs 2.2 lbs.

I just ordered a bogen 3221 with the 3047 head, but I also plan to get this one to carry in the saddle bags on my motorcycle when I hit the road with the camera on two wheels.

DebN2003

10/12/2003 06:20:39 PM · #24

I see a lot of entries here that could be a lot crisper, with tripod use - so how often do you use yours ?

******************************
I'd always heard that past a certain age a tripod is the best way to go (even for film cameras with fast lenses). Well, I'm past that age and also going online to search for another quick release for my digital cameras....next -- lighting! ;-)