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DPChallenge Forums >> Photography Discussion >> Do you need a tripod?
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11/21/2006 05:13:30 PM · #1
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11/21/2006 05:20:32 PM · #2
I think a tripod is recommended for increased sharpness at any shutter speed.
11/21/2006 05:26:33 PM · #3
There will always be some camera shake that will adversely affect sharpness. Using a tripod also forces you to slow down and think about the composition more. It is a good idea to use a tripod whenever possible.
11/21/2006 05:30:01 PM · #4
To be a better photographer, you need a tripod unless there is a specific reason you can't or shouldn't use one. The benefits of tripod use go way beyond sharpness and blur.
11/21/2006 05:59:57 PM · #5
Originally posted by Raziel:

Using a tripod also forces you to slow down and think about the composition more.


I like this benefit that Raziel mentioned.
11/21/2006 06:02:47 PM · #6
No need for a tripod if you have another suitable solid support. I regularly use a beanbag.

For landscapes I generally use a heavy tripod AND cable release AND mirror lockup just to eliminate any possibility of camera shake.
11/21/2006 06:39:10 PM · #7
I had learned the rule of thumb as the reciprocal rule. If your lens is 200mm, for example, you should use a tripod below 1/200th of a second. If it's 500mm, you should use one below 1/500th, etc. That's what I learned with film cameras, and I would assume it would be a pretty good guideline for digital.

Of course most DSLRs have a multiplier due to the sensor size, so it might be more accurate to say that if you have a 200mm lens, you shouldn't hand hold it under 1/300th of a second, blah blah blah.

This all goes out the window with the lenses that have the built-in stabilization, too, since you can hand-hold them at much lower speeds and still get crisp shots.
11/21/2006 06:54:26 PM · #8
I am increasingly managing without a tripod at lowish speeds. My technique is to stand very still in a rifle-shooting pose, breathe out, squeeze the release and take 3-5 shots in a burst. I immediately delete the unfocussed images. I tend to get one image from the sequence in tight focus at up to 1/4 the speed of the reciprocal rule gives you (1/4 second at 16mm, 1/50 at 200mm).

Longer exposures are still, of course, tripod critical.
11/21/2006 08:14:11 PM · #9
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11/21/2006 08:18:31 PM · #10
Using a tripod in the situation you described probably wouldn't make a big difference unless you had very shaky hands. However, using it in a long exposure is almost a must. It will make the image sharper and clearer in the way that it won't be blurred. But it won't make a soft lens sharper than it's capabilities (of course). Overall (as everyone else here is saying) use a tripod whenever it's possible, you can't really go wrong with it.
11/21/2006 08:29:45 PM · #11
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11/21/2006 08:33:04 PM · #12
I admit I don't use a tripod as often I should. I am often busy trying to shoot at an interesting different angle, however I am sure I could still acomplish that using a tripod and like the others who have posted here said ...acheive a sharper image.

Message edited by author 2006-11-21 20:41:02.
11/21/2006 08:34:54 PM · #13
not trying to be a prick - but dont use a tripod if the ground you're on vibrates/shakes (you'll never know how strictly people may follow advises!) :p

Message edited by author 2006-11-21 20:35:45.
11/21/2006 08:43:24 PM · #14
Oh I forgot to add something to my previous comment..on the flip side of the tripod use I often use a monopod (This comes in handy when I am shooting a wedding ceremony and I am at the altar)!
11/21/2006 08:44:17 PM · #15
my photography mentor always told me....."If your subject isn't moving, your camera shouldn't be either"

Also, as mentioned, while the increase in sharpness of your image under the conditions you describe will be negligible, your composition will almost certainly benefit.

Message edited by author 2006-11-21 20:44:41.
11/21/2006 09:20:22 PM · #16
Originally posted by jaxsond:

my photography mentor always told me....."If your subject isn't moving, your camera shouldn't be either"



I like that one!
11/21/2006 09:33:20 PM · #17
From my photojournalism career:

1. Make yourself steady. Wide stance w/ solid support of the arms, using your chest and stomach to brace your arms.
2. Learn to hold your breath at shutter click.
3. Don't drink a lot of caffiene before the shoot.

There are other factors, such as keeping your blood preasure and heart rate low.

I can handhold 300mm down to 1/60 of a second regularly with no noticable motion blur.

At 50mm, I can go down to 1/15 of a second.

Does a tripod increase your chances of a sharp shot? Yes. But, a tripod is not always available or convenient. So, learning proper techniques of handholding a camera are essential to anyone who is truly interested in "real world" photography.

FWIW, I never do portrait/boudior shoots on a tripod as it limits creativity/spontananity in POV.

Message edited by author 2006-11-21 21:35:52.
11/22/2006 02:16:58 AM · #18
These are all great comments thanks!

One of my thoughts was.... 'imagine looking through binoculars, the tiniest movement of far away objects produces dramatic shake, therefore I was thinking that for landscape pictures of relatively distance objects the same would be the case.'

Think I'll be outside this coming weekend and take a few pictures, with tripod, without tripod and a few things in between to see if I can notice any difference. Thanks again.
11/22/2006 02:34:01 AM · #19
gorilla pod!
11/22/2006 04:08:32 AM · #20
.

If you have Image Stabilization/Vibration Resistance/Shake Reduction, then you can get away with no tripod more than if you didn't have the above technologies.

This leads me to a question that has been on my mind lately...

My camera has built-in Shake Reduction and the manual states, "Do not use the Shake Reduction function when using the camera on a tripod."

Why????
11/22/2006 04:13:23 AM · #21
Originally posted by lesgainous:

My camera has built-in Shake Reduction and the manual states, "Do not use the Shake Reduction function when using the camera on a tripod."
Why????


because there is a slight chance that the tripod may have micro vibrations that may trigger the anti-shake mechanism. And AS mechanism cant properly "compensate" for the micro vibrations and itself actually cause blur to your photo...
11/22/2006 07:06:20 AM · #22
Originally posted by Prof_Fate:

Originally posted by jaxsond:

my photography mentor always told me....."If your subject isn't moving, your camera shouldn't be either"



I like that one!


I agree.
11/22/2006 07:33:48 AM · #23
Originally posted by fotomann_forever:

3. Don't drink a lot of caffiene before the shoot.

That can be a problem.....

P.S. I was taught a tripod will always help, no matter at what speed and length your shooting at. Though it would be MORE useful at longer lengths and/or longer shutter speeds.
11/22/2006 08:28:03 AM · #24
Originally posted by MrEd:

P.S. I was taught a tripod will always help, no matter at what speed and length your shooting at. Though it would be MORE useful at longer lengths and/or longer shutter speeds.


At the very least using a tripod cannot negatively affect image quality.

Unless the image stabilisation on your lens/camera is tripod compatible just be sure to turn it off.
11/23/2006 10:56:42 AM · #25
Would you leave home without a second lens, a polarizing filter, or a flash?

Tripods are neccessary and part of the equipment required to create photographs. Can you imagine shooting a waterfall with silky smooth water without a tripod. Try a balanced lighting shot about 30 minutes after sundown without a tripod. The list for using a tripod goes on forever!

Experienced photographers have learned the importants of a good steady tripod.

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