Tripods - Do I Need One?
These days, with cameras & lenses having significantly good image stablisation, as well as sensors that allow you to use much higher ISO's and still get good quality images, it makes you wonder whether you need a tripod.
Indeed, I use my tripod much less than I did because of this. The freedom to get your camera into tight or difficult positions and the speed at which you can change position, can make using a tripod a hindrance.
However, there are some subjects where a tripod is beneficial and some where it is essential.
It all depends on what you like to photograph!
Tripod Essential
If your shutter speed is 1/4 sec or slower then it is essential to have a tripod or similar to ensure you get no camera shake. You still need to pay attention to how sturdy your tripod is, especially if your camera gear is big & heavy and your shutter speed very long. You may also need to use a time delay or remote trigger to make sure the camera has stopped moving after you focus & press the shutter.
Examples of Subjects:
Star photography, silky water on waterfalls, night & low light photography, long exposures for land & seascapes, panoramas done manually, interval photography, very small macro and more.
Tripod Desirable
When you want to spend more time getting the right composition, or using filters, having the camera on a tripod is much easier. Also, if you are waiting for the right light or something else to come into frame. When you want to take a sequence of photographs and have the composition identical. When your subject is contained and your gear is very heavy
Examples of Subjects:
Landscape photography, group family portraits, product photography, still life photography, some sports photography, some bird photography, macro in low light etc.
Tripod not Needed or Where it Inhibits Photography
Where you have good light and high shutter speeds or where you need to adjust yourself or camera quickly. In crowds where someone can trip on your tripod, or you have no time to set one up. Where you don't want to draw attention to what you are doing.
Examples of Subjects:
Creatures and animals that move unpredictably including macro, birds on the wing or forest birds where you cannot predict where they will be, some flower photography, people photography when you wish to be more spontaneous, general travel photography and more.
So How do I Choose One?
First - make sure you know what you want to photograph and how low your shutter speeds will go. The heavier the gear and the lower the shutter speeds, the more sturdy your tripod needs to be. Buy one where you can choose what head you can put on it as you can then find the legs that suit and the head that suits what you photograph (unless it is so designed that it suits you well). Make sure that it has a quick release plate so you can take your camera off quickly.
Look at the specifications. What weight will it take, how high will it go, how heavy is it and can you carry it if you need to for a long time. If it is only for use in a studio or home, the tripod's weight is not so relevant.
If you have a lightweight camera & lens and are mainly taken photos in bright light, you may get away with a light duty tripod. Don't buy a really cheap one as they won't last.
If you are going to use it for long exposures, and or have a larger camera and lenses, try out your gear on the tripod. Some shops will let you do this. Take your largest camera and your heaviest lens. Take photos at low shutter speeds eg. 2 seconds at your lenses lowest f -stop. Check for camera shake. If it passes that, check it for ease of use and comfort of carrying. You can now make an informed decision.
