One of the most used and needed items in our photography doesn’t sit inside our camera bags. Instead, they’re in our car, our hands, on the ground or in side straps on our backpacks.
That is of course, unless you leave it at home, unused sitting in the closet. Then it pines, waiting, hoping to see the light of day. We’re sharing the reasons to use tripods for photography, other “uses” and considerations when buying.
Tripods provide stability and support for our gear. When we use these three legged partners, they help improve two critical elements in our photography. Composition and image quality.
But, did you know that tripods do more than just help our photography? They really are ‘multi-purpose’ tools. Kind of like a Swiss Army Knife (see at Amazon). Well, almost. Let’s take a look.
Tripods: For Photography, Other Uses and Recommendations
I have my personal favorite brands based on my first hand experiences. There are many excellent choices for those needing support for lighter weight gear and those sporting the big beastly lenses too. We’ll share 1) Tripods for photography, 2) Other uses and 3) Selection considerations.
Tripods – Why Use Them?
Sure, there’s times I love the freedom of walking around with the camera and capturing the moment. Many fun and well used images emerge from spontaneous shots.
However, when I’m working to add images to my Etsy shop or professional portfolio, I tend to lean on my tripod to ensure I have more solid selections to choose from post processing.
The following five represent the primary reasons we rely on these 3 legged partners.
- Composition – When your camera is attached securely to your tripod, you have the freedom to slow down and fine tune your perspective, angle. Sure you can do that without the tripod by moving your feet. However, with a tripod and live view working together, it’s easier to fine tune and hone your composition.
- Artistry – In addition to artistic composition, there are creative elements a tripod supports. Long exposures to balance non moving, static subjects with moving surroundings. Water falls, clouds, dramatic skies, low light, night photography all require tripods to maximize image quality and artistry.
- Image Quality – Minimize movement at the time of pressing the shutter. In addition to using a tripod, using the exposure delay mode in combination further reduces movement within the camera. (With exposure delay mode, the camera shutter is released and the mirror raised when the photographer presses the shutter button. Then, the camera will wait a couple of seconds and capture the image.)
- Flexibility – When you have a tripod, you’re prepared. You want to be in a group photo? Put your camera on the tripod. Need a quality selfie? Or, do you need to assist your subject. A tripod with a remote release provides you with the flexibility to create.
- Stability & Safety – From landscapes, portraits to wildlife, sturdy* (see below regarding choices) tripods offer a safety net from strain on our joints (hands, wrists) and backs (long lenses).
Other Uses:
Ok, below sounds a bit tongue and cheek. The reality? These are valid and real uses for our tripods in the field and at home.
- Walking stick – When walking on steep terrain, or I need a bit of stability since I’m loaded with a backpack, my tripod makes a great little support stick.
- Protection/self-defense – This one is more peace of mind. Many times I’m walking in the woods solo and I hear coyotes in the distance, I make sure it’s extended and ready. It may be a false sense of security, but I’m prepared for swinging and using it with power if needed.
- Test Before Stepping – We photograph on shorelines, rivers, in water and on treacherous icy conditions. Our extended tripods serve as testers of what’s underneath the surface.
- Coat Rack – Guilty. Enough said. See below for avoiding this.
- Give someone a hand – Tripods serve as an extra hand too. If you or a partner falls, instead of bending over, extend the tripod to assist them in standing. You don’t have to bend over and you can leverage the power in your legs.
- Props – I keep various backdrops in my supply bag. On occasions, there’s not a method to secure a backdrop behind my subject (flowers). My old tripod works great as a backdrop holder too.
Tripod Selection Considerations – Avoid the Treadmill Syndrome
Choosing a tripod is not a purchase we take lightly. As a solid tripod sets the foundation for our photography and gear, choosing the right one requires knowing your requirements, what works for your gear and physique.
When you buy the wrong tripod, it sits and waits. It may even disappear into the depths of our closets. Consider:
- Weight rating of the tripod (and tripod head too) – You don’t need a beast if you’re shooting with a lightweight mirrorless camera and small lens. Conversely, a 500mm prime and full frame DSLR requires a solid steady base. Plan and buy for what you need today and in the near future.
- Height – The height at a minimum should be relatively your height so you don’t have to bend over to photograph. I chose a tripod that when fully extended is actually taller than me. The reason is for the times the tripod (ex. streams, rocky areas) is placed on an area lower than where my stance is, it offers more flexibility.
- Weight – How much are you willing to carry when you’re walking with your backpack, tripod and other gear? If your tripod drags you down and is too weighty for your build, it won’t get used. Conversely, if it’s too light, you won’t have the stability you need. Carbon fiber tripods are highly regarded for weight and stability, however it is more expensive. Aluminum is heavier but less expensive. Tip: Pack your camera bag with what you think you’ll normally carry and hike in a nearby trail. Then hike again with something that’s equivalent to the size and scale of the tripod your considering.
- Other – the features and how each tripod operates is personal preference. These include legs, feet, extendable center column, sold with tripod head or the tripod head is sold separately. Note: I prefer choosing the tripod base separate from the head as I needed multiple heads due to my landscape lenses and wildlife lenses.
My choices for tripods
There are many excellent choices for those needing support for lighter weight gear and those sporting the big beastly lenses too. Today, my system includes Really Right Stuff tripod and heads. (These are shown in my camera shop list on Amazon). However, my tripods evolved over time based on what I could afford and my gear.
Manfrotto, Benro and other tripod brands (on Amazon) are also available in different heights, weights and options.
Buying a tripod is investing in you and your photography. What happens when you take the time to explore your options and choose the tripod that meets your needs (and physique)? It will be with you, in the field for many years versus staying at home.
For blogs with exposure delay mode: Photography Tips on Aperture and Light
