Whats a tripod good for..

heartyfisherheartyfisher Posts: 3,186Member
edited December 2013 in General Discussions
There has been several threads regarding getting tripods of various types.

Thought It would be interesting if we could list out the things we do with our tripod..? what is this bit of gear good for? it can be darn heavy and darn expensive! What does it allows us to do that we would not be able to do otherwise or even more easily.. what special or interesting photographic technique does a tripod allow.. maybe even specialised tripods for special applications .. basically anything tripod like. maybe just lets start with the generic tripod and then see where we go ? :-)
Post edited by heartyfisher on
Moments of Light - D610 D7K S5pro 70-200f4 18-200 150f2.8 12-24 18-70 35-70f2.8 : C&C very welcome!
Being a photographer is a lot like being a Christian: Some people look at you funny but do not see the amazing beauty all around them - heartyfisher.

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Comments

  • spraynprayspraynpray Posts: 6,545Moderator
    I use mine to get best results for macro work when the subjects are still. That skinny little depth of field can be placed just right. Also sunsets where the shutter speed is around a second long.

    Dark sky photography is on the cards this winter too but I have yet to do any.
    Always learning.
  • donaldejosedonaldejose Posts: 3,675Member
    I mainly use mine for two purposes: 1. To hold the camera for studio set up shots. 2. When I am shooting landscapes and want the most sharpness I can achieve. I am surprised how often VR in the new lenses combined with the ability to use higher ISO and retain IQ in the new bodies can give me a sharp shot when I would have used a tripod in the past. In my opinion tripod use and need is fading.
  • IronheartIronheart Posts: 3,017Moderator
    Anytime the shutter will need to be open for more than 1/30-1/15th of a second without VR. Also for any lens that weighs too much, usually 300mm prime and above for me.
  • paulrpaulr Posts: 1,176Member
    In simple terms it offers the photographer a better range to use their cameras Shutter./aperture controls to meet the full requirements they are trying to achieve for a specific image. The control of ambient light and DOF are limited by hand held shots, The Tripod is just a tool in the photographers arsenal of equipment. and like everything else sometimes essential, other times just a pain and totally unnecessary. I have several tripods mainly for studio work, but, it's the old story when you have not got it with you , you need it, and when you have it with you, it sits in the bag, similar to usually having the wrong lens on to get the perfect grab shot.
    Camera, Lens and Tripod and a few other Bits
  • WestEndBoyWestEndBoy Posts: 1,456Member
    edited December 2013
    Self portraits, low light, anything where super sharp is required, many macros situations, video where steadiness is important, situations where you want to control shutter speed and make it slow, HDR etc......

    I think that Donaldejose is correct that tripod use is fading as cameras are getting better for handheld purposes. However, you will never get a sharp shot handholding a camera with a one second shutter speed. I think that there will always be a use for tripods.
    Post edited by WestEndBoy on
  • ChasCSChasCS Posts: 309Member
    edited December 2013
    Panning in video recording, not essential, but gives a way nicer viewable footage.
    Long exposures, anything with our timer use, self posturing,,, Smile

    It will hold off a charging grizzly bear, for about three seconds, long enough to pray... No not a J/K. A real thrill up here...
    They said "Please, don't feed the hungry bears"... Yes please, and thank you, not if I can help it...

    http://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/1114874

    Pole vaulting across small streams and shallow tributaries...

    Holding the heavy camera , lens, speed light, plus camera bag and full canteen/wine sack hanging from the ingenious central column hook, on my Vanguard tripod. Just for extra balance. And fluid fuel replenishments... :-0
    Post edited by Golf007sd on
    D800, AF-S NIKKOR 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR, B+W Clear MRC 77mm, AF-S NIKKOR 24-120mm f/4G ED VR, Sigma DG UV 77mm,
    SB-910~WG-AS3, SB-50, ME-1, Lexar Professional 600x 64GB SDXC UHS-I 90MB/s* x2, 400x 32GB SDHC UHS-I 60MB/s* x1
    Vanguard ALTA PRO 263AT, GH-300T, SBH-250, SBH-100, PH-22 Panhead
    Lowepro S&F Deluxe Technical Belt and Harness ~ Pouch 60 AW 50 AW & 10, S&F Toploader 70 AW, Lens Case 11 x 26cm
    FE, NIKKOR 2-20mm f/1.8, OPTEX UV 52mm, Vivitar Zoom 285, Kodacolor VR 1000 CF 135-24 EXP DX 35mm, rePlay XD1080

  • PB_PMPB_PM Posts: 4,494Member
    Why a tripod? Stability, and stability alone. No amount of VR can match a good tripod. VR is very helpful, but is not a true replacement.
    If I take a good photo it's not my camera's fault.
  • PhotobugPhotobug Posts: 5,751Member
    +1 for PB-PM.
    Stability is why I use a tripod. For Self portraits of the family (I have been told that I am not in enough of my family pictures by my daughter-in-law, especially the grand kids birthday parties), macro work, both table and floor macro, and fireworks and outside Christmas shots.

    Yes, the need has fadded a little with the use of high ISO, but a good tripod is still a necessity.
    D750 & D7100 | 24-70 F2.8 G AF-S ED, 70-200 F2.8 AF VR, TC-14E III, TC-1.7EII, 35 F2 AF D, 50mm F1.8G, 105mm G AF-S VR | Backup & Wife's Gear: D5500 & Sony HX50V | 18-140 AF-S ED VR DX, 55-300 AF-S G VR DX |
    |SB-800, Amaran Halo LED Ring light | MB-D16 grip| Gitzo GT3541 + RRS BH-55LR, Gitzo GM2942 + Sirui L-10 | RRS gear | Lowepro, ThinkTank, & Hoodman gear | BosStrap | Vello Freewave Plus wireless Remote, Leica Lens Cleaning Cloth |
  • WestEndBoyWestEndBoy Posts: 1,456Member
    Yes, PB_PM has very succinctly answered the question. The rest of this thread is just examples of which applications require stability.
  • proudgeekproudgeek Posts: 1,422Member
    edited December 2013
    Astrophotography, HDR, macro, low-light landscapes, and extended use of a very heavy lens. About 20-25% of what I shoot.
    Post edited by proudgeek on
  • Golf007sdGolf007sd Posts: 2,840Moderator
    All that needs to be said has been said by those above me. Well done my friends.

    D4 & D7000 | Nikon Holy Trinity Set + 105 2.8 Mico + 200 F2 VR II | 300 2.8G VR II, 10.5 Fish-eye, 24 & 50 1.4G, 35 & 85 1.8G, 18-200 3.5-5.6 VR I SB-400 & 700 | TC 1.4E III, 1.7 & 2.0E III, 1.7 | Sigma 35 & 50 1.4 DG HSM | RRS Ballhead & Tripods Gear | Gitzo Monopod | Lowepro Gear | HDR via Promote Control System |
  • paulrpaulr Posts: 1,176Member
    Life saver, After a long shoot in a remote area I was on my way back to the car in the dark. Unfortunately I fell into an unseen bog in the dark and was completely stuck, I used the Tripod as a crutch to get me out of the bog .Without the tripod I would have been completely stuck until civilisation realised I was missing. No damage was done to either my camera gear or tripod, sadly I ruined by clothes which truly impressed my wife.
    Camera, Lens and Tripod and a few other Bits
  • heartyfisherheartyfisher Posts: 3,186Member
    edited December 2013
    What about some more specific techniques that can be used when you have a tripod?

    One thing I have used my tripod for is as an extension so that I can get my camera in a position I normally wont be able to take a photo from. I set the camera to a 2 second delay/timer, press the shutter and then hold the tripod by the legs and raise it high above my head to get a high vantage point. I have also held it out over ledges or verandahs to get a view you normally wouldn't see.. (weird but I tend to hold on tighter in those situations ;-) )
    Post edited by heartyfisher on
    Moments of Light - D610 D7K S5pro 70-200f4 18-200 150f2.8 12-24 18-70 35-70f2.8 : C&C very welcome!
    Being a photographer is a lot like being a Christian: Some people look at you funny but do not see the amazing beauty all around them - heartyfisher.

  • MsmotoMsmoto Posts: 5,398Moderator
    edited December 2013
    @heartyfisher

    Yes, like from the roof of a 9-story building, three feet from the edge out in space.
    Post edited by Msmoto on
    Msmoto, mod
  • Vipmediastar_JZVipmediastar_JZ Posts: 1,708Member
    two old sunpak tripod/monopod combo now hold my back drop in place. sometimes I use the tripod to hold the nikon flash flash.
  • ChasCSChasCS Posts: 309Member
    I'm using an old-old Monterey Custom 40"x40" projector screen, for my indoor backdrop and back ground holder...

    Those three little metallic legs, have really stood the test of time.

    I can drape a coloured cloth, course paper or any fabric of light to medium weight for awesome, blurred or focused back shots.
    "TRI" it for yourself...

    Tripods are a convenient place to hang speed lights, and have the ability to maneuver and place them, high low or medium height.
    D800, AF-S NIKKOR 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR, B+W Clear MRC 77mm, AF-S NIKKOR 24-120mm f/4G ED VR, Sigma DG UV 77mm,
    SB-910~WG-AS3, SB-50, ME-1, Lexar Professional 600x 64GB SDXC UHS-I 90MB/s* x2, 400x 32GB SDHC UHS-I 60MB/s* x1
    Vanguard ALTA PRO 263AT, GH-300T, SBH-250, SBH-100, PH-22 Panhead
    Lowepro S&F Deluxe Technical Belt and Harness ~ Pouch 60 AW 50 AW & 10, S&F Toploader 70 AW, Lens Case 11 x 26cm
    FE, NIKKOR 2-20mm f/1.8, OPTEX UV 52mm, Vivitar Zoom 285, Kodacolor VR 1000 CF 135-24 EXP DX 35mm, rePlay XD1080

  • heartyfisherheartyfisher Posts: 3,186Member
    "Monterey Custom 40"x40" projector screen" .. do you have a picture of it? I don't see what you mean..
    Moments of Light - D610 D7K S5pro 70-200f4 18-200 150f2.8 12-24 18-70 35-70f2.8 : C&C very welcome!
    Being a photographer is a lot like being a Christian: Some people look at you funny but do not see the amazing beauty all around them - heartyfisher.

  • DenverShooterDenverShooter Posts: 416Member
    I use my tripod for holding up a raft of big glass and keeping my arms from falling off. :)

    Tripod: Gitzo GT5541LS with WH-200 Wimberley Head

    Glass: Nikon 400mm F/2.8, Nikon 600mm F/4 and Nikon 800mm F/5.6

    Denver Shooter
  • ChasCSChasCS Posts: 309Member
    @heartyfisher,
    No, but you can look at its twin here
    http://www.etsy.com/listing/42539443/for-the-movie-buff-vintage-movie

    Same exact thing, while my screen is black on back, front also white, though mine it is not yellowed from age...
    D800, AF-S NIKKOR 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR, B+W Clear MRC 77mm, AF-S NIKKOR 24-120mm f/4G ED VR, Sigma DG UV 77mm,
    SB-910~WG-AS3, SB-50, ME-1, Lexar Professional 600x 64GB SDXC UHS-I 90MB/s* x2, 400x 32GB SDHC UHS-I 60MB/s* x1
    Vanguard ALTA PRO 263AT, GH-300T, SBH-250, SBH-100, PH-22 Panhead
    Lowepro S&F Deluxe Technical Belt and Harness ~ Pouch 60 AW 50 AW & 10, S&F Toploader 70 AW, Lens Case 11 x 26cm
    FE, NIKKOR 2-20mm f/1.8, OPTEX UV 52mm, Vivitar Zoom 285, Kodacolor VR 1000 CF 135-24 EXP DX 35mm, rePlay XD1080

  • WestEndBoyWestEndBoy Posts: 1,456Member
    What about some more specific techniques that can be used when you have a tripod?

    One thing I have used my tripod for is as an extension so that I can get my camera in a position I normally wont be able to take a photo from. I set the camera to a 2 second delay/timer, press the shutter and then hold the tripod by the legs and raise it high above my head to get a high vantage point. I have also held it out over ledges or verandahs to get a view you normally wouldn't see.. (weird but I tend to hold on tighter in those situations ;-) )
    I like this one. My neighbor is cute, but the fence is too darn high.
  • TaoTeJaredTaoTeJared Posts: 1,306Member
    A light!
    image only $13,000.
    D800, D300, D50(ir converted), FujiX100, Canon G11, Olympus TG2. Nikon lenses - 24mm 2.8, 35mm 1.8, (5 in all)50mm, 60mm, 85mm 1.8, 105vr, 105 f2.5, 180mm 2.8, 70-200vr1, 24-120vr f4. Tokina 12-24mm, 16-28mm, 28-70mm (angenieux design), 300mm f2.8. Sigma 15mm fisheye. Voigtlander R2 (olive) & R2a, Voigt 35mm 2.5, Zeiss 50mm f/2, Leica 90mm f/4. I know I missed something...
  • PhotobugPhotobug Posts: 5,751Member
    That $13K rig is to big for my back and most important....for my pocketbook. :-j

    What a cool ring light!
    D750 & D7100 | 24-70 F2.8 G AF-S ED, 70-200 F2.8 AF VR, TC-14E III, TC-1.7EII, 35 F2 AF D, 50mm F1.8G, 105mm G AF-S VR | Backup & Wife's Gear: D5500 & Sony HX50V | 18-140 AF-S ED VR DX, 55-300 AF-S G VR DX |
    |SB-800, Amaran Halo LED Ring light | MB-D16 grip| Gitzo GT3541 + RRS BH-55LR, Gitzo GM2942 + Sirui L-10 | RRS gear | Lowepro, ThinkTank, & Hoodman gear | BosStrap | Vello Freewave Plus wireless Remote, Leica Lens Cleaning Cloth |
  • Parke1953Parke1953 Posts: 456Member
    It's a ring light for the Sigma 200-500mm F2.8 APO EX DG. :-c
  • PhotobugPhotobug Posts: 5,751Member
    That is very funny. Glad I don't have to pay for the filter that big. :-))
    D750 & D7100 | 24-70 F2.8 G AF-S ED, 70-200 F2.8 AF VR, TC-14E III, TC-1.7EII, 35 F2 AF D, 50mm F1.8G, 105mm G AF-S VR | Backup & Wife's Gear: D5500 & Sony HX50V | 18-140 AF-S ED VR DX, 55-300 AF-S G VR DX |
    |SB-800, Amaran Halo LED Ring light | MB-D16 grip| Gitzo GT3541 + RRS BH-55LR, Gitzo GM2942 + Sirui L-10 | RRS gear | Lowepro, ThinkTank, & Hoodman gear | BosStrap | Vello Freewave Plus wireless Remote, Leica Lens Cleaning Cloth |
  • PaRealtorPaRealtor Posts: 95Member
    edited December 2013
    Great ideas!
    Was wondering, besides stability, what do I need with this dare thing? Well, looks like that's enough!
    However, I did splurge and get one that converts from a tripod to a monopod!
    It's the MeFOTO RoadTrip Convertible Tripod, in Red!!! What can I say, I'm a Girlie, Girl! ;;)
    Now, all I need is my D400. 8->
    Post edited by PaRealtor on
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