Gave the tripod another go

[Loupey]

Since getting lenses with internal stabilization, I've left my tripod behind (but not the monopod). This had been such a change for someone who was a religious tripod user.

Well, I got mine back out today to make sure that I wasn't "missing" something. The result? The weight of my rig still vibrates too much (even with mirror lock-up and self timer) that I didn't really gain anything over using IS on a monopod.

What I did loose was several good shots because I was setting up and "trimming out" the head. And I consider myself a speed demon with my Benbo tripod. I even tried using my trick of using really slow speeds to minimize using those bad tripod speeds (1/4 second to 1/60) when vibrations are most evident.

Long story short - here are some from that outing - nothing too terribly exciting. Time to put the tripod away again

[AmberC]

Wow! All three are beautiful!

[payn817]

I think you've done well without it anyway. Tripods may have their merits, but with skittish subjects, you usually miss opportunities. Not to mention if your backpacking/hiking/rock climbing, it can be even more of a hassle.

[Loupey]

Thanks, Amber!

Payn - yeah have things changed! It wasn't too long ago that every book on nature/wildlife/macros always preached the need on getting and using a heavy tripod that only a pack mule could carry. And that was usually on chapter 2

I agree, mobility is the key (at least one of them). Getting a slightly degraded image of something is a heck of a lot better than a sharp clear image of nothing. Being able to pivot on a dime with a monopod is much easier in the field for action shots.

Tripods definitely have their place. For me, that place is for landscapes when I need maximum DOF.

[Bevb]

Super shots as usual Loupey!

[Old Timer]

Everyone and everything has it's season. There is defiantly a place for the tripod in nature photography but as you point out it is no longer an essential piece of equipment. I avoid it when I can. Time and instability do rob you of some of the steady handed techniques of your youth however. Nice shots.