Tripod Users Vs. Non-Tripod Users

[almo]

I am a non-tripod user. I used to be a user, in my film days, and just after making the switch to digital. However, ever since I bought my first DSLR, Canon D30, I have not used one regularly. I do have one, a nice Manfroto head on SLIK legs. But I only use it indoors, for self portraits and shooting macro stuff in my light tent.

I am a photographer. I have almost 9 years of experience, and I know that shooting with a pod is a big deal, but I can't seem to actually pick the damn thing up as I am heading out the door. it's a pain in the hind quarters. I have used a monopod in the past, mine broke just a couple of weeks ago, but I find it to be quite cumbersome as well.

What I am wondering here is, why do you non-tripodders, like myself, not use one, and do you think your images suffer from not using one? And, how do you tripod users deal with this awkward piece of equipment, yet still manage to get shots that look like you were HH your cameras?

[Dylan8i]

the only time i use a tripod is if i know im going to need it, waterfall shots, fireworks etc. if im out in the field shooting salamanders or just what ever i find, i ususally don't use it (although i may have it with me).

[Sushigaijin]

totally agree with Dylan here - tripod is a waste of valuable space for a field photographer like me. I have one too - but it's almost exclusively for self portraits, waterfalls, etc. Most of the time it sits behind the front seat of my jeep.

Two words: image stabilization.

I can reasonably handhold 1/20s for sharp macros with my 50mm macro, that's 100mm FF equivalent. Indoor shots? portraits are reasonably sharp at 1/10 or even 1/8s.

[Loupey]

And, how do you tripod users deal with this awkward piece of equipment, yet still manage to get shots that look like you were HH your cameras?

You mean still blurry even with tripod?


I've been thinking about this for quite some time. I've been shooting nature and wildlife for about 25 years now (not old mind you, just started young ) and I must say that a tripod was the norm. Now, I can't remember the last time I used it for N&W.

Like Sushigaijin said: image stabilization is one main factor.

The other main factor is digital convenience. Film was treated like a rare commodity. But with digital, find a good subject, squeeze off a hundred frames and later pick one sharp one to keep. Is this good technique? No. Is this easy? Yup. Is this right? Dunno.

[almo]

You mean still blurry even with tripod?


I've been thinking about this for quite some time. I've been shooting nature and wildlife for about 25 years now (not old mind you, just started young ) and I must say that a tripod was the norm. Now, I can't remember the last time I used it for N&W.

Like Sushigaijin said: image stabilization is one main factor.

The other main factor is digital convenience. Film was treated like a rare commodity. But with digital, find a good subject, squeeze off a hundred frames and later pick one sharp one to keep. Is this good technique? No. Is this easy? Yup. Is this right? Dunno.

That is my main technique, though I rarely take enough frames. Mostly because I hate the idea of sifting through 200 images of the same subject, but I guess I will have to deal with that.

I am still going to try the pod thing, but honestly, I am not convinced it will stick.

[Loupey]

Not to be confused with a monopod which I do use a majority of the time.

A monopod can do things a tripod can't. Still, the monopod gets tossed aside when I have to lay flat on the ground with grass and weeds going up my nose.

That brings up another point. Since going digital and losing the tripod, I've been able to get shots I couldn't dream of before. Awkward angles, wind, extremely jittery subjects - all factors which make using a tripod that much more difficult.

[almo]

Not to be confused with a monopod which I do use a majority of the time.

A monopod can do things a tripod can't. Still, the monopod gets tossed aside when I have to lay flat on the ground with grass and weeds going up my nose.

That brings up another point. Since going digital and losing the tripod, I've been able to get shots I couldn't dream of before. Awkward angles, wind, extremely jittery subjects - all factors which make using a tripod that much more difficult.

Loupey, does the IS function properly with the monopod?

[racedraper]

Loupey, does the IS function properly with the monopod?

I know on Nikon you have to turn off the VR or it will mess up the lens

[almo]

I know on Nikon you have to turn off the VR or it will mess up the lens

I just read that Canon IS in mode 2 can be used with monopods.

Can anyone confirm?

[JSPhoto]

I just read that Canon IS in mode 2 can be used with monopods.

Can anyone confirm?

Yes it works.

If your going to use a tripod or monopod in a public setting you better have really good insutance to cover your gear and liability if someone gets hurt or your gear hits the ground. This is also true for sideline shooters as well, some kid gets speared by your tripod/monopod your going to get sued, which is one of the reasons I don't use one, and if you can't handhold your gear do you really belong on the sidelines to begin with? I don't think so, but that my feelings on it, maybe I just see too many people who shouldn't be on the sidelines, and gotten tangled up in tripods and monopods used by people who have no clue what they are doing or where they are I am a bit biased against their use. Especially one woman who has a tiny P&S and big ole tripod, she tripped mr twice in one half one night

JS

[JETA]

Yes it works.

If your going to use a tripod or monopod in a public setting you better have really good insutance to cover your gear and liability if someone gets hurt or your gear hits the ground. This is also true for sideline shooters as well, some kid gets speared by your tripod/monopod your going to get sued, which is one of the reasons I don't use one, and if you can't handhold your gear do you really belong on the sidelines to begin with? I don't think so, but that my feelings on it, maybe I just see too many people who shouldn't be on the sidelines, and gotten tangled up in tripods and monopods used by people who have no clue what they are doing or where they are I am a bit biased against their use. Especially one woman who has a tiny P&S and big ole tripod, she tripped mr twice in one half one night

JS

My first sports photography lesson from you was to lose the monopod. I did and glad so many times on the field. When I've had my close calls I've always thanked god you told me to buck up and get used to the weight. When I got hit last season (and it was bad) the first and only thing I thought of is what if I had a monopod in that big mess. I was wrapped up with so many players I can't imagine what I would have done to them or myself. I was able to tuck my gear in and go with the hit. It probably saved my gear too.

[JSPhoto]

hehehe, I remember back then, and the first game or two you didn't make it too far without the monopod due to the weight and something about your arms hurting and you were a tad bit :mad2: at me I think. In the end though I think it worked out though..... now we gotta work on those sideline skills and staying alert and getting out of the way quicker :yikes: , we don't want any repeats of last year! :nonod: and want a nice SAFE season for you and all the sports shooters :yesnod: and no more injuries :nono:

Ok, I'm getting tired and a bit carried away here...... :thumbsup: :smilewinkgrin: but there won't be any :17: this year lol

JS

My first sports photography lesson from you was to lose the monopod. I did and glad so many times on the field. When I've had my close calls I've always thanked god you told me to buck up and get used to the weight. When I got hit last season (and it was bad) the first and only thing I thought of is what if I had a monopod in that big mess. I was wrapped up with so many players I can't imagine what I would have done to them or myself. I was able to tuck my gear in and go with the hit. It probably saved my gear too.

[Wild Wassa]

I like real tripods with quick release heads and push button everythings, made by Italians with funny names ... but I hate my Gitzo monopod.

New green gaffer tape went on my lightweight Slik tripod the other day. The tripod looks very smart and well camouflaged again. The tripod fell off the Castle (in the Budawangs). It fell over 600 ft straight down and was hardly broken ... but that was 20 years ago now, we had both forgotten about that, until tonight.

This Emu put its life on the line when it got between me and my best bush buddy.





I like my tripods they make my $100 cameras worth every single penny. When I pay for line pairs per mm, I want every single pair. Hand holding this shot above, shows that I'm with the birds. I just don't have the skills needed to be realy sharp, handholding. My tripod has all the skills but it is under the grass trees ... and probably laughing at me..

Warren.

[JETA]

hehehe, I remember back then, and the first game or two you didn't make it too far without the monopod due to the weight and something about your arms hurting and you were a tad bit :mad2: at me I think. In the end though I think it worked out though..... now we gotta work on those sideline skills and staying alert and getting out of the way quicker :yikes: , we don't want any repeats of last year! :nonod: and want a nice SAFE season for you and all the sports shooters :yesnod: and no more injuries :nono:

Ok, I'm getting tired and a bit carried away here...... :thumbsup: :smilewinkgrin: but there won't be any :17: this year lol

JS

We do not want repeats from last year. LOL I'm a weeeeeee bit jumpy now on the sidelines. I was running scared at the All-State game no matter how hard I tried not to.

From the bottom of my heart though..... All of the help you've given me has been worth it's weight in gold. I can never say thank you enough!

[AgingEyes]

I think if you want to have a really, really sharp photo, you need to have a tripod or some way to fix the position of your camera and lens. Not that you cannot have a sharp photo shooting hand-held, but a tripod gives you a better chance to get one.

You also have to look at what you use, what you shoot, and how strong you are and in what lighting conditions. If you are shooting with a 600 f4 prime lens, how long can you hand hold it? The Nikkon's one weighs 11 lbs mind you. Nikon 200-400 is 7.2 lbs in weight. Both the Canon 100-400 or 400 f5.6 weigh only a couple of pounds, as far as I know. No big deal there If you are shooting macro and you don't mind a shallow depth of field, then may be a tripod is also not needed

I've been wondering if sport photos don't require the kind of sharpness that bird photos do, especially for small birds. Although both may be shooting with lenses from 400mm to 600mm, the sport shooter seems to just use a monopod while a bird photogs likely would use them on a tripod. Then again, the bird photog may be using the lens with a 2x tele on the 600 mm lens. Can you get a sharp photo with that set up without a tripod?

As for myself, I use a tripod for macro and when I really want a sharp photo, or whenever the camera is already on a tripod I usually shoot bird-in-flight handheld even with a 6-7 lbs lens.

[f5fstop]

The only photos I print for display are landscape; therefore, I believe a tripod is necessary. The use of a tripod allows me to use a lower ISO setting with a larger F-stop, thus allowing for sharper photos with no noise (or grain). Also, all of my printed photo shots are taken either at sunrise, early morning, late evening or sunset; therefore, using a lower ISO and a larger F-stop relates to a very slow shutter speed. I also use a remote cord and mirror lockup to limit the smallest vibration from affecting the photo.

As for vibration reduction or image stabilization lenses, they help tremendously for hand held photos, but if a camera is mounted to a solid tripod, VR (or IS) is not required. The tripod should be stabilizing the shot as much as VR (or IS) would.

Therefore, I carry a Gitzo carbon fiber tripod, with a Markins ballhead, and all my long lenses and camera bodies have either Kirk or RRS plates. There is really not that much delay in setting up a tripod and sliding the camera/lens into the ball head and taking a photo.

I have seen identical photos taken of the same subject at the same time, and those taken on a tripod have always appeared sharper when blown up. Also, from what I have read seen and heard, most professional landscape and wildlife photographers use tripods. I’m sure they do not use a tripod for the fun of carrying it around; there must be something to the use of a tripod that helps to obtain sharper photos.

Can’t speak for sports photographers, but I do see most of them with at least monopods at the side of professional football games.

[Loupey]

... As for vibration reduction or image stabilization lenses, they help tremendously for hand held photos, but if a camera is mounted to a solid tripod, VR (or IS) is not required. The tripod should be stabilizing the shot as much as VR (or IS) would...

Had I not used any IS lenses, I would have agreed with you. But my problem in the past (pre-digital, pre-IS) is that there was no easy way to shoot some things with a tripod - at least highly active/live subjects. I've shot 35mm film and medium format macros and telephotos extensively and always used tripods with mirror lock-up and remote cable release whenever possible. But the issues were always how to carry a stout enough 'pod and/or how to shoot, with the mirror locked up, a moving subject especially on a breezy day (which is about 99% of the time for real-world macros). Oh I know it's possible. But the success ratio can be really low.

As I stated before, tripods will always have their place. Mine is in the back of my truck It is always with me but I almost never use it. My point is that there are no right answer to suit everyone all the time. But I'm open to the fact that not using a tripod can often be "right" too :thumbsup:

...Also, from what I have read seen and heard, most professional landscape and wildlife photographers use tripods. I’m sure they do not use a tripod for the fun of carrying it around; there must be something to the use of a tripod that helps to obtain sharper photos.

Perhaps they think so too and so perpetuate that belief like these guys

[almo]

I sold my tripod head yesterday. After mucking about with it and my 100-400 I decided that it was just not the right fit. I plan to get a ball head in the next few weeks, so we shall see if that makes the difference.

Until then I am sans tripod by default. Guess I will have to continue perfecting my HH technique.

[JSPhoto]

We do not want repeats from last year. LOL I'm a weeeeeee bit jumpy now on the sidelines. I was running scared at the All-State game no matter how hard I tried not to.

From the bottom of my heart though..... All of the help you've given me has been worth it's weight in gold. I can never say thank you enough!

I know the feeling JETA, I'm still nervous at one track, I guess having a car wind up in the catch fence right where your shooting will do that though, and yeah, I do get a bit over cautious at times on the sidelines too, not sure which is worse, your broken leg or me with three rotator cuff tears..... this is a tough business either way, unfortunately most do not realize it and don't take the precautions they should.

BTW, you know I am glad to help ya any time :thumbsup:

JS

[mjs1973]

I just read that Canon IS in mode 2 can be used with monopods.

Can anyone confirm?

Yes, Canon lenses have 2 modes on their IS lenses. One is your typical IS mode for hand holding shots that helps reduce up and down, and side to side movement. Mode two is designed for panning. In mode 2, the IS works to get rid of the up and down movement, and lets you pan side to side.

[another view]

I know on Nikon you have to turn off the VR or it will mess up the lens

The newer Nikon VR lenses are designed to work on monopods. I don't think you'll actually hurt the lens if VR is used while on a tripod, but it can cause a loss of sharpness because it's trying to correct vibration that isn't there. Personally, I never found any use for a monopod.

I have one VR lens, an 18-200. That one lens is all I bring if I'm shooting casually where the choice before probably would have been to leave the camera behind. In those cases I don't carry anything else (battery grip has two batteries in it, one 4gb card is more than enough, built-in flash if I really need it). If I'm shooting seriously, I always bring the tripod and a bubble level. Taking a few seconds to set it up is well worth the sharpness to me, but I'm not usually shooting things that move.

[mjs1973]

I don't think you'll actually hurt the lens if VR is used while on a tripod, but it can cause a loss of sharpness because it's trying to correct vibration that isn't there.

I tried this with an IS lens that I had rented, just to see what would happen. It didn't hurt the lens at all, but the image quality was pretty bad. I was thinking that a slight breeze that was blowing would cause enough movement to make the IS work, even on the tripod. I was wrong.

[Loupey]

Loupey, does the IS function properly with the monopod?

Oh yeah! When I use it, I only use Mode 1 and I use a monopod routinely with the 70-200mm, 300mm, and 500mm (all on Mode 1). Even with extension tubes or teleconverters, the IS always works with a mono.

[Loupey]

I think we all agree that tripods still have their place. Some projects would be close to impossible to do well without it (time lapse, HDR, school portraits, etc.).

My point is that the with some subjects with modern tools and with certain shooting styles, the tripod just isn't as necessary as it may have been. I have three tripods that I do use when necessary (just not for N&W - and I do shoot other things )

But I also have two monopods, two hands, and a rather sharp right eye


BTW, Kajuah - it not just about one's physical ability to carry a tripod. I think it has more to do with the shooting style. When I disappear into the field for 6~8 hours of shooting, I carry no camera bag, no food, no water. Just one lens attached to one body and a fanny pack to hold my extension tubes, 2x TC, one spare battery, and a cell phone. Going light and having more shooting opportunities is better (for me) than packing more, shooting deliberately, and covering less ground.

[Mr Yuck]

My point is that the with some subjects with modern tools and with certain shooting styles, the tripod just isn't as necessary as it may have been. I have three tripods that I do use when necessary (just not for N&W - and I do shoot other things )

Well in that case, there's the sharpness factor. Use of a tripod is supposed to allow you to go up one more print size, and the same idea with mirror lockup when using long exposures.

When using my telephoto, tripod is basically required as I have no IS.

The modern tools may exist, but to those of us who cannot afford IS lenses, they are not practical and the trusty old tripods are.