Camera Tripods

Camera Tripods

Executive Summary by David L Whittle

One of the causes of disappointing photos is camera shake.The result of camera shake is an image which is blurred or not sharp enough.The solution to this problem is to use a camera tripods.

Using a camera tripod is essential to create a steady platform for your camera. If you do not have a tripod you are effectively halving the number of picture-taking opportunities that you come across where an absolutely steady camera is necessary. A tripod is used when taking close-up,landscapes,low-light situations,slow shutter speeds,long exposures and panoramic pictures

If you are serious about photography a camera tripod is a must. Shopping for a tripod can be very confusing with all the number of tripods to choose from. Prices can vary quite a lot between the cheapest and the dearest tripods.

Good quality camera tripods will last a lifetime if well looked after, and are therefore cheaper in the long run.

If you are using the tripod out in the field then a tripod needs to be heavy and solid enough to stand weight, rougher treatment and external factors like wind and vibration. Also consider that there are ways to minimize shaking and vibration by leaning your weight on the tripod (if exposure less than 1 sec.), or hanging a heavy camera bag between the legs.

In each case you are away from the camera and will not contribute to camera shake.

Tripods - Why you really need them

Most people know that you need a tripod if you intend to make long exposure shots but this is by no means the only reason for using one.

All a tripod actually does is to provide a stable platform for your camera allowing you to make long exposures without the risk of camera shake spoiling your picture. The governing factor here is camera shake. Perhaps a word for the tripod's smaller cousin is required here. You have probably noticed that sports photographers doing long lens work usually have a monopod, rather than a tripod, attached to their cameras. If you don't have either of these, then you can use your camera's self timer. Even if your camera moves when the shutter is pressed, it will have settled down long before the photograph is taken. Some cameras have a short self timer option for precisely this purpose.

Some techniques can only be done using a camera tripods, for instance 360 degree panoramas. The weight of tripod you need is largely determined by the weight of your camera. If you use a Dslr and big lenses, you need a fairly sturdy one. If you do use a heavy camera then even more important than the weight of the camera tripod is the strength of the pan and tilt head locks. Fit the camera and tighten all the locks. In practice, the only rule you need to follow is never to move your camera tripods any great distance with a camera attached. The locks are designed for the tripod at rest.

The best way to use a camera tripod is to start by finding the camera position you want, either by eye or with the camera hand held. You then set up the camera tripods and tighten up all the locks, fit the camera and check the composition. If you have to slightly move the position, it's OK, as long as you hold on to both the camera and tripod when doing so. With cheaper camera tripods you sometimes find that tightening the lock actually moves the camera.
(by Colin Aiken)