Why Should You Use a Tripod?
While almost anyone would agree that carrying around a tripod is not convenient, using one can change a good photo into an excellent photo. This tutorial will give you a basic overview of tripods.
INTRODUCTION Digital cameras have evolved to a point where many of us have been lulled into a false sense of security in regards to photo quality. With auto-focus, auto exposure, and image stabilization built into today’s digital cameras, taking an acceptable photo is quick and easy. But an acceptable photo is not the same as an excellent photo. Without a doubt, tripods are inconvenient to carry around in addition to your camera. They are heavy and bulky. (Although you can buy small, lightweight tripods, the terms ‘small and lightweight’ seldom result in a good tripod). Despite any inconvenience in carrying it around, there are several good reasons for using a tripod. A tripod will allow you to use a range of techniques that are not possible without it. Things You Can Only Do With a Tripod: 1) Take a photo at a slow shutter speed without any camera shake You’ve seen photos of a waterfall where the area surrounding the waterfall is in sharp focus, but the water has a soft motion blur. These were taken with a camera mounted on a tripod, with the camera set at a slow shutter speed.Mounting your camera on a tripod will also allow you to use a slow shutter speed in low light situations – without any blurriness in your photo caused by camera shake Tip: If your camera is on a tripod, you can set a slow shutter speed and take a moving object (like a car) to capture it in a motion blur – while keeping the background in sharp focus. 2) Take a photo with a small aperture (giving greater depth of field) Because you can set your shutter speed as slow (or as fast) as you want when your camera is mounted on a tripod, you can shoot at any aperture setting you choose. 3) Shoot a series of photos to create a panorama Although this is not impossible to do when hand-holding your camera, with a tripod you will get much better results. 4) Shoot a series of photos at different exposures to create an HDR (High Dynamic Range) photo This is where using a tripod can really pay off, and give you some stunning photos. It works especially well when the shot you want to take has some areas that are in deep shadow, as well as other areas that are extremely bright. Using a tripod allows you to take a series of bracketed shots (i.e. the same shot at different exposures). First, you take at least three shots - one underexposed by one stop, one at perfect exposure, and one overexposed by one stop. Next, you composite the three shots together in an image editing software. This will allow you to create a stunning HDR photo. Which Tripod to Buy: What to look for: The most important thing to look for in a tripod is stability. The more stable it is, the better photos you’ll get. Tip: Mount your camera on the tripod when the legs are fully extended. See if it wobbles after you apply some pressure from above. Stomp on the ground next to the tripod and watch if your camera moves. You are looking for the least amount of lens movement. Compromise: Choosing a tripod is a series of compromises. The first compromise you have to make when choosing a tripod regards its weight. In general, the heavier the tripod is, the steadier your camera will be. You probably think you want the lightest tripod possible (because these are easy to carry)… but lightweight tripods are not as stable (wind, and vibrations from people walking by can cause your photo to show some ‘blur’). Don’t buy a tripod solely based on carrying convenience, as you could end up with a tripod that has limited use. Another compromise regards to the tripod’s size (both when extended, and when folded down). A tripod that holds the camera at your eye level when extended will save you back pain. However a tripod that does not extend to your eye-level will be smaller, and hence lighter to carry. Some tripods conveniently fold down to a small size by having their legs made of four sections instead of the traditional three sections. Some compact tripods even have legs made of five sections. But remember, the more sections your tripod’s legs are made of, the less study it will be. The last compromise you’ll have to make when choosing a tripod regards price. Lighter tripods made of carbon fiber can be quite expensive. Heavier tripods, usually made of aluminum, are cheaper. Tip: There is no such thing as the ‘perfect tripod. The tripod that is right for you is the one that you can afford, and that you don’t leave at home due to its size and weight. How to Use Your Tripod Always spread the tripod’s legs fully - A tripod will be more stable the further you spread the legs. Use the minimum height that you need - Don't extend your tripod’s legs more than you need to. The more you extend the tripod’s legs, the less stable if becomes. Extend the thicker sections of the legs first If you’re shooting at a low angle, and don’t need to extend all the leg sections, just extend the thicker sections. This will keep your tripod more stable than extending the thinner sections. Extend the legs rather than the central column - The central column should only be used for fine adjustments, or when you desperately need a bit more height. Keep in mind that it is not as stable as the legs. Tip: Adjust the height of the legs before spreading them. This will help you make sure that all the legs are all the same height. |