Do I need a tripod?

[TheFlyingCamera]

I do most types of photography, I do street, portraits, general night photography, architecture, documentary, some other stuff occasionally, and I also do some video.

For just about everything BUT street photography, you need a tripod some if not all of the time. You can even do street photography with a tripod (I did some street work in Argentina with my 5x7, but that's another story altogether). Plus, it is the universal accessory - it will work with virtually any camera you'll ever own, from digital point-n-shoot to large format to video/cine.

 

[Mike Wilde]

an in between solution - string 'tripod'

Try a string tripod - there are lots of DIY guides for them - see google.

I have one in every camera bag I use. It makes many marginal shots in avialable light ones that actually work out.

It is definitely not as useful as a proper tripod, but still a very portable and compact pocketable stabilization device.

 

[Snapshot]

A monopod might be a good compromise for steadying your shots. In fact, I purchased a Manfrotto 682 monopod with a retractable mini tripod. It's self standing but I purchased it because it's easier to steady, easier to carry and easier to deploy.

http://www.manfrotto.com/Jahia/site/manfrotto/cache/offonce/pid/2371?livid=107|117&lsf=117&child=2

 

[Markok765]

Thanks everyone. I was thinking of getting this tripod: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/479950-REG/Bogen_Manfrotto_190XV_190XB_Tripod_Legs_Green_.html and getting the head later. Can I still mount my camera on it?

 

[Christopher Walrath]

This tripod states it has a 3/8" thread mount. most cameras have a 1/4'x20 course thread mount and tripods that house this thread would mention it. So find another one that states specifically 1/4" mounting thread. Some tripods have both, a 3/8' threaded sleeve that slides down into the housing base when 1/4' is needed.

 

[Ole]

If your camera has a 3/8" tripod screw mount, you can mount it.

But most cameras have a 1/4" thread, and that just won't fit.

I'm using (for smaller cameras) a Manfrotto 055CF with a (very) cheap Giottos ball head. The head fits on the 3/8" screw, and the camera fits on the 1/4" screw on the top of the head.
If you use video too I believe a pan head would be better, though.

 

[Dan Fromm]

Christopher, Marko, one rarely mounts the camera directly on a leg set. One normally puts a head -- 2-axis, 3-axis, ball -- on top of the leg set and mounts the camera on the head, as Ole suggested. Without a head aiming the camera is not fun.

Marko, take Ole's hint. Get the complete rig. I'm not wild about the Bogen 3025 head, which B&H also has; the 3028 is a bit stronger and I'm happy with mine, which sits on a Benbo 3. But if it comes to that even a 3025 is fine for a 35 mm camera and would get you going. And its cheap.

Buying a Manfrotto tripod will lock you into getting a head that will go on a 3/8"-16 screw, e.g., a Manfrotto head. There are worse punishments.

Opinions about ball heads are all over the map. Some swear by 'em. I swear at 'em, much prefer a 3-axis pan-tilt head.

 

[mark]

Get the head with it.

I saw some steals on ebay a while ago, might want to look there for a package deal

 

[3Dfan]

Roger Hicks on tripods - http://rogerandfrances.com/photoschool/ps how tripod.html

 

[JBrunner]

Marko,

The 3/8 post is the standard for the tripod head. Without the head, you might as well screw your camera to a step ladder. A decent "economy" or used tripod with a head can be had for that same $145 that will serve the purpose for a while. Use it until you can afford the Bogen or Gitzo or whatever.

 

[cao]

Thanks everyone. I was thinking of getting this tripod: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/479950-REG/Bogen_Manfrotto_190XV_190XB_Tripod_Legs_Green_.html and getting the head later. Can I still mount my camera on it?

Unless you are thinking about adding spiked feet down the road, you might consider http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produ...tto_055XPROB_055XPROB_Tripod_Legs_Black_.html. It isn't much more money, supports more weight, and has a column with can be put horizontal. Even assuming you don't extend the column, this lets you put the camera closer to the ground if you've splayed the legs out.

Disclaimer: I own and use a 055 XPro-B.

 

[Tom Hoskinson]

Marko,

The 3/8 post is the standard for the tripod head. Without the head, you might as well screw your camera to a step ladder. A decent "economy" or used tripod with a head can be had for that same $145 that will serve the purpose for a while. Use it until you can afford the Bogen or Gitzo or whatever.

I once mounted a Markins Ball Head (BTW, I love Ball Heads) on the top of an Aluminum step ladder.

 

[JBrunner]

I once mounted a Markins Ball Head (BTW, I love Ball Heads) on the top of an Aluminum step ladder.

I mount heads (even big ones) all the time to step ladders, when I need a camera 8 or 12 feet in the air. Marko, I'd blow money on a good head, before I'd worry about the sticks so much. Lots of sticks.

 

[Curt]

In short, yes, yes, yes, only if your situation dictates that you can't use one should you not use one. If you haven't used one yet, try one and see how your photographs improve, you will be pleased.

Curt

 

[David H. Bebbington]

I remember reading a quote about photographers that went something like this:
"Amateur photographers argue about Canon vs Nikon, Leica vs everybody else, etc. Semi-pro photographers debate film vs digital, etc. Professional photographers discuss tripods and lighting."
If you don't think you need a tripod, you are not ready the join the last group IMHO.

Just out of curiosity - do you have any experience at all of sports, reportage, portraiture, fashion and other similar areas of professional photography? I qualified as a pro nearly 40 years ago, as I said I use a tripod only in the studio and for very low-light work outside, and to the best of my recollection I've never discussed tripods with anyone!

 

[Christopher Walrath]

OOPS! Didn't notice the lack of a head on this tripod. DUH!

 

[k_jupiter]

All, understand Marko is still in high school. Unless things have changed over the 40 years, money is always a bit tight.

I recommend a fairly inexpensive tripod, because for 135 shooting any tripod is better than none and the light weight ones will serve 98.4% of your needs. The flip side is that yes, it will slow down your burning film, it takes time to set up, time you should use to contemplate the image you are visualizing.

The other item you might invest in is a shutter release cable. Isolate your vibrations.

Best of luck and don't give up on the street shooting. Dynamic creative energy abounds on the street.

tim in san jose

 

[Markok765]

Would a 150$ Manfrotto be good enough for me? I have a cable, thanks! I didn't give up on street shooting, I shot some a week ago! Maybe consider this for a stick for the flow of new people we have.

 

[Ian Grant]

Yes Marko, almost certainly Manfroto make excellent tripods. Despite my saying even a very cheap tripod can be useful I actually use quite heavy sturdy tripods and one is a Manfroto.

Ian

 

[Steve Smith]

Despite my saying even a very cheap tripod can be useful I actually use quite heavy sturdy tripods and one is a Manfroto.

If all you can get now is a cheaper, less robust tripod, it can be made more sturdy with weight. Either a heavy camera or in your case, as you are using 35mm, hang extra weight from it below the camera e.g. camera bag, bag of rocks, etc.

I have seen for sale net bags with clips specifically for this purpose.

http://www.velbon-tripod.com/accessories01.htm
http://abetterphotoguide.bizhosting.com/unusualphototipstricks.html


Steve.

 

[Ian Grant]

Steve, the problem with cheap lighter weight tripods is often the build quality of the head. My cheapo tripod was less than $20/£10 bought new here in Turkey last year, the tripod legs etc are very good and it has bracing to help stability, the problem is the very cheap plastic head, it came off the other day but super glue has now made it stronger than before

I only bought it because baggage restriction prevented me flying with one of my main tripods, it's definitely strong enough to carry my 5x4 Crown Graphic and my 6x17. It actually has a hook to hang a bag or something on to increase its stability so although very cheap its functional, I guess it's made in China.

Ian

 

[Steve Smith]

Steve, the problem with cheap lighter weight tripods is often the build quality of the head. My cheapo tripod was less than $20/£10 bought new here in Turkey last year, the tripod legs etc are very good and it has bracing to help stability, the problem is the very cheap plastic head, it came off the other day but super glue has now made it stronger than before

I agree entirely but if it's the only option, it's still (usually) better than no tripod at all. With a cable release, even the lightest and poorest quality of tripod should be able to hold the camera steadier than using it hand held. Obviously if a better tripod is affordable then it should be used.


The thing I don't like about the heads of the cheaper tripods is that it is possible to accidently knock the release lever and have your camera fall off. I had a cheap tripod like this once.
When I was looking at new tripods a few years ago, I was initially not interested in quick release heads as I only knew about these inferior, cheap versions. When I eventually bought mine (Velbon) I realised that the modern heads available from the reputable manufacturers did not suffer from this problem and were more robustly built and intelligently designed. If I accidently knock the release lever on my tripod (I've never done it) the camera is not released fully until I purposefully push the lever further against a spring so the camera should not accidently fall off.



Steve.

 

[thuggins]

What is your typical lens length and film speed? If you use 100 ISO film and generally use standard lenses (40-70mm) you don't need a tripod. Tripods carry a high cost. They are big, bulky and very inconvenient to carry. They also severely limit your creativity. Most of my best shots could never have been taken with a tripod.

 

[Markok765]

I use ISO 400 normally, lens length is 28mm or 55mm.

 

[Ian Grant]

Even with 100 ISO film and a standard lens a tripod can make a huge difference to sharpness, if your camera has a mirror lock then use it.

it's not correct to say a tripod limits your creativity, of course they aren't practical for all circumstances but they can actually increase your creativity and allow you to make images not otherwise possible. Typically allowing you to stop right down to achieve maximum depth of field, or long shutters speeds for movement effects.

Ian