Should I bring my tripod on my trip?

BrianShaw · Aug 14, 2008

It is light weight.

But borrowing one once you get there is even a better idea!

Markok765 · Aug 14, 2008

Really? It's aluminum, and it feels around the same weight as other tripods of the price range that I have tried. I couldn't imagine lugging a even heavier than this tripod around for 35mm!

Hopefully the one I borrow won't be much heavier.

BrianShaw · Aug 14, 2008

Weight isn't everything, Marko. I use a light tripod, about 5 lb., for 35mm and much of my MF work. I don't know which one you have, but I have a Bogen 3001. Most "pros" would select the slightly heaview (10 lb??) 3021. Since I don't often fyully extend the legs or post I find my lighter tripod to work just as well and is easier to carry. For heavier cameras or when I need extansion I use a (much) heavier tripod.

For travel I like a monopod, as I mentioned earlier. I'm generally shooting square format MF so ball head isn't an issue. With fast film, though, you probably won't be needing a camera support much except at night. I know what Ari is talking about and don't totally disagree, but using a tripod doesn't necessarily make night shooting contrived or uninteresting.

Your'e a smart kid -- think about what you want to shoot, teh conditions you expect to find yourself in, and select your equipment accordingly.

Matus Kalisky · Aug 14, 2008

I can only say that I have a small table - top tripod from Manfrotto (this one). It is made out of aluminium, the lehs spread very wide and in is stable enough to hold and SLR with lenses up to 100mm. I use it often with my Rolleiflex T what is an optimal match as it is perfectely ballanced.

BrianShaw · Aug 14, 2008

Markok765 said:
Really?

On re-reading, perhaps you think that I think that light weight is bad. I don't. What I meant is that as far as tripods go, 5lb is light weight. If it is stable with your equipment it is a good option to cconsider taking with you... if you choose to take a tripod vs borrowing one once you get there.

Paul Howell · Aug 14, 2008

In terms of light weight vs heavy weight tripod you might want to look at Barry Thompson's Edge of Darkness , he did a very intresting experiment with 3 tripods and hand held with a 35mm. He the light wt tripod less sharp than hand held.

fotch · Aug 14, 2008

arigram said:
You used a tripod with street/documentary photos with 400 and 3200 asa film?

Never used 3200 asa film, I am not a big fan of grain. I usually rely more on a fast lens and slow shutter speed, with 400 asa film if I have it loaded.

Sometimes its possiable to blend in not only with the camera but the camera support also. Of course I am not speaking of big heavy duty tripod.

In any case, if you don't have that film in your camera, or your extra body, or a fast enough lens, and you still want to take the shot, maybe you can push process the film. Or, use some form of camera support.

The tripod is a tool that if you have it and can use it, you do. If you need to steady the camera and its inappropriate to use a tripod, you go to the next best thing. That may be propping up the camera against something.

A small tripod or table top tripod may not be anymore noticeable than just the camera itself. You don't have to have it on the ground. Maybe sideways, like a table top tripod, steadying against a building or... YMMV

fotch · Aug 14, 2008

arigram said:
and a flashgun. Oh, yes, try to avoid using the flashgun as much as possible or atleast get a bounce like the LumiQuest. .

Flash, now that is stealthy. :rolleyes:
Never been to Europe but I would not use this around Chicago.

Markok765 · Aug 14, 2008

BrianShaw said:
On re-reading, perhaps you think that I think that light weight is bad. I don't. What I meant is that as far as tripods go, 5lb is light weight. If it is stable with your equipment it is a good option to cconsider taking with you... if you choose to take a tripod vs borrowing one once you get there.

I was just surprised that my tripod [which I consider heavy] is considered light.

fotch · Aug 14, 2008

FWIW. The 8" telescoping Vivitar is 1.5 lb, larger (21"?) old Tower is also 1.5 lb, and the Cullman with a medium Kaiser Ball Head is 26" and weighs 3 lbs.

BrianShaw · Aug 14, 2008

Markok765 said:
I was just surprised that my tripod [which I consider heavy] is considered light.

I guess it's a matter of opinion -- the tripod I use for 4x5 weighs 15 lb. That makes 5 lb feel light

dachs · Sep 17, 2008

Folks - totally agree with Aristotelis - BUT - most amateurs don't have one dead set "style". So, if after experiments in home streets (you must check before you go) if one can live with it, a monopod or adaptable mini-tripod can let you branch out for other opportunities. It slows you up but that can be good for static views.
However, monopods are seen as banned tripods by buildings that are fussy about such things, so indoors the fast film is really the only way to go. I took a monopod last year round Europe, and unlike the tripod a year before, it was indeed used 50% of pics because; exertion to get to the scene meant I was not so steady and; the lousy weather and my slowish films were giving me speeds under 125th (to get depth of field) which for me is my personal limit of hand held acceptable sharpness. I am glad I took the nuisance object, about sums it up! Test your own slow speed holding before you go, too (black card perforated against the light, use a film at at slower & slower speeds, check results with loupe/projector). Do it after a brisk walk, too.

Markok765 · Sep 17, 2008

I'm back! My thoughts: Should have just brought pentax, 50mm, 35mm, spotmeter, and tripod.

Should I bring my tripod on my trip?

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