When I first got into photography, I read somewhere about how "professional" landscape photographers always use a tripod. They listed a few reasons like slowing down the pace, taking your time setting up a shot, and steadying the camera.
Well, after my first full year of professional work I can tell you with confidence: this is all crap.
The photo below was shot with my Tokina 12-24mm f/4 at 12mm and 1/13 exposure. Whoa whoa whoa! 1/13 exposure??? Without a tripod???
Yeah, that's right. The rule of thumb is you need to use an exposure that is 1/focal length to prevent camera shake from ruining a photo. Well, at 12mm I can use a pretty slow shutter speed, capture some awesome motion blur, all without having to use a tripod.
So, tripod is NOT always required. Especially with a wide angle lens.
I'm just now figuring out how to set my camera up for stuff like this. I've been a Point and Shoot with my Nikon D-70 for a few years. Now that I have a D-90 I've decided it's time to put my big girl pants on and figure it out. In other words, I ALMOST know what you are talking about. :-) Great shot!
I shoot down to 1/4 second even on my 70-200, for portraits. It just takes a steady hand, careful breathing, and a subject who knows how to stay still as a rock. :) Limitations can often be overcome (to a point).
I feel like more of a badass when I get a killer moon shot with no tripod. I've never used a tripod except for school assignments that require identical framing.
Stunning shot @jasonbarnette Something I am looking to get into. I've tried a few times and I just love how movement is captured, makes for a really interesting shot. I think some of the best shots are not always prepared for, just magical accidents!
I own a small tripod, but to be honest I've never really had to use it. I think it's probably best for really long exposure.
I almost never use tripods, whether small table stand ones or the large ones for DSLR with large lenses. Just hate them!! Too much bulk to carry around so I usually use whatever is available to mount my camera for night shots or just hope my hands are steady enough :)
Only time I should have used a tripod was when I was down at the beach, predawn, trying to take a shot of a boat coming into harbour. It was all lit up but I couldn't hold still enough. Couldn't put the camera down as it was very wet , plus I was on some oddly shaped rocks that wouldn't have allowed the lens to aim straight or even at the boat.
I am glad to see this discussion. I don't have a tripod. I was really wishing I had one, but the money is tight now for me. After reading this, I will keep on not using a tripod until I can afford one. Then, I will choose when I use a tripod and not use one. Thanks for this discussion!
what an awesome shot! thanks for the very useful information. as a newbie, i have always read that you use a tripod for longer exposures. i am glad i looked at this thread. :)
@nana I have a few small, handsized bean bags I carry in my camera bag. When you are in a tight position, or if you want to literally place the camera on the ground, I use the bean bags to stabilize the camera.
@daisy Go to Best Buy and buy their store-brand version of the Manfrotto tripod. I forget what that is, Rocketfish or something like that, but they are really good for only about $60.
The one time I DO use a tripod is while shooting light trails or very long exposures. But that isn't all the time, and with my wide angle lens I can do without the tripod a lot more often then I could with just my 50mm.
Great shot Jason, and totally agree on the NO tripod use. I've even gotten away with 1/8 exposure while shooting metro movement shots at 12mm. But if no tripod is available, placing your camera on anything sturdy also works for capturing different shots...and many times, gives you many different perspectives that you might not have gotten otherwise. Great discussion J!
@g_meus THAT is exactly why I carry two hand-sized beanbags in my camera bag. If I need to stabilize my camera on an odd surface, the pliable beanbags are perfect!
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I shoot down to 1/4 second even on my 70-200, for portraits. It just takes a steady hand, careful breathing, and a subject who knows how to stay still as a rock. :) Limitations can often be overcome (to a point).
As for the steady hand? Oh, I've learned! That is, I've learned to keep my monopod and bean bags with me at all times.
love the shot
I own a small tripod, but to be honest I've never really had to use it. I think it's probably best for really long exposure.
@daisy Go to Best Buy and buy their store-brand version of the Manfrotto tripod. I forget what that is, Rocketfish or something like that, but they are really good for only about $60.
The one time I DO use a tripod is while shooting light trails or very long exposures. But that isn't all the time, and with my wide angle lens I can do without the tripod a lot more often then I could with just my 50mm.