Tripod do i need one

[Trustmeimadoctor]

I have a need at the moment for a tripod (lens calibration) so is it worth spending more than absolute minimum and it never getting used or is it always worth having one? could always go for something like the Manfrotto Element Carbon Fibre Big Traveller least then i can take it away easily.

[SniktySnikty]

I rarely use tripods as I have little interest in landscape stuff. I keep a cheapo manfrotto modo kicking around just in case, can be used as a low lightstand in a pinch If its not windy its plenty stable.

I find things like manfrotto super clamps quite fun to have around, or suction cup mounts. Anything that can put your camera in a weird spot you couldn't usually do. You could clamp your camera to a dining chair for the one off job of lens calibrations then have a bit of fun with it afterwards.

[ashleyman]

What about something like a Gorillapod?

[Trustmeimadoctor]

Used to have a gorillapod many many moons ago and it wasn't bad. I'm not into standing in a hide all day but wouldn't mind trying astro and I shake like a stting dog!

[eltawater]

If it's just for lens calibration, why do you need a tripod? You could just rest the body on a pile of books or something.

I have a cheapo Hama star for long exposure landscape shots, cheap as chips and does what I need.

[Trustmeimadoctor]

Mainly as I don't really have anywhere with enough light and space to do it without a tripod. I suppose I could go borrow one from someone

[eltawater]

Trustmeimadoctor said:

Mainly as I don't really have anywhere with enough light and space to do it without a tripod. I suppose I could go borrow one from someone

A chair and a very tall stack of books then

[SniktySnikty]

There's a velbon in most charity shops for a fiver?

[Vintage Racer]

I agree that it's not necessary for just calibration purposes, but it then depends on what lenses you have and what type of photography you will be doing.

I use my tripod (Gitzo GT5540LS) almost all of the time with a 'Lensmaster' gimbal head attached, but my main photography is wildlife.

I spent a long time lugging large lenses around and shooting hand-held, because I thought I could not justify the expense of a decent tripod..........how wrong I was. It's one of the best investments i've ever made and goes everywhere with me.

If shooting in confined spaces, I use a monopod, but still prefer the tripod if possible.

Either also make it easier to carry the camera with lens, as I find it better balanced over my shoulder, so the weight is more evenly spread.

I'd also add that if you feel that your lenses need calibrating, you must be concerned about image quality. - Shooting with a good tripod will definitely produce better images!

Edited by Vintage Racer on Wednesday 1st August 15:45

[Derek Smith]

I have a tripod. I used to take it with me and use it fairly frequently. I then bought a monopod and it replaced the tripod for almost all the times I was at the camera when it was supported. I still use the tripod on occasion. If that's likely to be you, then there's little value in buying a top of the range tripod. Studio work, something decent is essential.

I sued to treat my tripod with the utmost care and it was steady and did not break. Now I use my tripod for filming rugby matches as I have two cameras, one wide angle, the other closer action. 160 minutes holding the damn thing makes my back ache. The tripod has suffered from being bumped into, having kit bags thrown onto it, and being rained and hailed on. It is around 20 years old so buying a strong one to use regularly makes a bit of sense.

[DIW35]

The only time I really use a tripod is for time lapse stuff, multiple exposure images or astro photography. A decent bean bag should suffice for lens calibration if you don't have any other need for a tripod.

[Trustmeimadoctor]

Vintage Racer said:

I agree that it's not necessary for just calibration purposes, but it then depends on what lenses you have and what type of photography you will be doing.

I use my tripod (Gitzo GT5540LS) almost all of the time with a 'Lensmaster' gimbal head attached, but my main photography is wildlife.

I spent a long time lugging large lenses around and shooting hand-held, because I thought I could not justify the expense of a decent tripod..........how wrong I was. It's one of the best investments i've ever made and goes everywhere with me.

If shooting in confined spaces, I use a monopod, but still prefer the tripod if possible.

Either also make it easier to carry the camera with lens, as I find it better balanced over my shoulder, so the weight is more evenly spread.

I'd also add that if you feel that your lenses need calibrating, you must be concerned about image quality. - Shooting with a good tripod will definitely produce better images!

Edited by Vintage Racer on Wednesday 1st August 15:45

yeah i do a bit concerned about the focus accuracy of two of my lenses just bought reikan focal and ran it twice on one lense it says -5 then +3 so i may have an issue with its ability to repeatedly get focus

[davidd]

I find I use mine quite a lot, certainly for location shoots where I need consistency.

[Vintage Racer]

Trustmeimadoctor said:

yeah i do a bit concerned about the focus accuracy of two of my lenses just bought reikan focal and ran it twice on one lense it says -5 then +3 so i may have an issue with its ability to repeatedly get focus

It is common to get different readings. - For accurate calibration, I would suggest taking a dozen seperate readings, note them down and then knock off the high and low readings, then add up the remaining total and divide by ten.

This will give you a 'weighted' average which will be more accurate than just a couple of checks.

Depends on your type of shooting, but also worth calibrating at a distance comparible with your usual shooting distance for each lens!

[droopsnoot]

SniktySnikty said:

There's a velbon in most charity shops for a fiver?

Or plenty on car boot sales. Just have to watch out that if they are tripods that have quick-release brackets, that they come with the bit that fixes to the camera - most I've seen don't, so look for those with captive screws instead. I've got quite a few tripods from the CBS, just because I'm too lazy to swap them between my daily driver and the two classics, and want to keep one at home too. A few quid each.

[Vintage Racer]

droopsnoot said:

SniktySnikty said:

There's a velbon in most charity shops for a fiver?

Or plenty on car boot sales. Just have to watch out that if they are tripods that have quick-release brackets, that they come with the bit that fixes to the camera - most I've seen don't, so look for those with captive screws instead. I've got quite a few tripods from the CBS, just because I'm too lazy to swap them between my daily driver and the two classics, and want to keep one at home too. A few quid each.

But be careful buying cheap, especially if your hanging expensive lenses on them........that £5.00 bargain will not support much weight and could be a very expensive bargain!