Top Tips: Tripods (Tony Radnor)

TOP TIPS: TRIPODS (TONY RADNOR)

Using Tripods and Similar

1.When Should We Use a Tripod or Other Stabilising Equipment?

If we want sharp pictures in the following conditions, we need some sort of device to help keep the camera absolutely still and avoid any camera shake:

(a)When taking photos at night or in low lighting conditions;

(b)When using a slow shutter speed;

(c)When taking landscapesor using a telephoto lens.

Using a tripod enables you to compose your image.

2.What Types of Tripod are Available?

Most, if not all, tripods or monopods use the same sized screw fitting, which will attach to all makes of camera.

Tripods for cameras come in different sizes; for example:

(a)Large Tripods: quite heavy (approx. 5lbs) and bulky aluminium frames but very stable to support ILCs and Bridge Cameras; typically, three retracting legs with clip or screw leg clamps; will usually have an adjustable central pole to give height;

(b)Smaller Tripods: easier to transport but still fairly heavy (approx. 3lbs) and bulky aluminium; can get lighter carbon fibre frames but these are much more expensive; similar construction features to the larger tripods;

(c)Light Tripods: easily transportable, made of lightweight aluminium (approx. 1lb), butnot suitable in windy conditions;

(d)Mini Tripods: small enough to fit into a small camera case; ideal for compact cameras on an uneven surface and when using the self-timer;

(e)Gorillapods: come in a variety of weights and sizes but have articulated legs which can be wrapped around poles, branches, fences, etc and are ideal for very uneven ground.

3.Other StabilisingDevices.

Other devices can be used to keep a camera steady whilst a shot is being taken:

(a)Monopod: as the name implies, this is a single pole with retractable stages which clamp lock similar to tripods; very useful for stabilising the camera in the vertical plane; very good for panning (eg, for sports) and for holding a camera aloft to shoot over the top of a crowd;

(b)Clamps: small enough to fit into a small camera case and can be attached to posts, railings, small branches, etc;

(c)I-phone Tripods, Monopods (“Selfie-Sticks”) and Tripod Mounts: mini tripods, monopods and mounts for regular tripods are also available for use with mobile ‘phones;

(d)Beanbags: can come in a variety of sizes and weights and will support the weight of a camera on an uneven surface;

(e)In-camera Image Stabilisation Systems: Many cameras or lenses today have integrated electronic image-stabilisation (IS) systems; do not use this system in conjunction with a tripod (see note 5(b) below).

4.Types of Mountings

(a)Pan and TiltHeads: many tripods use a pan and tilt device, which enables the user to tilt the camera in the vertical plane and rotate it left and right in the horizontal plane; the positions are locked with twist controls/levers; ideal for panning (but not necessarily for shooting video footage);

(b)Ball and Socket (Universal) Heads: the Ball and Socket (or Universal) head enables the user to tilt and pan the camera at the same time; the ball is locked in place with a friction screw and/or with a single locking screw; however, due to the weight, the ball and socket head is not suitable for large telephoto lenses;

(c)Quick Release Plates: some tripods are fitted with a quick release plate; the plate is detachable from the tripod head and screws onto the base of the camera; the camera can simply and quickly be attached to the tripod head by sliding and locking the plate in place;

(d)Tripod Mount Ring: this adjustable ring clamps onto the camera lens and attaches to the tripod head; enables the user to switch from the horizontal to the vertical plane very quickly as the ring rotates whilst holding the lens.

5.Useful Tips When Using a Tripod,etc

(a)Always use the self-timer feature (2- or 10-second delay) or a remote shutter release (eg, cable or infra-red) to avoid camera movement;

(b)Ensure that any image stabilisation (IS) system is switched off (if the IS is on, it will generate image blur as if the camera had been moved);

(c)Set a DSLR to “mirror lock up” (consult camera manual) – again to eliminate camera movement;

(d)Set up your tripod with a single leg angled forward;

(e)Make sure the tripod is set up on firm ground and that the legs are adjusted accordingly; on snow or soft sand, try placing paper plate beneath each foot to spread the weight and avoid sinking legs;

(f)Beware of getting too close to wild animals!

Tony Radnor (January,2016)

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