I'm almost giving up!!

[John B.]

Originally Posted by StephenBatey

The assumption here is that the only reason to use a tripod is to avoid camera shake. It isn't.

I was assuming nothing. I know there are other reasons other than camera shake for using a tripod. It depends on what one hopes to achieve. A walk of two to three hours, lugging a tripod (I have a bag with several lenses, flash, filters etc, to carry, as well) isn't at the top of everyone's list of favorite things to do. I carry a tripod when I know what I'm going to be shooting. Otherwise it's pretty much extra baggage.

Using a tripod for composing is another reason for using it, but if one knows nothing about composure, then a tripod won't make up for inexperience.

Modern cameras and lenses (Gratris' were new) are capable of excellent photos, hand-held. In the case of his original photos, a little PP would have helped.

Originally Posted by StephenBatey

And I always wonder very seriously how many people really are capable of hand holding a camera at the speeds that they claim to be able to do.

Why do you wonder about other people's abilities?

Originally Posted by StephenBatey

I also suspect that very few have actually scientifically tested to see what they can manage.

And how are such scientific tests carried out? Do you mean taking a picture and seeing how it turns out?

[donoreo]

Scott Kelby talks about tripod use in his books. He makes the comment that if you want to have your photos as sharp as you can, use a tripod whenever you can. He and most pros he knows, and he knows a lot, follow this. Always use a tripod if you can is his final word on the matter.

I almost always have one of my tripods with me. If not I have a monopod. I also find that by using a tripod I slow down and take my time more. My problem with photography is I tend to rush. Using a tripod helps me with that problem.

[StephenBatey]

I wonder because I seriously doubt if most people are as good as they claim. I know that a small amount of camera shake is rarely recornised. In my case, I know that I can't hand hold successfully at less than 1/250 sec using a 50mm standard lens on 35mm. I can see the difference between 1/125th and 1/250th. I am not even certain that 1/250th is safe. Note - this has been the case since I was 18 years old and fit - it's not that I'm a shaky old man.

In more recent years, 1/400th second on my RZ67 isn't sharp; a tripod mounted image is.

OK, I'm not everyone, and I may be exceptionally shaky. But I know my limits; and as I sai, I doubt most people know their's. It's easier to dismiss a lens as inferior than realise that a tripod would help.

As to scientific tests - it's a matter of normal scientific method.

[StephenBatey]

Originally Posted by John B.

I was assuming nothing. I know there are other reasons other than camera shake for using a tripod. It depends on what one hopes to achieve.

I was responding to your comment that "personally, I don't see a need for a tripod everywhere you go". I can only agree with that if you go on to add "personally, I don't see a need for a camera everywhere you go" - although I'll make an exception for certain sorts of photography such as news and documentary.

If you want the best possible technical results, you need a tripod every time. If you want the best possible artistic results, on the whole I'd say the same.

Using a tripod doesn't guarantee that your composition is perfect; but it does guarantee that you have an incentive to at least think about it - and to judge from forum queries many photographers don't think about it.

[John B.]

Originally Posted by donoreo

Scott Kelby talks about tripod use in his books. He makes the comment that if you want to have your photos as sharp as you can, use a tripod whenever you can. He and most pros he knows, and he knows a lot, follow this. Always use a tripod if you can is his final word on the matter.

I almost always have one of my tripods with me. If not I have a monopod. I also find that by using a tripod I slow down and take my time more. My problem with photography is I tend to rush. Using a tripod helps me with that problem.

One of my favorite pro photographers is Brian Peterson. He has written books on the subject, and has videos on YouTube. Sometimes he uses a tripod and sometimes he doesn't. If somebody is willing to lug a tripod around for every shot they take, then more power to them. I can't do it, personally, because lately a lot of my stuff has been shot from a kayak, and there isn't much room in those for a tripod.

Here's a shot I took last week, from the land, hand held with a P&S camera which can't match my DSLR. The detail of the branches in the water is pretty good considering it doesn't look as good in the forum as it does on my monitor.

Just a thought... when you're showing your photos to friends, have any of them ever said, "I see you must have used a tripod!"



Umm... I didn't see anything in the rules about hijacking somebody's thread with my own photo. I hope I haven't done that but if I have, I'll delete it. Some forums allow it and some don't.

[Gratris]

Fantastic photo, dont you dare delete it.

I appreciate the answers, the advice, the opinions, , , thank you to each and evryone that has took the time to read the thread and reply.


What I dont want is people arguing, a difference of opinion and the debate that comes with it is great, it leads to discussion which can only be a good thing, arguments are different kettle of fish and I would hate to think that my initial post started an argument.

Anyway, again thanks for the replies and advice, I truly appreciate it, thank you.

Regards
Gratris

[John B.]

You are very kind, Gratris!

I asked about hijacking the thread because on a previous forum, some time ago, it was allowed and nobody had a problem with it. Then I went to another forum and, without thinking, posted a picture on another member's thread. He got upset and told me to delete it, and not post anything in his threads again. I don't usually post my photos in another person's thread, but just that one time got me into trouble. I don't want to do the same thing here.

I looked for forum rules and don't see any, so I'm going by feel, right now.