Tripod use basics

[ofafeather]

Hi, all. Does anyone have any pointers on general tripod usage, especially out of the studio? Do you have a particular method that makes set-ups quick and easy? How do you hand metering for landscapes when you need to move the camera to meter the sky, then recompose to scene? Do you take the camera off the mount or move the mount? Any other tips and tricks? I haven't really used one yet and am looking forward to some sunrise/sunset shots and other landscapes soon. I'll be using an older aluminum Quick-Set Elevator Champ tripod that we got at a yard sale years ago for $3 (way before I was truly interested in photography). It has ring locks on the 3 section legs and has a large center bar to adjust the elevation. I'm not sure what you call the kind of head it has but it looks like this one. http://cgi.ebay.com/Vintage-Quick-set-Elevator-Champ-Camera-Tripod-ECI_W0QQitemZ300393543212QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_Def aultDomain_0?hash=item45f0d9b62c

It will have to do until I can get a better tripod down the road.

[Lowner]

i generally spend a lot of time wandering around the scene, getting the feel of it. By the time it comes to setting up the tripod I already know exactly how I intend to meter it.

Apart from making sure the tripod is level and firmly footed I have no particular tricks. I'd not extend it more than I need to, even if I end up kneeling behind it, that applies particularly to any extending centre column.

If your camera allows you the option of locking the mirror up, then I'd definitely encourage you to use it, as well as a remote shutter release. In the absence of a remote cable, the camera timer will allow you to operate the shutter without touching the camera.

A tripod is the best method of improving image quality bar none. Lets see some images soon.

[ofafeather]

If your camera allows you the option of locking the mirror up, then I'd definitely encourage you to use it, as well as a remote shutter release. In the absence of a remote cable, the camera timer will allow you to operate the shutter without touching the camera.


Thanks for the input. Sounds like good suggestions. I believe I can lock the mirror up. I have a Rebel T1i. At what point do you lock the mirror up? Does it affect use of the viewfinder or Live View? I will use the timer since I don't have a shutter release. I think I also need to turn off the IS on the lens when on the tripod.

[bohdank]

Use the 10 second timer. I did a seat of my pants test when I got my Feisol. Camera with long lens, looking through the viewfinder or Liveview.... tap a tripod leg. Although the vibrations appear to come to a stop in just under 2 seconds, I don't chance it and use either a wireless release or the 10 second built in timer with MLU.

I do know that outdoors, when windy, as it was yesterday, it is very important to give the rig time to settle down and hopefully the wind won't blow things around too much, if at all.

[cameraman51]

Extend the thicker legs before the thinner ones. DON"T use an extended center column, it amplifies vibration. For long exposures use mirror lockup in addition to delayed firing. You might consider a bubble level too.

[EOSNewbie]

Also if your tripod allows for it a weight of some kind ( sandbag, bucket of rocks ... ) hung from the center column will dampen vibrations better still. Obviously the more surface area the weight has the more it will pick up the wind.
One thing I did that really makes me like mine more is that I affixed some super heavy duty velcro, ( the kind the give you to affix a toll paying device to your windshield ) to one of the legs and a piece to the back of my remote. If I am going to lug out the tripod then chances are I'll need the remote. I leave it permanently attached there till it's time to use it with a half-hitch around the center column.

[RPCrowe]

A trick that I learned early in my career as a motion picture photographer is when you are moving the tripod from place to place, have one leg a bit longer than the other two. That leg will be the forward leg. Place it on the ground and draw back and spread the other two legs.