Should I get a tripod?

This is embarrassing as heck, but although I've been taking photography seriously as a hobbyist for about a year now, I haven't purchased or even used a tripod a single time. I don't even know how to use one!

I just don't take a lot of "stationary" photography - formal portraits, landscapes, etc. When I do, I just handhold. Not much night scenes either.

Basic tripod models are pretty inexpensive, so should I pick one up and learn how to use it to just have around?

If you take mainly non static scenes I fail to see what a tripod will do for you.

What do you take photos of?

Only you can really answer that question. If you buy one, is it just going to sit and collect dust? Do you currently have a need for a tripod? There's not much of a learning curve to using a tripod, it really comes down to needing a steadier "hand".

Jason

If you havent felt the need for one until now, I dont know that I would dive in the deep end and grab a new one just to have one. My suggestion would be to watch craigslist or the classifieds to see if you can find a decent used one for sale. Then pick up a decent sturdy model, rather than buying a flimsy model new. They can be handy for shots where you want to do duplicate layers (two shots where you want to use photoshop layers to remove something). light painting shots, etc, Also useful for long exposure water blurring etc.

nellyle wrote in post #16052645
If you take mainly non static scenes I fail to see what a tripod will do for you.

What do you take photos of?

A little bit of everything, but mostly candids of family/friends and a lot of museums

I can't see a tripod helping with candids.
museums? Yes, but only if they'll let you bring one in.

Don't buy a low end tripod just to have one (made that mistake). If you think you will use it get a decent sturdy one. If you pick up a base cheap entry level unit, it will not perform like you think it should when you do decide to use it.

Ah.... tripods. I have a few of them of various quality and price points. If I were starting over, I would also buy used... wait for the right deal. That being said, what is the right deal?

What I would consider the right deal now isn't what I would have considered a great deal two years ago.

Dark Knight, I would take the time to read as many tripod threads here as possible. That will give you an idea what many of us have gone through, what products to avoid, what products are loved by many, etc. I would do searches for hmmmm Manfrotto, Gitzo, RRS, Feisol, Benro, Vanguard and then follow the other names that crop up in those threads.

There is a wealth of knowledge on this site but when choosing a first tripod, the sound advice isn't easy to follow because you can't believe you could ever spend X amount on a tripod.

I wish you well on your journey if you decide to buy one. I also hope you can avoid taking the scenic tripod journey I did, though I did have some fun along the way.

The Dark Knight wrote in post #16052659
A little bit of everything, but mostly candids of family/friends and a lot of museums

Can see why you wouldn 't think you would use one. I've found some museums dont allow tripods. For Zoo trips and Aviary's a nice monopod would probably do better.

I shoot mostly nature but dabble with landscape and some creative stuff that a tripod helps out a bunch. My suggestion would be dont buy a tripod unless you have a need. But I think someday you'll end up wanting one if you keep expanding your photography world.

I generally use a tripod for long exposures and/or low light. if you have IS lenses you very well may never need a tripod. hell you don't even know if you need one now !

If you don't feel hindered by not having one, then it's likely that you don't need one.

Tripods are not just for "static" photos. Using a tripod forces framing discipline and encourages a more contemplative approach to photography. It will cause you to slow down and really look at things. These are all good things as you grow as a photographer.

You may be surprised after using a tripod to find just how much you are missing really accurate focus by moving too fast or by camera shake. Stabilization helps in pinch or when you just need to work hand held but the tripod will reveal just how much camera movement there may be even at moderately fast shutter speeds.

Take it for what it's worth. I'm an old view camera type and bought a tripod (unfortunately not a good one) before buying a flash. My working methods may be very different from yours or others posting here but I just wanted to say that tripods are not just for slow shutter speeds.

If you decide to get a tripod, get a good one and solid ball head with an Arca Swiss style quick release.

Hope this helps and gives you a different take on the subject.

A camera on a tripod can help take some interesting candids

Do it. Scratch the itch. You might take some photos you didn't know you could. Or you may never use it. But at least you'll know.

I second rgs's suggestion: make sure to buy a tripod head that uses the Arca Swiss quick release system. It will save your money and frustration over time.

I use a tripod in much the way rgs does. It forces me to slow down, frame my shots more carefully, etc. I'm also appreciate how much less camera shake I have using both a tripod and a monopod. Of course, I'm an older guy so YMMV.

I'm basically a street photographer but I use three tripods, a light carbon fiber one for travel, an aluminum versatile one for indoor shots, and a relatively heavy carbon fiber one for long exposures and with a 617 film panoramic camera.

A good start is the Tripod FAQ. Popular value brands are Benro and Feisol, popular top-of-the-line brands are Gitzo and Really Right Stuff (RRS).

You will need to buy a ballhead too. There are many brands but once again you'll find good information in the FAQ. As already said above, get a ballhead that uses an Arca-Swiss dovetail type of connection between ballhead and camera.