Proper tripod technique

I recently came across a scenic landscape and there were several photographers there taking photos. I noticed that everyone had oriented their tripod with one leg extended to each side of the lens and the last leg toward themselves (the lens axis bisected the tripod legs), except for me. I always thought the best stability comes with orienting the lens in the same axis as a tripod leg ie away from the photographer. The tripod also doesn't get in the way of where you stand. There are exceptions that I can see, like a macro shot that requires the lens to be between tripod legs in order to get close enough to the subject.

Is there a "correct" technique?

I'm not sure if the tripod orientation matters that much (maybe more so with a long, heavier lens), but any thoughts would be appreciated. I also remember reading a website about tripods and camera support that may have answered this question a few years ago, but in my old age, I can't find it.

If stability is the question, then it doesn´t matter. The only thing that matters is that central column should be vertical.

The lay of the land and where any off-center weight might be (in your equipment mounted to the tripod) would dictate how I would orient the tripod's legs. Stability is the important thing, and you need to analyze how stable the rig is to determine what is correct for the situation.

If I were working on a hillside, I would normally have a single leg uphill (shortened, of course) and two legs downhill.

If the ground was level and if I needed to move the camera around while mounted to the tripod, I would likely use your idea of having a single leg opposite me and two legs on my side so I wouldn't have to jump over a leg frequently.

That's the opposite of what the OP said. Third leg towards you, not away.

Personally I think it's like a secret handshake

kuma1212 wrote in post #9793589
I recently came across a scenic landscape and there were several photographers there taking photos. I noticed that everyone had oriented their tripod with one leg extended to each side of the lens and the last leg toward themselves (the lens axis bisected the tripod legs), except for me. I always thought the best stability comes with orienting the lens in the same axis as a tripod leg ie away from the photographer. The tripod also doesn't get in the way of where you stand. There are exceptions that I can see, like a macro shot that requires the lens to be between tripod legs in order to get close enough to the subject.

Is there a "correct" technique?

I'm not sure if the tripod orientation matters that much (maybe more so with a long, heavier lens), but any thoughts would be appreciated. I also remember reading a website about tripods and camera support that may have answered this question a few years ago, but in my old age, I can't find it.

That is what the OP said. I agree

kuma1212 wrote in post #9793589
I recently came across a scenic landscape and there were several photographers there taking photos. I noticed that everyone had oriented their tripod with one leg extended to each side of the lens and the last leg toward themselves (the lens axis bisected the tripod legs), except for me. I always thought the best stability comes with orienting the lens in the same axis as a tripod leg ie away from the photographer. The tripod also doesn't get in the way of where you stand. There are exceptions that I can see, like a macro shot that requires the lens to be between tripod legs in order to get close enough to the subject.

Is there a "correct" technique?

I'm not sure if the tripod orientation matters that much (maybe more so with a long, heavier lens), but any thoughts would be appreciated. I also remember reading a website about tripods and camera support that may have answered this question a few years ago, but in my old age, I can't find it.

Quoting what the OP saw unless I am mistaking the purpose of your post, then I apologize.

I think he was saying everyone else had their tripod set with a leg toward them and he thought it was best with the 3rd leg away from him which I agreed with. Not that this discussion matters much, I may be wrong too.

My apologies....

I agree with kuma1212. I've always heard that you should have one leg extending out towards the same direction the lens is pointing (assuming you are on level ground) and it makes complete sense. Provided the particular body/lens set-up is front heavy, I'm certain there are measurable advantages on a micro-scale. And yes, micro-scale improvements are sought after. (which is why many folks spend upwards of $1,500 on a good support system)

Bryan

Thanks for the responses guys. This was on a bridge with a curb. The curb was for the pedestrian portion of the bridge. I placed 1 leg away from me in the same axis as my lens. This was wedged between the bridge floor and railing. The other 2 legs were on each side of me on the road (so these 2 legs were extended longer). I just wasn't sure if I was maximizing stability since everyone else had 2 tripod legs on the curb and 1 on the road.

I also used mirror lock up and 2sec timer, but didn't use any kind of weight or sand bag, so I could have done more to add stability.

Thanks again.

kuma1212 wrote in post #9794209
Thanks for the responses guys. This was on a bridge with a curb. The curb was for the pedestrian portion of the bridge. I placed 1 leg away from me in the same axis as my lens. This was wedged between the bridge floor and railing. The other 2 legs were on each side of me on the road (so these 2 legs were extended longer). I just wasn't sure if I was maximizing stability since everyone else had 2 tripod legs on the curb and 1 on the road.

I also used mirror lock up and 2sec timer, but didn't use any kind of weight or sand bag, so I could have done more to add stability.

Thanks again.

sounds like they were trying to get their tripods closer to the edge, which is a case where i would do the same thing. if all else is equal tho i set my tripod up with one leg in front.

ed rader

that's a good thought Ed. I didn't notice the difference in camera distance from the railing. I should've taken a pic...it would've been much easier to explain.

This is the scene I was capturing. Taken at Zion National Park in Utah. I think a polarizer would have helped make the sky a little more blue, and also allow me to brighten the foreground a little. Straight from camera, I didn't have a chance to edit yet.

Yep, it sounds like they were trying to get closer. This could provide better framing for a wide-angle lens, and it gives the the appearance of being less intrusive on the roadway.

Bryan

If the center column is perfectly vertical (it should be) and the legs are spread out evenly, I cant see where it would matter short of getting closer next to something. Essentially, all legs lead to one so the stability is near the same ... unless on a hillside.

Personally, I like being in between the rear legs. Chances of kicking the legs are reduced in half. Nothing chaps me off more than getting set up for a shot and then kick it out of position.