Anyone uses tripods for non-professional use?

I've never owned a tripod previously, and am wondering how it'll benefit me in regular use. I am not a pro, and do not get paid for my work. Mostly I like to shoot family events, portraits, landscapes, and some action (ballroom dancing) and travel photos.

I'd like to hear from my fellow users on how they use a tripod? I'm trying to justify if spending $300 on a tripod is worth it.

no pro here... but i travel with my tripod if i can...

Florence...

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No need to spend $300 and there are a lot of uses. Very helpful in panos, fireworks, macros, family portraits, low light pics, long exposure, astro, the list goes on and on. I still use my $29.95 Best Buy special quite a bit. It's not the most stable and has no fancy ball head, but it's light, travels easily and holds up any gear I choose to slap on it. Of course, I do set the timer and let the body stabilize before taking the pic.

The only one I've had was- Sunpak, the $15 dollar one I picked up from the online specials. It was a total mess, and didn't hold the camera well. So before I pour some real money into one, I was just wondering if it's that beneficial. But looks like for fireworks its essential, as I realized after 4th of July
Handholding the camera was a disaster, even with IS lens. But carrying it around for family portraits, it takes too much space. I guess I need to figure out if I really want one.

I feel tripods are invaluable Especially for portrait work. It allows you to move around while using a remote release. Makes portrait taking a lot more relaxed. I not only recommend the tripod, but a remote release, wired or wireless. It keeps the camera very still while activating the shutter.

You don't have to spend a lot of money, the higher costs are due to getting lighter weight materials like carbon fiber.

Tripods should be especially useful for your style of shooting.

A tripod is right up there with a flash in the effect it will have on your photography.

definitely worth it. for landscapes and night shots it's almost a necessity. for your family gatherings, you could always throw a video camera on it if you're walking around shooting with the camera.

I agree, it's worth it. I shoot group shots, which usually includes me, macro, product shots, and night shots.