Rongnongno Loc: FL

Tripod use makes a difference between quality and average photography in many areas.

This has been exposed time and time again, especially when it comes to discussion about stitching, exposure bracketing, stacking, long exposure and the like. The list is almost endless.

You can argue as much as you want toward the virtues of the advantages and inconvenience of using a tripod.

It comes down to a single question: How serious are you about the quality of your work?

'I can stitch using handheld'. True, I did it myself. Results, so-so. Using a tripod? Took longer, was more finicky about the overlaps. Results? Much better. Using stacking and exposure bracketing (selection or HDR) can yield an almost perfect image - Good luck with the PP nightmare thought-.

Stacking using handheld. Possible, never tried it. When stacking I always use a tripod, sorry.

Exposure bracketing (to select one shot) who cares, there is nothing but a selection to be made afterward. Still in slow speed, a tripod makes a world of difference.

"I can bracket the exposure toward HDR using handheld". True, I did that too. Results? So-so. A tripod will yield much more consistent results for several reason that are not only tied to stability.

So... If you are satisfied with so-so or GES why not? Tripods after all are just an accessory to improve.

Old Timer Loc: Greenfield, In.

I strongly agree with you. I have said for a long time that a tripod is the single best way to improve you images. If you do believe take ten pictures held and then take them with a tripod and you will see a difference in the consistences of the photos. The more distance and lower light will show up quicker also.

CaptainC Loc: Colorado, south of Denver

Yep. 95% of my images are shot on a tripod and many entire sessions are done in that manner. A tripod results in sharper images, better composition (because it makes you think), and for portrait work, better engagement with the subject. When people say why they do not use a tripod, it is usually excuses, not reasons. And do not buy a cheap one!

tramsey Loc: Texas

When I go out on a serious shoot the tripod comes along, no question. If I am out for fun and games it's attached but I might not use it.

Bill Munny Loc: Aurora, Colorado

My best pics have been with a good, sturdy tripod or a monopod with me leaning against a stabile object. I do a lot of hiking thru the Rocky Mtns. and sometimes the tripod just is not that easy to carry, so the monopod is next, but never leave home without both. You can leave one in the car. It helps to have a decent back pack, mine by Lowe Pro.

rook2c4 Loc: Philadelphia, PA USA

For most of the photography I do, setting up a tripod is either impossible or very impractical. Especially when capturing a fleeting moment and having only seconds to trigger the shutter. Seriousness about photography has little to do with it. Ultimate sharpness means absolutely nothing if you can't get the shot in the first place.

CaptainC Loc: Colorado, south of Denver

No question that there are environments in which a tripod is not the tool of choice. I have done a lot of sports - auto racing and swimming specifically and a tripod there is out of the question.

Steve Perry Loc: Sylvania, Ohio

Agree 100% - I'm a big tripod user and tend to have one under my camera most of the time.

I think one of the biggest reasons people don't use a tripod is that they tend to purchase really poor quality ones. A bad tripod works against you and tends to be frustrating. I spend as much on my tripods /heads as many of my lenses and they last forever and are pleasant to work with in the field. IMO if you're spending less than a few hundred on your tripod, then you're doing yourself a disservice.

Photocraig

Success with a tripod goes WAY up when a quick release is used. Arca Swiss or other. Compose hand held and then put the legs under the camera, fine tune and forget about camera movement constraints. Find the frame and then MAKE the photograph with solid support. Doesn't work with all genres, but it is a great addition when careful framing and maximum control are important.

Quixdraw Loc: x

Tripods can be very useful, even essential under some circumstances, a ball and chain that robs of speed, flexibility, and mobility in others. I use them, tripod or monopod when I must, but often get as good or better results even on macro, or with my longest lenses hand held without, simply braced and adjusting camera settings. I am fortunate in that photography is my pleasure, not my profession. Being weighed down and slowed down is no pleasure. Just my view point, my choice.

Nalu Loc: Southern Arizona

For stationary subjects, absolutely. For something that's moving, different story. Sometimes yes, most times no.

Cdouthitt Loc: Traverse City, MI

Heck as good as Olympus stabilization is...I still prefer to carry a tripod for those critical shots.

SharpShooter Loc: NorCal

And what exactly do you consider a "critical shot"??
It IS very possible that what is a critical shot for some and requires a tripod is an easy handheld shot for another that gets consistently the same result shot after shot.
It's pretty hard to compare a shaky old man with a young, strong pro that pumps iron to be able to handhold a 500mm prime all day while shooting dynamically!! Just saying!
SS

Cdouthitt Loc: Traverse City, MI

When I'm out doing dedicated landscape, architectual, or product photography where I can slow down and set up.

Not when I'm chasing around my kids or out and about with the family. My wife would kill me if I did.

Manglesphoto Loc: 70 miles south of St.Louis

I agree 100%