j45 Loc: North Central CT

My first cruise. Just taking the Canon SX50 with me. Here's where we are going:

a day in each port -
Embark from San Juan on Carnival Fascination:
St. Thomas
Barbados
St Lucia
St Kitts
St Marrten
back to San Juan

most ports we will be taking a Carnival sponsored excursion but maybe not all ports (will stay on the ship otherwise) spending maybe 7 hrs in each port.
My question is can anyone who knows that camera recommend or not recommend a small tripod. I have done a hand held shot or two at max - 1200mm, but the subject was contrasty and it was bright sun. I barely got away with it. Last vacation in NOLA I checked and seemed to get along with up to maybe 200-300mm maximum with my pocket p&s
Have no idea what to expect in this cruise for photo ops as I have never done this before in the Caribbean
I prefer no tripod and certainly wont entertain a bigger one.
That Mephoto one might be too much for me to tolerate. Naturally I would want some sort of sling
i do have a "zip" tripod I think thats the name of it tamrac or some brand dont know where it is or remember how carryable it is. but i have 75 days to look for it (Oct 1)
Looking for comments from those who have been there done that if i really need a tripod and will use the extremes of the SX50 zoom
this isnt going to be a master photo excursion just want some nice shots

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

I would consider a monopod way before I would consider a tripod .....

rehess Loc: South Bend, Indiana, USA

I use a MeFoto monopod, which doubles as a walking stick. It also collapses into something that fits into a suitcase, so I took it to San Diego with us. My application is a Pentax Q-7, a 4.65-crop MILC; when I use a K-mount 70-300mm lens via an adapter, I have a "35mm equiv" of nearly 1400mm which I have to manually focus before I can use it ... and the monopod helps me keep on target to get the job done.

http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-473096-1.html is a picture I took using that combination of tools.

rjaywallace Loc: Wisconsin

The SX50 is a fine camera. I agree about the monopod suggestion, but if you pay attention to your shutter speed, you may not need it often. At night, maybe. Be aware that shipboard vibrations may reduce the sharpness of your image.

j45 Loc: North Central CT

good suggestion

i will look that up as i use a folding cane on trips i can use the mephoto and leave the cane on the boat the folding cane should fit in the airplanes seatback pocket i assume the collapsed mephoto will as well

thanks for that one

MadMikeOne Loc: So. NJ Shore - a bit west of Atlantic City

I have that camera and agree about a monopod vs a tripod. I find that using the viewfinder rather than the LCD screen to compose the shot allows for much less camera shake. BTW, my SX50-HS has now been to 4 continents. It works remarkably well when it is not possible to either carry or use my normal heavy gear.

j45 Loc: North Central CT

i am quite fat these days so perhaps that will absorb some of the vibration

BHC Loc: Strawberry Valley, JF, USA

I lugged a tripod (useable as a monopod when strapped) on my Caribbean cruise. It never left my cabin!

londonfire Loc: NY to NC

Been on many cruises and I would not bring any monopod or tripod, no matter how small.

lone ranger Loc: Port Saint Lucie, Florida

I"ve been on over 20 cruises, and I don't think you need a tripod at all, if you feel that you need stability, then a monopod will fill your needs, and be a lot easier to handle, trust me on that one....

camerapapi Loc: Miami, Fl.

I am not familiar with the camera you have from Canon. If it has IS you are lucky because you will not need a tripod except for shots where a long shutter speed is needed.
I use a cheap aluminum Dolica tripod that I carry with me when I travel. Using good techniques the tripod is stable enough and it has given me excellent and steady shots.

cthahn

Hand holding a camera with a 1200mm lens???????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????/

sueyeisert Loc: New Jersey

I just came back from a cruise and used a monopod. When I went on excursions on small boats and trains, I used a monopod.

billnikon Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont

Tripods and travel is like water and oil, they do not mix.

Dan Mc Loc: NM

For portability and effectiveness (unless using a 1200 mm lens!) the old string and eye screw work well...used that trick a few times with great results!