Camera Movement on Tripod: I recently upgraded from a Canon T1i to a Canon 5D4. I have taken all kinds of tripod pics (fireworks, HDR, etc) with the T1i and an Induro tripod. I always...

Paulwms

I recently upgraded from a Canon T1i to a Canon 5D4. I have taken all kinds of tripod pics (fireworks, HDR, etc) with the T1i and an Induro tripod. I always us a remote trigger and never had any camera movement. My first outing with the 5D4 using the same Induro tripod and a remote trigger was a real bust. I took over 100 pics of fireworks and had the exact same camera movement with each pic, I can tell by the stationary lights on the foreground pier.(see attachment). All the pics were taken at ASA 200,F11 with a 5 second shutter speed. The fireworks all appear to not be affected, as was some lightning in the offshore thunderstorm. I would think that the 5D4 mirror movement would not affect a 5 second shot. I am stumped. Anybody have an explanation? Thanks for any help.

gmontjr2350 Loc: Southern NJ

Paulwms wrote:

I recently upgraded from a Canon T1i to a Canon 5D... (show quote)

I've just been reading a tripod article that discussed your issue. It's by Thom Hogan and here is the link:
https://bythom.com/reviews--books/tripods-today.html

Orphoto Loc: Oregon

I am going to guess that it has more to do with your tripod head than the legs. Specifically that the head was steadily drooping slowly.

Without looking up the particulars the new camera is a fair amount heavier than the old one. That puts additional force on the head, which might not be up to it.

ricardo00

Is it possible that image stabilization is causing the problem? Did you have that turned off? I had a similar problem once with a longer shutter speed like you used. Turned off the image stabilization and the problem disappeared.

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

You didn't store the image file, so you force us to ask: what lens? was the IS active? what tripod head, and can it 'hold' this full-frame body and lens? These are all much more likely causes than internal movement of the camera due to the mirror.

Grahame Loc: Fiji

Paulwms wrote:

All the pics were taken at ASA 200,F11 with a 5 second shutter speed. The fireworks all appear to not be affected, as was some lightning in the offshore thunderstorm.

The fireworks are not so much affected in the upper areas as this light is only for a short duration. At a lower level the upward light streams are clearly affected.

The camera movement appears to travel at around 45 degrees. A head drooping movement would likely be vertical.

What surface were your tripod feet on?

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Paraphrasing - "We're gonna need a bigger tripod." That Hogan article on tripods is excellent. His earlier article - https://dslrbodies.com/accessories/other-accessories/tripod-101.html

photoman43

gmontjr2350 wrote:

I've just been reading a tripod article that discussed your issue. It's by Thom Hogan and here is the link:
https://bythom.com/reviews--books/tripods-today.html

Thank you for the link to Thom Hogan's article on tripods. I found it useful and informative.

if you need a tripod to get low, and if your desired model comes with a center column, there might be a shorter replacement or additional center column for it. I modified my travel tripod made by Induro, now owned by Benro, by replacing the center column with a short one so I can get lower to the ground when needed. Other features that might be important to you are replacement feet and how to attach them to the bottom of each leg.

cjc2 Loc: Hellertown PA

If you want a good tripod, they are made by Gitzo and RRS. If you want a good head, buy an RRS BH-55. Check the RRS (Really Right Stuff) site for more info. Yes, the good stuff is costly, but you'll only buy it once. Best of luck.

photoman43

I should have added to my previous post that the biggest problems causing loss of stability I have observed fall into ball heads that are inadequate to get the job done and camera to ballhead plate systems that are not stable. The problem may not be just the tripod.

I now use ballheads and plates that are Arca Swiss that come from top line manufacturers.

Paulwms

This is a fantastic trove of information. I am definitely going to follow your lead on a tripod upgrade. Thanks a bunch.

Paulwms

Even though I will spend some $$$ on a new tripod, I really like the image stablization replies. I think that could be the real problem and I will be sure to deselect it on any further tripod shots. I was however unsure if my current tripod and ballhead would handle the 5D4 prior to the shoot. I can't tell you how appreciative I am of all you guys taking such an interest in my problem. I hope that I get the opportunity to play it forward sometime.

SteveLew Loc: Sugar Land, TX

I have my Induro CLT 203 tripod for several years with an Induro BHL 2S ball head. I have used large lenses with no issues. I do not think that your issue is your tripod legs (unless you have a travel tripod). I agree with some the others that your issue may be with your tripod head.

pendennis

Before you invest in a new tripod, and if you believe the current head is adequate, why not add a bit of weight to the center column, just in case.

I have an Induro CT-303, and it's rated for 55lb. However, owing to its lighter mass, I carry an extra five pounds of weight, and employ it attached to the center column.

When I closed up my portrait and wedding business, I sold most all my grip gear. However, I retained the light stand weights of five and ten pounds, just in case. They have padded screw clamps, so I can attach them to the upper legs, and they do a really good job when I need the extra weight.

There are also a lot of purpose-made bags which provide the weight needed. I've also used a camera bag. I keep clips and carabiners just for attaching.

Grahame Loc: Fiji

Paulwms wrote:

Even though I will spend some $$$ on a new tripod, I really like the image stablization replies. I think that could be the real problem and I will be sure to deselect it on any further tripod shots. I was however unsure if my current tripod and ballhead would handle the 5D4 prior to the shoot. I can't tell you how appreciative I am of all you guys taking such an interest in my problem. I hope that I get the opportunity to play it forward sometime.

Before going out and buying new gear one option for you is to undertake some testing to see if you can confirm what happened.

Firstly, if you took a number of shots without moving or touching the tripod/camera comparing them side by side or overlaid what do you see with alignment at those positions which appear to be static lights?

Secondly, take your tripod, extend a single leg and lock it. Holding it vertically push down on it. You may find it is not locking well enough and needs adjusting. Undertake for each leg.

Thirdly, set up the same rig on 'solid' ground with prominent objects on the horizon, a light at night is easiest.
With the same rig take some test shots at 5 seconds or more and look at the results on the rear screen magnified. Try this with VR on and off, check the result.

You may find you have movement or not. You may find you simply did not have the ball head or a leg tightened enough. Also, adding weight can be great but detrimental on certain surfaces where it can assist sinkage and sliding