Are Tripods Still Necessary For Landscape Photography?
Jun 17, 2023 10:46:48 #
Manglesphoto wrote:
I use a tripod for every thing !! for landscapes it, gives me a chance to take time for the best composition.
I will have my 75th birthday in a couple of months, I have health problems including stability problems. I am looking to lighten my load. Thank you for replying.
Jun 17, 2023 10:48:57 #
lamiaceae wrote:
I have had IBIS for many years in my Pentax Cameras. But, Yes, Tripods are necessary when you are handicapped or wheelchair bound and can barely hold a camera. Also I have even when I could move around more easily used a tripod for Close-Ups and Macro Photography.
Thank you.
Jun 17, 2023 10:49:19 #
larryepage
Loc: North Texas area
Mac wrote:
With IBIS are tripods still necessary? Especially when using a smaller, lighter lens like a prime? I understand that with some types of photography (and lenses) tripods are needed, but has IBIS made them redundant in others?
I use a tripod for nighttime landscapes/starscapes. I generally do not use a tripod for daytime landscapes, even when using my unstabilized 24-70mm f/2.8 lens. I've also learned that modern software can do panoramas from handheld exposures, especially if reasonable care is taken when exposing them, such as swiveling at the waist to rotate the entire upper body with the camera. That same technique is also very beneficial when shooting moving trains or aircraft. I find the in-camera level to be a much more helpful tool than a tripod or stabilization for insuring best results for landscapes. Shooting in sunlight at ISO 200 or 320 almost always results in a shutter speed sufficient to easily manage camera movement, even with a high resolution camera like a D850. Overcast days may require different treatment, since that usually means about 2 ev less illumination.
Jun 17, 2023 10:49:48 #
tradio wrote:
I always ( 98% )use a tripod.
Thank you
Jun 17, 2023 10:52:16 #
Longshadow wrote:
Well, I told you what I thought.... 
Whether you agree or disagree is up to you.
Whether you agree or disagree is up to you.
I don’t agree or disagree. I won’t be able to until I do it myself.
Jun 17, 2023 10:56:34 #
lamiaceae wrote:
Please don't ask a question or seek opinions and then challenge others ideas or opinions. It is annoying even if that was not your intent. We all shoot the way we like and need too. You too. Peace. 
I don’t think I was challenging anyone. I asked a rather specific question with parameters. I have received many responses but few answers. Thank you for your opinion.
Jun 17, 2023 10:57:54 #
gvarner wrote:
I know a pro who uses a tripod and aperture control, sets his prime at it’s calculated sweet spot (most of them are F8),ISO at 100, and lets the shutter speed float. Saw one of his photos priced at $10,000.
Thank you
Jun 17, 2023 11:04:28 #
Jun 17, 2023 11:07:48 #
Mac wrote:
Slowing down is something I have been working on for myself, that’s why I’ve switched to manual exposure in most cases.
Thank you for your response.
Thank you for your response.
It's an ongoing problem for me Mac. I have a decent CF tripod but much of what I do are travel pics and my wife would divorce me if I even suggested taking it on a trip.
Still, we do what we can and must do given the circumstances.
Jun 17, 2023 11:08:37 #
Mac wrote:
I don’t agree or disagree. I won’t be able to until I do it myself.
But I only use one maybe 10% of the time.
NOT for every shot. It depends on the conditions and what I desire to do.
Jun 17, 2023 11:34:00 #
Mac wrote:
I don’t think I was challenging anyone. I asked a rather specific question with parameters. I have received many responses but few answers. Thank you for your opinion.
Jun 17, 2023 11:44:03 #
Mac wrote:
With IBIS are tripods still necessary? Especially when using a smaller, lighter lens like a prime? I understand that with some types of photography (and lenses) tripods are needed, but has IBIS made them redundant in others?
In one of your replies, you wrote that you are having stability issues related to age. I'm 76 going on 77 in a couple weeks.
I'm having fun learning some new stuff. One is an aerial camera that is rock steady. (Some call them "drones"). You can think of it as a remotely controlled tripod. The control sticks can be tuned to "soft" and slow response. Once in position, it stays there and magically holds still while you take your picture.
Related are gimbals. If you can accept that phones are capable cameras, there are light weight gimbals in the $100 range that hold them rock steady even while your hand is shaking.
Another solution has been a gift from my wife. She gave me a Sony pocket sized camera for Christmas. Not only is very light, but the IBIS is extraordinary. The sensor is certainly smaller than a DSLR, but Sony's magic ensures quality suitable for all but the largest of prints.
Jun 17, 2023 11:46:16 #
Longshadow wrote:
NOT for every shot. It depends on the conditions and what I desire to do.
Exactly, thank you.
Jun 17, 2023 11:52:13 #
bsprague wrote:
In one of your replies, you wrote that you are hav... (show quote)
Thank you
My stability problem isn’t with holding the camera, but with walking, especially over uneven ground.
Jun 17, 2023 12:13:39 #
Orphoto
Loc: Oregon
Mac. I suspect there is no single objective answer that applies to everyone. If you are able to get places and carry a camera better without a tripod, then that is what enables you to get the shot. Are there compromises to going without? Of course! Everyone has to sort these out as best they can.
For now at least i do have the luxury of carrying fairly heavy loads and always using a tripod for best results.
If you are asking, if using ibis and best practices is it a match for steady tripod....no. is it good enough...see what you find out using your own criteria.
For now at least i do have the luxury of carrying fairly heavy loads and always using a tripod for best results.
If you are asking, if using ibis and best practices is it a match for steady tripod....no. is it good enough...see what you find out using your own criteria.
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