Are "tripods" really necessary for landscape shots?
Dec 30, 2019 08:15:31 #
Unless you're trying to do a long exposure to freeze a waterfall or shooting in extremely low lights conditions where you may need a few extra stops; why would you need to use a tripod for landscape shots?
I have a full frame camera (Canon 5D Mklll). I can set shutter speed (1/1000) where I'm not going to get any discernible shake and I can turn up the ISO if I need to lighten the exposure.
Even at 2000 to 3000 ISO you are not going to get any noticeable grain or noise. Full Frame ISO performance is amazing!
In nearly all outdoor conditions where they is adequate light (exceptions would be early morning or late evening) I can use the combination of shutter, aperture and ISO to get the exposure I want. It will be sharp/crisp and no grain or noise.
In most conditions I don't see the need for a tripod for landscape shots. Enlighten me I'm open minded :)
I have a full frame camera (Canon 5D Mklll). I can set shutter speed (1/1000) where I'm not going to get any discernible shake and I can turn up the ISO if I need to lighten the exposure.
Even at 2000 to 3000 ISO you are not going to get any noticeable grain or noise. Full Frame ISO performance is amazing!
In nearly all outdoor conditions where they is adequate light (exceptions would be early morning or late evening) I can use the combination of shutter, aperture and ISO to get the exposure I want. It will be sharp/crisp and no grain or noise.
In most conditions I don't see the need for a tripod for landscape shots. Enlighten me I'm open minded :)
Dec 30, 2019 08:21:58 #
Another exception would be creating a pano and stitching. Keeping your ISO low gives you better dynamic range and minimizes noise.
Dec 30, 2019 08:27:52 #
I seldom use a tripod for landscape shots. With enough lighting, I don't need one. If you're going to take the time to get the framing perfect, try a filter or two, or wait for just the right moment, then a tripod would help.
Dec 30, 2019 08:35:32 #
dsnoke
Loc: North Georgia, USA
I find using a tripod gets me better results because I have to slow down and consider just where to place the tripod. That slowing down has improved my compositions immensely. I often shoot a few shots on the tripod and more handheld. Results at seven-oaks.net/dickspics
Happy New Year!
Happy New Year!
Dec 30, 2019 08:36:23 #
steve49
Loc: massachusetts
I drag one along when i travel.... It is useful from time to time...
allows you to not resort to high iso to capture your image.
allows you to not resort to high iso to capture your image.
Dec 30, 2019 08:36:41 #
You’re right. In a nice evenly lit scene a tripod is not really necessary. But having one available allows you to get the best possible image from the widest possible lighting variations. When you’re shooting in the middle of the day, leave it in the car. But in early morning or late evening when light is usually best you will be compromising quality with high ISO, wide apertures or slow shutter speeds. My last trip out west I only used my tripod a couple times. But those ended up being the best pictures I took and are now on my wall. In addition, for advanced multiple exposure techniques like tone mapping or composite imaging, it is essential.
Dec 30, 2019 08:37:08 #
toast wrote:
Unless you're trying to do a long exposure to free... (show quote)
Precise framing, long exposures, difficult positions, precise panoramas, waiting for the right lighting. And yes, there is a difference between base ISO and high ISO, but there is also a difference between slow and fast shutter speeds and large and small apertures. Pick the settings you want, then decide whether you need a tripod.
I use a tripod frequently, and yes, they are necessary for my landscape shooting.
For snapshots, they are not.
Dec 30, 2019 08:37:52 #
A tripod is an important accessory. Besides keeping the camera rock steady it is of great help to the composition. I use my tripod for landscape photography EVEN if my lens or my camera have image stabilizer.
Increasing the ISO does not necessarily mean excellent quality even when using the new cameras. Base ISO is where quality shines.
Increasing the ISO does not necessarily mean excellent quality even when using the new cameras. Base ISO is where quality shines.
Dec 30, 2019 08:38:09 #
I think your right on the mechanics Jerry. I don’t know about you, but I think I do a better job composing a photo when I’m on a tripod. I makes me take more time and stop and think of what I’m doing. Jeff
Dec 30, 2019 09:31:37 #
I always use a tripod for large scenes that require greater DoF and relatively sharp focus from foreground to background. Like others have mentioned, it slows me down and forces me to think about overall composition, what lighting may or may not be complimentary at the time, and of course, keeps me at base ISO.
I have seen some great hand-held photographs that break all of the above mentioned, but for me, it helps with the overall process from start to finish.
I have seen some great hand-held photographs that break all of the above mentioned, but for me, it helps with the overall process from start to finish.
Dec 30, 2019 09:35:35 #
If you include in your considerations that many who take landscape photography seriously, prefer to shot early or late in the day for their work, then yes a tripod is necessary. The lower light of those times is the ruling factor.
Dec 30, 2019 09:45:33 #
Most really successful/serious landscape photography is done in stormy or lower light/night scenarios and may be shooting multiframe HDR, pano, or action blurring slower shutter speeds. For serious large print work there can be a noticeable quality difference between ISO 200 and 100 !! Then there is the enhanced blurring aspect of high MP sensors at almost ANY shutter speed being hand held. 5D MKIII is NOT a high MP.
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Dec 30, 2019 10:26:46 #
ashriverguy wrote:
I think your right on the mechanics Jerry. I don’t know about you, but I think I do a better job composing a photo when I’m on a tripod. I makes me take more time and stop and think of what I’m doing. Jeff
Guess I'm odd. I compose the same, tripod or not.
Dec 30, 2019 10:30:59 #
Longshadow wrote:
Guess I'm odd. I compose the same, tripod or not.
Lol, no not odd, just more disciplined than me for sure. Call it lack of experience, but I tend to move a little faster when I'm not purposely setting up a tripod and finding the best framing for a landscape scene.
Dec 30, 2019 10:33:29 #
johngault007 wrote:
Lol, no not odd, just more disciplined than me for sure. Call it lack of experience, but I tend to move a little faster when I'm not purposely setting up a tripod and finding the best framing for a landscape scene.
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