Chuck B

The tripod is a big aid and the longer you're at it the more you will like it.

larryepage Loc: North Texas area

This has developed into a very interesting discussion. Don't think it has led to anything close to a definitive answer, but it is still very interesting.

I used to have a very substantial Bogen tripod. It was very stable, the quick release system was reliable and very easy to use, and any part on it could be replaced if it failed or broke. But I never used it, because it was too big, large, and heavy to transport and srt up easily. Ended up trading it in at our local (very eclectic) used photo equipment store. It went immediately to a person who was looking for that very make and model to use on a tripod dolly for video production. I got a very used D300 and a nice D300s in return which sparked my serious return to photography. Later, I bought a Manfrotto 290 Dual which included a gimbal head with telescoping handles that is much easier to manage and transport. The quick release system isn't optimal (it can be very hard to use in the dark, and night sky photography is one of my main reasons for using a tripod), but it is serviceable, and with the accessory strap, it's reasonably easy to carry. So I can have it and use it. It's worth a lot more to me than the old (and much better) tripod which I no longer have. (And Gene51, if you are still following this discussion, I know that it doesn't measure up to several of the models that you prefer.) It works great when I need it, even with the high resolution cameras that I use now (D500, D810, D850).

Right now, I do not find a tripod necessary for landscape photography. I generally don't go too much beyond 120mm for landscape shots, because I don't like the almost certain atmospheric distortion that creeps into telephoto landscape images. As I (hopefully) get older and arthritis starts gaining on me, that may change. I also have several lineal relatives who have (or who had) essential tremors or other problems that could change that if I develop those symptoms. But I do not find a tripod necessary for making panoramas. I've developed a technique for securely planting my feet and rotating my body at the waist to make exposures at a consistent angle for stitching. The level in the viewfinder can help also. As far as HDR photography, I don't think I've ever used a tripod, but have always managed very good results. My secret there is to turn on auto bracketing (constant aperture), compose the image, then focus on holding the focus point indicator on the same spot in the scene. If the camera happens to move a little, the software can handle it. I do not currently do focus stacking, but given everything that has to happen to do that, I'd almost certainly use a tripod. Even so, when I tried Helicon Focus, I learned that it inserts "markers" into each image that it uses to keep everything aligned, since the image size changes slightly as focus is adjusted. My guess is that on a "landscape" scale, it would be possible to develop technique that would allow hand-holding even in that case.

graybeard

Tripods are not necessary for anything !!

Photographer Jim Loc: Rio Vista, CA

We can all probably debate the “necessity” of using a tripod, but I would challenge anyone to deny that there are times when not using one will only result in unnecessary hours in editing and countless headaches! Here is an example of an image I did a number of years ago. I wholeheartedly doubt I (and the vast majority of others) could have captured this hand held, and have had it come out as successfully.

The image is a composite of two exposures; one for the sky and one for the foreground, six stops separating them. Given the fine detail at the edges of the merged exposures, it was important that they be very very closely aligned. Even a quarter inch difference would make compositing the two exposures difficult. As the image was intended for a rather large print, sharpness was a critical concern. It took some time to get the composition exactly as I wanted it, and then a wait of twenty minutes waiting for the sun to drop down into position. When I finally got to the point of taking the shot, I had just a few seconds to change the bracketing settings between exposures. The bottom line is that I can’t imagine being able to achieve the precision I wanted hand held!

I would never tell another photographer that they should approach their work in the same way as I do. If hand held suits your needs, then go for it and enjoy. But please, don’t assume that your needs are the same as others, and recognize that blanket pronouncements of this nature serve no one well.

Alone on the Mountain

pesfls Loc: Oregon, USA

Well put

Martys Loc: Lubec, Maine

For my liking the tripod is the most important piece of equipment I have,....with it I know I can adequately deal with any light I find myself facing with the additional benefit of using low ISO settings at desired smaller f stop settings knowing I have the sharpest images assuming the tripod remains rigidly in place.
Recently I found myself shooting handheld for the first time in years,..felt like a fish out of water,...I soon adjusted to a firm grip and suitable fast shutter and ISO to achieve quality shots,..but with several more inferior exposures in the process.
I have a quick mount adapter on my camera that mates fast to my tripod plate as req'd.
I find Live View a wonderful asset,..time permitting.
Care must still be taken to not be lax following best photographic exposure techniques.
Two section adjustable legs are better than three,...using the tripods up/down center height adjustment if you have it,..invites unwanted camera movement.
Carrying a tripod is no problem especially with todays lighter carbon fiber designs.
It's really a personal decision and depends on what your end expectations are.

I know photographers who shoot only handheld who do just fine thru adapting to sound shooting practices.

Travelers usually dislike cumbersome tripods,....dedicated serious photographers with specific sales quality images in mind,....will usually use a tripod.

Just my humble opinion and preference.
Marty

graybeard

The MOST important piece of equipment you have?? You can take a picture with a camera but without a tripod. Try taking a picture with a tripod but without a camera. Nice trick if you can do it !!

graybeard

Nice image, but less a photo than a surreal artsy lab job. It almost looks like a painting. That is a compliment.

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

As Max would say, "Ah, the old camera in a tripod trick.".

Photographer Jim Loc: Rio Vista, CA

I understood what Marty meant by that statement. I have a similar viewpoint. Marty may have been a little hyperbolic, but most get the point.

My tripod is ONE of my most import pieces of equipment. It serves as an integral part of my shooting process, to the extent that I didn’t hesitate to lay out more cash than I have for some lens.

Photographer Jim Loc: Rio Vista, CA

It does have a somewhat surreal quality about it but in its full size (30x40) there is little doubt that it is a photo, and a very sharp, detailed one at that. My purpose in using it as an example was to illustrate that at times a tripod may play a critical role in creating a photo.

(A lot of my images are processed to intentionally have a “painterly” quality, but not this one. That feeling may be from the way the sky was “icing up” as the temperature was dropping rapidly. Also, having the sky and foreground exposed six stops apart gives it a lighting range not typical of a single exposure. It has been very successful, in both competitions and sales. I’m very proud of it)

graybeard

OK it is a great shot, thanks primarily to YOU, the photographer and your vision and conception of what you wanted. The Camera was the essential tool, the tripod a supporting part. One could give additional credit to the SD card, the battery, the strap, and luck as well. If anyone is left out it I apologize.

SuperflyTNT Loc: Manassas VA

I think this misses the point in regard to the OP’s original question. Yes the camera was essential to this photo, as were the battery and SD card, (which we don’t really question because they’re required for the camera to work). For this particular photo, the poster feels that the tripod was also essential to getting the shot and I’m inclined to agree. As for the strap, a useful piece of equipment, one I use often, (Peak Design Slide), but never really required to get the shot. And doubtful used for this one, since it was shot from a tripod.

graybeard

In my 76 years I continue to be amazed that people don't recognize the satire or sarcasm that comes out of my mouth and take everything so literally. Besides tripods, flash and post processing have no place in anything I do. Do the best I can with available light, hand held, and accept the results I get.

SuperflyTNT Loc: Manassas VA

True. I only recognize good satire.