Do we really NEED tripods for our photography? 

What do you guys think? Do you think tripods are necessary? 🤨

I live in BC Canada and my wife and I are just about to move back to Scotland. We want to get into photography together as a way of doing something together. I have been watching a load of your videos and your enthusiasm is and the way you show that's its not just about photography, but about the journey to get that picture is infectious. Keep up the good work.

I absolutely love shooting handheld. I absolutely love using my tripod(s). There is a time and place for both !!!

Since getting Topaz Studio 2 with AI Clear, I don't worry about high ISOs. Its amazing at taking away noise.

Good question. I have a tripod and use it, but I really like just taking my camera for a walk; I'm out for hours. Got a Op/Tech USA strap for Christmas. Far better than the short horrible Nikon strap - goes comfortably over the shoulder and rests on the opposite side so always there and secure. Try to work out what lens I might need before leaving and have been caught out a few times but there is a certain freedom about it. Don't live in town so it's more country lane photography than street but enjoyable. Also interesting challenge on what camera settings to use as I walk into wild life, walkers on tree lined paths, fast moving cyclist and stunning scenery to grab images off and all in one outing.

Some of my favourite vlogger landscape photographers shoot handheld. I myself shoot handheld unless the light determines otherwise. There is certainly a need for tripods, but not a necessity. Shooting handheld gets you to think a lot more of your camera settings making sure your aperture, shutter speed and ISO are all working hand-in-hand to get you the optimal image. You learn the capabilities of your camera a lot more. It's only really when I have planned a shot, waiting for the light to change, the dynamic range variance and the composition requires fine detail that I will reluctantly take the tripod off my bag ;)

Now we are offered IBIS do we need tripods in any case. I think not so for the price of tripods we cn now spend on lenses which will then improve our overall images. Hope you agree Henry. Stay steady.

Occasionally it's good to put away all the extra equipment like tripods, filters, different lenses, etc and go back to basics. I did it twice last year, camera only, once with the kit lens and again with a prime. Taking away all the extras but still aiming for good shots. It really helped me focus on composition and put much more thought into my images. I really enjoyed having my photography thinking "reset" in that way and I think it had the effect of improving my overall photography when I did take all the extras with me again. Keep these great videos coming.

I generally shoot hand held in M; having watched you on your escapades I have added a tripod to my kit. Tripod allows a greater control but hand held still is good for panoramic (LrC merge) and general shots. Keep up the good work of inspiration...

As we found last week on your 1-2-1 Workshop Henry, in a howling gale a tripod becomes useless so just turn on your Image Stabiliser, if it’s a big landscape view you don’t need a huge Depth of Field so open up the aperture and increase the iso a little and your shot will be fine. Tripods however do slow you down so composition tends to be more considered and generally therefore better. Thanks again for the 1-2-1 at Tarn Hows, it was a great choice of location and a thoroughly enjoyable shoot despite the weather. It was great to meet you, thanks again. John

I have to say I bloomin hate tripods Henry so I’m with Luke. That said I do use one but only where shutter speed is so slow it is beyond IBIS or OIS to cope with. I can shoot handheld down to 1/20 without issue, sometimes lower. You’re right they can restrict you, particularly in fast changing situations. One less piece of kit to carry on a long hike can only be a good thing 🙂 Good on you for experimenting 👍

I went to the Thurlestone coastal path & wistmans wood last weekend. It was very windy on Friday at the coast so I shot hand held with a 35mm prime lens on my Fuji. I took my tripod & used it at wistmans wood but still only used the 35mm prime. Developing skills with a fixed focal length, but I also find if it is very windy the tripod(with spikes) causes so many problems with vibration hand held &up the ISO to keep the shutter speed up I get sharper images. Shooting without a tripod sometimes ends in better results, you don't risk getting your tripod planted, when the better composition was 2 feet away. Good luck & keep shooting.

Great to see you embracing the more documentary approach. You've had the same effect on me and I've been trying to use a tripod more!

Good job. I shoot without and with. As I’m walking about I have the camera set to aperture priority auto iso. Why you might ask? Because that way I can capture those fleeting times and moments and animals and people I couldn’t capture if I had to change settings with no notice. But then, when in a particular location, I set up on tripod, put the camera in manual, set the lowest possible native iso, perhaps a longer shutter speed, and wait for that one perfect special moment. I find at base native iso I get every bit out of the sensor and the resulting images are richer and better for it. Its also easier for photo and focus stacking, long exposures etc. my philosophy in a nut shell: “get the shot and then, If time allows, set up and take your time composing and framing the shot and getting the best possible exposure in camera. Thus decreasing time spent on the computer.

I usually carry my tripod with me, but I really, really rarely use it. Mostly I use tripod when I'm spending longer time on a spot -for example when I camp down or have a meal by the fire in the woods. Or when I am hinking alone, and decide to use myself on the photo. And quite frankly, I think I should use my tripod a lot more, so it would slow me down a bit when taking the shot. Far too often I think I got a banger shot, just to open it up on the bigger screen to realise it has some shake in it, or I didn't see a twig or something coming in the frame, ruining the composition. So sometimes I do these tripod excercises, when I carry the dslr firmly attached to the tripod and hoist the package on my shoulder so I wouldn't hesitate to set that up. But, I often traverse on a terrain where I need to climb (and currently many paths are icy and slippery) and I like to keep my hands free when walking, so that is not always an option. So yeah, you can manage without a tripod -but using one can make a great impact on your photography. And I for one, always like to have the option at hand to use a tripod even if I decide to just wing everything handheld. For those interested, my instagram can be found at: instagram.com/tommiomakinen/

Interesting video, I was on a snow covered Loughrigg Fell the day the vlog came out. While I had a tripod I took everything handheld. I have a Nikon Z 6 so it has IBIS and can easily shoot handheld 1/30. This includes bracketing and they were pin sharp. I think we use tripods sometimes just through habit. I do use but it is about shutter speed - long exposures and where I would have to bump up ISO to get a fast shutter speed.

I do understand your point but for me, I like sharpness through the image and then means minimal noise and crisp captures and it is difficult to do consistently without a tripod. The other benefit for me is that it forces me to slow down and think more about composition. Yes, I do miss a few when light is rapidly changing, but when I consider over the long haul, the tripod has enabled me to get more of the kinds of shots I like.

I rarely use a tripod, but I do have rock steady hands which helps.

Superb images, and fab content as usual :) 👍

I think thats a very beautiful and Relaxing place to be.

Both 1 and 2 picture's are beautiful.

Ha ha now thats a question! As a vlogger you only need to take one tripod for b-roll. Something most of us don't have to think about. But it is true a lot of shots can be taken without, even pano's if your steady, bracketing may be tricky but where there's a will, there's a way. A walking pole with a tripod thread or monopod may be an alternative, should give a couple of stops of help. Good one Matey

I hate using a tripod, I try to avoid it as much as possible. I love "feeling" the camera when I'm shooting, like an extension of my body. (And using camera's with good IBIS, I can do handheld shots with quite long shutter speeds.) Oh well, that's just me.

Theres a few things to take in mind, I like the freedom of forgetting the tripod, it helps me scout locations and find compositions. My general rule is dont zoom and try to keep the shutter fast, simple, if you are going to bump up the iso dont be to afraid to do it! Good video, keep up the good work.

Only time i really use my tripod is if I'm doing long exposures, bracketing or with timelapses. I find you very rarely need one unless you want to show movement which you don't have to always do. But then again everyones taste is different and thats why we all love photography.

Great photo's , video and a awesome place Henry

Great video Henry. I do like using my tripod and would feel lost without it as I do like long exposures 😀but totally understand the freedom of just carrying a camera without one. Just to repeat myself from yesterday's comment, thank you for making these inspiring videos 👍

I have no luck with tripods, a manfrotto travel tripod fell apart, my 055 is to heavy and my cheap tripod for vlogging just broke after a couple of months, now I am gonna watch the video.

Re the tripod question; in this vlog you were using 2 walking poles. Why not switch one of them for a monopod (which you can use as a walking pole) then you have the option of at least getting a steady shot for slower shutter speeds if handheld won't work?

I have a Fuji x-t20, one of the smallest and lightest camera ever made. I also use the lightest zoom lenses in the Fuji lineup. But, I own a Manfrotto 055CXPRO3 and I go even to the loo with it. I much prefer loosing an image than shooting handheld, it's a definitive mental block. But, I see your point-

Another great Vlog. I also go without tripods at times, when i want to try unique perspectives, such as lay on my back and shoot up into trees. I do like tripods for setting up a sunrise shot and then sit back and let the tripod hold the camera while i drink my coffee

I haven’t had the ability to use a good tripod yet, but I’ve personally run into my limits hand held, especially with a long lens. Another great video, Henry, and I’m happy to hear you’re booking up! Congrats!

Nice to see you wearing our Canadian national headgear, mate!...enjoyed the video, good job :)

Hi Henry! I'm not a fan of tripods much. I do have one and use it sometimes in certain situations. Of course there are benefits, but for me the freedom of using a reasonably small and lightweight camera with good stabilisation and leaving my tripod at home is what I enjoy most. Of course it depends on what your interest and purpose is, but I'm certainly happier tripod free on most adventures. 🙂

My best low light landscape images were all shot from a tripod. I shoot mostly during the hours before and after sunrises and sunsets. However, I had many great handheld shots on bright, sunny days.

Great video as always!

I find myself using a monopod often instead of a tripod. I have loops on my bag that allows me to carry my camera attached to my monopod, I'm always ready to shoot. You should try it, you'll be surprised just how useful they are.

Depends. If you had traveled a far bit from home and invested time for taking great landscape photos and know you can't stack, doing panos, slow shutter time and so on just because you didn´t bother to bring the tripod I would be a bit irritated over my self but if I e.g was going for more tourist shots or street photographing I would not carry a tripod nor a backpack. Only the camera and maybe an extra lens.

Hi Henry. Could you do a video about how to get images to be as sharp as possible both handheld and on a tripod? RE settings in manual mode, focus etc. I always take my tripod with me but usually only set it up when I find a composition I really like. Otherwise I take a lot of handheld. I agree it gives you more freedom and missing that rare light is not worth it in my opinion! Thanks for the video, was very enjoyable as always.

I think if you are presented with such quickly changing conditions, a tripod can become more of a liability than an asset. You should check out James Popsys, he pretty much has the same mindset you showed today. Loved the lone tree shot, by far my favorite one from this video. Good work again all around. 👍👍

Interesting video Henry. I actually bought the D7200 because of you, for landscape photography, but I fell into street photography. It just happened 🤷🏻‍♂️ Anyway, I reckon more often than not, a tripod is pretty much essential for landscapes. However, as you now know, grabbing a shot without a tripod is better than missing the shot altogether. Keep up the great work and by the way, your last image was fantastic 👏🏻

Of course a tripod is essential for a landscape photographer. Handheld shooting is for the snapshots and the scout tours. But if you want serious photographs you need them not just to stabilize but to make you work on the composition. Next to the fact that the light is not always (many times) in favor of you. I whish them luck going over those handheld 1/4 second shots.

If I haven't got my tripod I always try to find a post or rock or anything solid to put my camera on and use the 2sec timer, I find if you first put your woolly hat down then your camera on top of that it helps to get the correct alignment.

90% percent of the time i don't use a tripod even though i lug it around with me, i like to have my camera on my shoulder strap and when i see a shot i'm good to go, but if i see something where i can take my time then out comes the tripod :)

Nice video Henry and fantasic results, also without tripod! I usually prefer to use a tripod, but I took one of my best photographs the last 12 months without tripod, because same as you - there was no time for getting out my tripod - even not to vlog :) It is the thumbnail photo of my video "INGREDIENTS of a WORLDCLASS PHOTO" by the way, but I took it in my very first video here on youtube "HIKE & SHOOT" ;)

Henry, do what you are professionally comfortable with. I love your photos because of there composition, color, and location. Don't do what others think. Kindest Regards, Peter

You could take a quick shot of the scene handheld while the conditions are good and then use the tripod for the long steady set up. There is a time and place for both. I personally don't tend to carry my tripod a lot. (What did you use to shoot the video if you didn't have a tripod ? haha )

Handheld is fun I did a video recently and was quite happy with the results, great video as always Henry.

I'm about 30% tripod, the rest handheld, for the very reasons you mentioned. Tripods are essential in specific circumstances, e.g. low light, long exposure, and (preferably) for bracketing and panoramas. The trouble with using them for absolutely everything is there is a danger of it closing your mind off to other possibilities, and also like you said, missing fleeting moments. I approach photography with a balance of using a tripod when necessary, but not when unnecessary. I'll usually always carry my B camera (a D3200) with me as well for handheld shots if my main camera (D7100) is on tripod.

I only rarely use a tripod.. It's not that I really don't like it, but I only use it if it's real dark and I am unable to shoot handheld, if I want long exposure or if I have a certain composition in mind and I have plenty of time to set it all up without losing the light I want or missing the moment. I like shooting handheld, I can easily move to my next subject to photograph and I can easily change the composition a bit without having to set up all new again. I have owned the 55-200 that you have when I still had my previous camera (the D5000), and now, with my D7100, I own the 80-200 F2.8, also without VR. But I must say that I'm happy shooting handheld up to 1/100, and I prefer doing that over bumping the ISO up quite a bit to be honest.. Same goes for my 17-55 F2.8, I'm happy shooting that at about 1/60 handheld. And I own a Tamron 100-400, that one does have VR and I am happy to shoot that one handheld at 400mm at 1/60 as well, maybe a bit slower even..

I'm fairly new to using a tripod, so I'm familiar with the freedom of handheld, but nowadays I'd definitely prefer to use a tripod if it's available. At my current stage of learning, I find there are two advantages, beside the obvious sharpness issue: • If I use a tripod, I focus on composition. I'll set it up, have another look, zoom/pan slightly, take a shot, look again, try a different exposure, etc. Handheld, I think about it less, so perhaps don't get it quite right, or only spot the obvious angles. I usually get sharp images, but they're boring. • A tripod enables me to let go of the camera and use LiveView to refine the settings - exposure, focus, etc. I can do that handheld, but it's just easier on a tripod. I was in Langdale yesterday, and got a composition I'm happy with. It's not quite the one I originally saw, but the tripod helped me improve it. Conversely, I tried to catch the plumes of snow blowing off Crinkle Crags, each of which was gone before I could swing the tripod round - it was only feasible handheld.

You've become a street photographer who works a dirt trail. Well done. Ever use a monopod? I often walk around with one; they're quick and easy. PS: I wrote this note before coming to the end of your video where you introduce the street photographer.

Enjoyed your pictures. My hands shake so much, if that was my picture I would be over the moon. Your skills are really good. It would be a thrill for me to take a 1 2 1 lesson from you. Maybe not as much of a thrill for you. In the mean time you give me good instruction. Especially about capitalizing on good light in the right place, and being able to walk away when it isn't right. Thanks for your enthusiasm.

Exploring your boundaries Henry, well done, I still LOVE my Tripod though LOL!

I feel it’s all very subjective and situational. No lens no gear is 100% necessary in photography so I won’t single out the tripod. They can be very handy even necessary in so many situations including low light and multiple exposures, macro, static wildlife, but at the same time avoidable in case of street photography. It’s always good to invest in atleast one good quality tripod and carry with you on your trips and use as required. No denying that images will always come out better with a tripod.

What is your thought on monopods, especially for beginners. Just helps take away hand shake etc.

Tripod is a tool to be used per photog’s skills, knowledge, and abilities, when and as situation warrants. Panos, macros, long exposure shots, astrophotography, tabletop shoots all benefit from tripods. Street photography, event, sporting shoots where speed and mobility are primary, then tripod not called for (monopod in some cases). Resourceful folks can substitute “field expedient” tripod substitutes as needed (e.g., jacket or fence post as a platform). Anyway, good images in your post, but not fair without a side by side comparison of IQ for same compositions taken with and without tripod. (Go back and do it again😁.)

I prefer tripods because I tend to compose and shoot very deliberately, and sometimes from odd angles. Plus I often use long exposures and I use a heavy FF DSLR. However sometimes it does slow me down, and it's one more thing to carry around. You might want to check out James Popsys' channel. He's a Lumix shooter, loathes tripods, and is a highly entertaining presenter.

Nice one! You are making me long for a return visit to the lakes from over here on the west coast of Canada

For me, yes, a tripod is almost essential. I’ve tried my best handheld but they’re always a bit blurred and not as sharp as on a tripod

Another great vid. Personally I don't like using a tripod but I will use a Monopod for those shots that need that extra stability and much easier to use and carry, Try it. Keep it going.

Ive just bought a fuji and its so nice walking around with a small camera instead of a full frame canon, i could make a full switch but i will always have a tripod some shots just need one 👍

Some nice photography Henry. As usual I love your combination of hiking, great locations and lovely compositions. More often than not I am tripodless. Its always in the boot of the car, but I find that it is a bit of a hindrance when hiking around the Chilterns and surrounding vales, so it usually stays there. Its always the first item I sacrifice in order to save weight. I sometimes worry what landscape shots have I missed, but there are not many rivers (other than the Thames!!) and no waterfalls to warrant creative use of slow shutter speeds. I can usually get around most issues, particularly lighting challenges, by cranking up the ISO. Having said that I take a lot of macro photography of wild flowers and butterflies and I find that my tripod is essential in these circumstances to ensure high shutter speeds to capture the detail and freeze movement. Great stuff, keep it up!

Hello Henry. Another cracking video covering a good subject. One of the reasons why I swapped to the Olympus system was the in-body stabilisation that enables me to be handheld when the conditions are either changing quickly or I'm just on a walkabout. The other week up in the Lakes in between storms Ciara and Dennis when there was a bit of snow on the top, the weather changed so quickly and with so much variety that to be on a tripod would have been too slow - but I relied on the stabilisation to still give me a usable image. A tripod for me is a platform - a way to enable me to step back and be really critical about what is in my frame. It is also an enabler for long exposures. Each approach has their moments :) All the best with the 121 on Loughrigg. Would be interested to know how you got on :)

The tree at 9:42 needs more love. The perfect spot to get it full frame. Keep it up mate !

Henry - This subject has been on my mind a bit lately, for several reasons. I'm going to add 1-3 lenses to my existing 4 (and 2, maybe 3 bodies), plus the need(?) to carry my Manfrotto 055 XPROB (older, alum version of yours, I think). Mine has a 410 Junior geared head which weighs a ton, and will definitely be swapped for a lighter (ball) head. I'll also be needing to change by existing pack (Kata 3N-1) for... something larger that can also carry a layer of clothes. My NEED for a tripod centers around my age (63), and the fact that in addition to landscapes, I'm hoping to do some timelapse of storms in the western US. My budget tells me to keep the 055, but packing the extra weight makes me want to spend more. I guess this was a long way around to "yes, gotta' have the tripod", even though I dread lugging it around.

Picture number 3 is beautiful to.

I have an amazing combo of Leica M10P and Noctilux 50mm.. Do you think I can take some really good outdoor photos with this kit? Or shall I consider a telephoto type lens?

Not having a tripod to hand is a trade off - less gear to lug around vs more choice over shutter/aperture/ISO options. A tripod does aid the process of composition - perhaps less important for landscapes than for close range pics.

Great video, the tripod is just a tool to be used when or if required. I carry one but will only use it if I find I need it. :-)

Looking for a good sturdy tripod to take landscape photos...I’m not a professional but a keen enthusiast so I’m out most weekends. I need something that will last but I’m on a budget. What would you recommend Henry? Manfrotto, Benro, Sirui?

Some of it yes.

Thanks Henry a timely reminder the tripod is a tool to help and I can be a slave to mine, having said that the Nikon D850 is a heavy beast especially with a f2.8 bit of glass on the front, I also always have mine on a 2 sec timer as it’s quite unforgiving on camera shake and I always forget to take it off. So all told I find it easier just to use the tripod makes me compose better as well. Thanks for video hope you’re feet dried out

Its all personal perception..and the genre...dependant on many levels....is it a debatable question?? People will use tools in photography that suits them regardless of what others think !

Tripods, I have two. For long exposures, for sure. Most of my daytime shots, travel light with no tripod.

Would fully agree no tripod is needed. I usually do not bring a bag and carry my camera around my neck. I bring the tripod along just in case and it really depends on subject, light, and conditions. Great subject.

I find if I brace up properly I can shoot my old manual 300mm at 1/400 on my D7000 so I do a lot at ISO 400 & f/8 on days like that.

Fabulous location! Loved the concept, the less gear the better for me - top video as ever - cheers! T 🙂

I nearly always take photographs with my tripod, I'm not what you call very steady with my hands and they tend to be shakey so yeah tripod for me I'm afraid. I loved the second photo I think it was the lonely tree was quality that mate. I' going to Cumbria/Lake District on holiday in June can you message me some locations to visit for the less mobile photographer who can not walk very far. Thank you in advance and keep them coming.

Hey Henry, what tripods do you have ? Which one do you use the most? James from Corn Ok

Good thoughts Henry and there’s me just bought a new one never had a decent one before ..... must get to the Lake District one day .... ps where did you get the gloves or they ones you’ve modified 👌

As a newspaper photog, I hardly ever used a tripod. Now it depends on the ISO, anything at 400 and above I don't use a tripod. For panning it's impossible to use a tripod.

Henry you’re like the Action Player Hero of photography aka Van Diesel. Personally I do better with a tripod mostly to do with age as a factor but also on any long exposure.

I like these kind of “challenges”. Sometimes I only take one or two prime lenses with me, instead of zoom lenses.

1/800 shutter speed and you think it will not be incredibly sharp? How about the reciprocal rule?

6:19 WOW 😳 Amazing moody shot there, Henry! Top Draw 🙌

Yes.

Why not grab the shot handheld and then break out the tripod?

Finally, I can catch up your videos. The last two weeks were a bit crazy. 😑 Well, I hope the red beast can swim. 😃 The real question should be: Is a tripod *neccessary* ? In most cases, probably not. Unless you have quite shaky hands, you can get quite awesome results with a little practice. Learn breathing techniques. When I was in the army, I learned when to shoot the rifle in the breathing circle. You can basically apply these rules for shooting with a camera. On the other hand (pun intended), the most steady hand is no good when you shoot star trails for multiple hours. A tripod is like any other tool: Learn when to use it, learn when don't. And if you use it for a kind of meditation though it is not neccessary, that's fine, too. The important lesson is learn when to must not use the tripod or otherwise the awesome shot is gone.

Fantastic vid. I don't use a tripod all the time either. And it's the exact same reason you aren't.

But how did you film most this video? With a tripod. #mindblown ;)

Henry to you shoot jpg or raw

If you want a good clean image.. no noise, no shake then YES you need it. Early morning, late evening.. just yes... Do you need to spend 500-1000 bucks?? No

well first 2 photos look good but there isn't much light/detail. Without a tripod could limit your possibilities of images; i.e. panos

👍

Henry not using a tripod is a great idea to get those fleeting shots. If your camera shoots 10fps or more you could also try slowing the shutter and shooting bursts. That way you could pick out the best photo. It gives you more to pick from for both the changing seen and focus. Try It.

Tripod needed mostly for long exposures, panorama, and when photographer runs into the shot. Never a fan of point and shoot images.

By pure coincidence I put out a video with almost the same title a couple of days ago ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-ELwYGPJeItw.html Having used heavy tripods for many years I have concluded that for 90% of what I do they are simply not necessary and the move towards mirrorless and dual image stabilisation has simple reinforced this. I still have my D7000 which I use for wildlife but for landscapes a 20MP microfour thirds with dual IS is a far better tool for me than my old DSLR with a heavy tripod.

I thought for a moment you were about to say you had bumped into James Popsys and had a chat about tripods!! With the rapidly advancing improvements in IBIS etc, IMO opinion tripods are no longer essential for all landscape shots but still essential for some. But I agree, nto lugging around a tripod all the time is liberating. Interesting video - many thanks!

Tried a tripod on my drone, really could not see the difference ;)