more tripod /IS ?

[jann1033]

according to my local camera shop guy with the IS lens, i don't really need a tripod for most shots (except long exposure stuff, panorama..i was looking for a beanbag or window clamp for car shots in case it rains ect...)i was thinking of landscape type things...i don't really remember why but i remember last time we were in the NC mountains i wished i had a tripod i could use in the car...

so to make a long question longer

anyone with a IS lens, when do you use a tripod with it.

 

[Judge Fudge]

Low light, night time, macro, if you want to keep a lower iso on the shot. At least that's when I use mine.

 

[carolina_yankee]

IS is suppsed to get you 2-3 stops more of stability. I guess if you need 1/60 without it to avoid blur; you might get away with 1/15 or even 1/8. To me, IS buys my clearer handheld shots when I wouldn't have used a tripod anyway, rather than allowing my to avoid a tripod when I might have otherwise wanted it.

Dirk

 

[jann1033]

.... To me, IS buys my clearer handheld shots when I wouldn't have used a tripod anyway, rather than allowing my to avoid a tripod when I might have otherwise wanted it.

Dirk

edited by me


that was pretty much my line of thinking also which was what made me wonder if i was not really using it to the fullest capacity

 

[mhutchinson]

anyone with a IS lens, when do you use a tripod with it.

After my second blurry picture


I will use a tripod in any situation that I plan too, such as wishes. It may not just be low light times, but also if I want to bump up my f-stop for better DOF or to blur water. I might also use a tripod on Macro/closeup shots. If I forget the tripod, I will shoot a bunch of pics and pick the best.

Mike

 

[jann1033]

right now my "tripod " ( trying to take some bird pictures from my desk window) is a stack of books, with a couple filter wallets on top topped with 2 other filter cases..i am not using my IS lens cause the zoom isn't enough...guess i should break down and at least get a cheap little desktop tripod for these occasions since i don't have room to set up my big one

( how good do birds hear..i'm 20+ ft away and everytime i focus they fly. )

 

[mhutchinson]

..guess i should break down and at least get a cheap little desktop tripod for these occasions since i don't have room to set up my big one

Jan,

If I am not mistaken you are using a Rebel XT which would probably be too heavy for a 'cheap' desktop tripod. If space is a concern you could take a look at the Bogen POD or a monopod to steady the camera.

Mike

 

[JR6ooo4]

right now my "tripod " ( trying to take some bird pictures from my desk window) is a stack of books, with a couple filter wallets on top topped with 2 other filter cases..i am not using my IS lens cause the zoom isn't enough...guess i should break down and at least get a cheap little desktop tripod for these occasions since i don't have room to set up my big one

( how good do birds hear..i'm 20+ ft away and everytime i focus they fly. )

can you hear a worm crawling underground? It sure looks like those robins are listening. Maybe it is the vibration?

When I try to shoot them most animals seem to scurry when something is pointed at them. Epecialy odd silver and black and glass type things.

Mikeeee

 

[jann1033]

yeah but i have those screens you can't see inside from outside so i don't think they saw me. they did calm down after a while...maybe it was the hawks over head scaring them, ya think?

 

[jann1033]

Jan,

If I am not mistaken you are using a Rebel XT which would probably be too heavy for a 'cheap' desktop tripod. If space is a concern you could take a look at the Bogen POD or a monopod to steady the camera.

Mike

i have been considering a monopod...haven't been shopping( except online-that never stops ) and only got to walmart to look for one and it was flimsy. . still might consider that

 

[mhutchinson]

i have been considering a monopod...haven't been shopping( except online-that never stops ) and only got to walmart to look for one and it was flimsy. . still might consider that

Nooooooo, not Wally Mart. You'll only probably just buy one in your lifetime. Get one with a good weight rating:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/con...122&is=REG&addedTroughType=categoryNavigation

or something with a tilt head (handy for fireworks)

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/con...520&is=REG&addedTroughType=categoryNavigation

or even something much sturdier on the unipod side

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/con...496&is=REG&addedTroughType=categoryNavigation

Then again you could simply duct tape the camera to a broom

Mike

 

[0bli0]

remember to turn off the IS before using a tripod. on lenses which have 'mode 2' like the 70-200, you can use a tripod for panning with the IS mode 2 on. with the 28-135 IS, turn it off to prevent getting shaky photos.

 

[jann1033]

Nooooooo, not Wally Mart. You'll only probably just buy one in your lifetime. Get one with a good weight rating:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/con...122&is=REG&addedTroughType=categoryNavigation

or something with a tilt head (handy for fireworks)

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/con...520&is=REG&addedTroughType=categoryNavigation

or even something much sturdier on the unipod side

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/con...496&is=REG&addedTroughType=categoryNavigation

Then again you could simply duct tape the camera to a broom

Mike

actually i have a really nice hiking/walking stick i wish i could somehow convert but don't know how i could get the head to stay on. they sell those trek poles that seem kind of like the same idea but i never saw one up close and personal

 

[boBQuincy]

I had the standard 1/4-20 thread on the top of my monopod but removed it after it seemed easier to use without it. I replaced the threaded portion with a rubber piece, now I just perch the camera on top of the monopod.

It works fine that way and is much quicker to use.

 

[jann1033]

I had the standard 1/4-20 thread on the top of my monopod but removed it after it seemed easier to use without it. I replaced the threaded portion with a rubber piece, now I just perch the camera on top of the monopod.

It works fine that way and is much quicker to use.

so you use the rubber piece for grip and just as a resting place for the camera?

i might try that with the stick i have then maybe.. i could wrap some non duct tape around the top for grip since it's just wood? ...i don't know if it would slide off or not with just the wood but i thought if i put a threaded bolt or whatever it would kind of kill the walking stick use as a walking stick( not comfy holding a bolt imo ) i thought of adding a crutch bottom rubber thing but i think the diameter of either stick is just a little to large...any ideas of modification would be appreciated..the tops are about 1 1/4 inches I'd guess and the swirly one is mine but husband's would be at my eye level with the camera, mine a little shorter.. would definitely surpass the walmart tripod and nice to be multi usable

 

[JR6ooo4]

Many good tripods have a monopod center section that can be removed and used seperatly.
Monopds can be hard to use to capture action unless used with a swivel head or rubber type wobble top connecting piece. To pan without moving the bottom causes a tilt in the camera angle. and it is hard to pan up and down. like when shooting a flying bird.
But for still shots like lansdcapes it works easy.

You can get a rubber cap for the walking sticks at a hardware store. Or cut a raquetball or handball for a more round, easy pivot but good grip surface.

Mikeeee

 

[boBQuincy]

>so you use the rubber piece for grip and just as a resting place for the camera?

Yep. It's officially called a "Well-Nut" and comes in different thread sizes (1/4-20 also). It threads onto the threaded stud at the top of the monopod.
Well-Nuts are usually available at local hardware stores.

 

[jann1033]

great thanks i'll send hub to the hardware tomorrow!

i want it for landscapes...easier by far than dragging the tripod out every time we stop( Blue Ridge Parkway)

 

[0bli0]

i use a monopod almost every weekend for sports. since the i'm relatively close to the level of the playing field, i only have to pan action left and right and adjust the front of the lens up and down a very small amount. it's extremely easy for these types of activities. i think it would be difficult for wildlife, architecture, etc.

 

[boBQuincy]

great thanks i'll send hub to the hardware tomorrow!

i want it for landscapes...easier by far than dragging the tripod out every time we stop( Blue Ridge Parkway)

If you see someone riding a red Honda VTR1000, stopping at every overlook on the Blue Ridge Parkway, carrying way too much camera gear, wave!

http://www.mindspring.com/~bobquincy2/vtr/vtrse.html