NatureScapes.net Forums

I always bring a tripod, even if it's just a travel tripod. Even on long hikes.

Hi,

I always bring my tripod, and use it 99.9% of the time when taking a photograph.

Have Fun,
Jeff

95% of what I shoot is landscapes and 99% of my landscapes are shot on a tripod. I use a Gitzo 5 series, which is way too heavy but it is very stable. If you ever choose to enlarge your images to any decent size at all, a tripod is a necessity. I've enlarged full frame 36 MP images to 4'x6' and still had them be tack sharp.

I almost ever bring my tripod when walking in the mountains, a Benro Mach3 TMA28C carbon fiber. But if the hike is hard or I have to carry a tent and sleeping bag, then I carry a smaller (and older) Gitzo G1057. At dusk and dawn they are a must.

It depends on distance and purpose.  With a club outing for snap shots, hand held.  Serious photography, tripod.  Longer distances FEISOL CT-3342 Tournament with markins q10 head.  It was the lightest tall tripod (2.5lb) I could find with no center post and only 3 leg sections.   Added to this is a 1lb head.  Shorter distances Gitzo GT3543XLS Systematic.  It has 4 sections and is part of their series 3 tripods.  about 80" tall and no center post I've found it strong and heavy enough even for a 800 f5.6 although my biggest now is a 600f4.  Extra height is big plus.  Only normally use 3 sections but when on a slope or other situation needing extra height out comes the 4th section.  Weight without head 5lb.  Both tripods have had feet replaced by spike accessory kit.

I always carry an use a tripod. Gitzo 1 series for hill walks when using walking poles, 3 series when not using walking poles. Mostly macro & landscapes. The tripod slows you down for a more considered photo. A word on spiked feet, I had 3 inch spikes on my 3-series, one of them pulled the plug out of the leg needing a new lower leg. Now just use short spikes.