Smaller is Better: Using a tabletop tripod far beyond the tabletop

[HarveyDarkey]

By David H. Wells

Every photographer understands the importance of a tripod for keeping a camera steady during long exposures. The upside of longer exposures can be more depth of field, a properly exposed image and the opportunity to show movement of things like cars in the frame while the environment being shown remains fixed. The downside of longer exposures can be blurry images when the camera shakes or moves--unless of course, a tripod is used.

With this in mind, many photographers invest serious money in their tripods. The latest carbon fiber tripods are amazing examples of a technology that simultaneously reduces the weight of the tripod while allowing for a heavier camera to be supported. Though these tripods can do amazing things, they can only do so if you have them with you. Since they’re usually bulky, many of the best tripods often get left behind in the car or in the hotel room.

The best camera, as any photographer knows, is the one that you actually have with you when you need it. The same is true for a tripod. So the question becomes, what tripod can you have with you all the time? For me, as a working publication photographer, the answer is a tabletop tripod, which I use far beyond any tabletop!


http://www.pdnonline.com/pdn/cp/olympus/technology/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1004067351

[JeffR]

1. Fascinating article.

His Spiderman approach is pretty clever, and the resulting photos are impressive.

[HarveyDarkey]

2. I was considering a monopod for stuations such as this.

I'm reconsidering now whether a tabletop tripod may be better.

[JeffR]

3. Or both, maybe.

I got a monopod recently and I'm liking it, but yes, it has its limitations and the tabletop idea is worth considering.

[alfredo]

4. I like my Gorilla Pod. He doesn't like the flexible aspect

of it. If I don't press down real hard on my Gorilla Pod, it doesn't move. His equipment is heavier so I guess more downforce is needed.

[HarveyDarkey]

5. I have a Gorilla Pod

and it won't hold my camera (for more than 2 or 3 seconds anyway).

[alfredo]

6. There are several sizes. You have to select one

large enough to handle your camera.

[WannaJumpMyScooter]

7. I had one

returned it... I use a mini tripod like he does sometimes, probably not as much since I got the d700, it is either tripod or not with that

[ManiacJoe]

8. Good example of adapting equipment to your technique.

Normally one would think of a monopod given the way he is using the mini-tripod. While he still needs to watch the weight restrictions, because he is very much hands-on like a monopod he does not need to worry about unbalancing the mini-tripod with a large camera and lens system.

The flexibility of the gorilla pod would not work for his technique, but it is not designed to be used that way.

I have an ancient mini-tripod from my film days, but I might just upgrade it to something like he has now.