Is your image blurry, fuzzy, out of focus, double ? Does it make you squint ?

You are an amateur and you just invested in a variable focus or a telephoto lens. You're saying to yourself. Finally! I'm going to make superb pictures with a quality objective."

You just had your first roll of film developped... How disapointing!

Your images lack sharpness and seem to be out of focus. In the batch you received you find several pictures that are blurry, double or have tracks like moving objects. No, you can't blame your new equipment and you didn't drink too much coffee that day. You were just missing an essential tool : A TRIPOD!

Minimum Conditions for Sharp Images

Very often, when we shoot outdoors or with natural light, low luminosity conditions oblige us to lower shutter speed. The result of this constraint is to increase image capture time, as well as the possibility of capturing motion. Therefore, when we shoot freehand, we run the risk of creating images that lack precision. To obtain the results we expect, it is important to comply with this rule: Never use a speed lower than the number of millimeters of the objective used.

Example

With a 135mm telephoto lens, the minimum speed would be 1/125sec. If we set the variable focus to 400mm, the setting should be 1/500sec. As you can see, these high-speed requirements need an amount of natural light that is not always there.

Therefore, there is only one solution: We must use a tripod.

Which Tripod Should I Choose?

The market offers endless choices of tripods. To find our way, let's classify them into three categories, based on size and use.

1. Pocket Tripods

These small tripods can easily be slipped into a photo bag or even a coat pocket. Their only purpose is to tide the user over. Since they are not designed to carry heavy loads, they certainly cannot easily be used with your 70-200 F 2.8 variable focus.

On the other hand, in a pinch, such as before a superb sunset, or for a picture in which you want to be included with some longtime friends, you will find them very useful.

 2. Compact Tripods

These tripods are sturdier than pocket ones but rarely stand over three feet above the ground. They are great for nature lovers.

Flower close-ups, worm's eye views, capturing a stream reflection-these are but a few situations in which this type of tripod allows for very low shots.

Another advantage of compact tripods: They don't take much room and are easily attached to a backpack during a walk in the woods.

3. Standards Tripods

Prices for these tripods depend on the materials used to make them and their ability to adapt to various applications.

If we want our tripod to be both light and sturdy, the aluminum tripod is inexpensive, though somewhat awkward in cold weather. Another good choice is the aluminum/graphite tripod, which is lighter and a little stronger. The acme of tripods is of course made of graphite. Ultra-light and very strong, it is the favorite of globetrotters, but be prepared! It is very expensive.

Anyway, a good aluminum tripod that is well built and has horizontal braces for each leg will make most amateurs very happy. But don't forget to check the maximum height possible. Also look if the central column can be reversed for very low shots. These two points are often a plus in terms of making your tripod truly adaptable.

What is the Head Like?

Last point to be taken into consideration: the type of head attached to the tripod.

It is better to choose a head that rotates around three axes: vertical, horizontal and sideways (first illustration). A ball-joint head combines all these motions (second illustration).

A rapid coupling shoe (third illustration) will also make life easier for you if you have to frequently remove and reinstall your camera on the tripod. Attached permanently on the frame or on the objective, it will allow you to get ready in a flash!

Conclusion

The tripod will enable you to take full advantage of the optical quality of your objectives and you will be able to continue drinking your coffee as strong and as often as you wish!

Go for it, and Happy Shooting!

With the cooperation of Jacques Bourdages, PFE.