People don’t think much about tripods. They use them or they don’t. But there are things you can do to improve your success using tripods, especially if you are an outdoor photographer.

Perhaps you’ve already heard these but maybe even one of them will be new to you. I hope so and hope that they help.

Tip Number One: Seasoned outdoor photographers realize that the tripod, no matter how sturdy, is the most likely piece of gear to break. It’s a good idea to buy a few spare parts like screws and tripod feet and have them in your gadget bag along with the appropriate tools for emergency repairs.

Tip Number Two: Three-way pan-tilt heads don’t allow for quick changes and the pistol grip type of heads don’t offer enough support.

Tip Number Three: Get in the habit of tightening and checking all the tripod and head knobs in exactly the same order every time you set up and break down your tripod. Practice setting it up and mounting a camera to it during times when you haven’t been shooting for a while. Above all, carry your tripod everywhere you go with your camera. No matter how stable, how solid, or how perfect your tripod, it can’t help you if you don’t bring it along.

Tip Number Four: Place the knob of your quick release clamp on the opposite side of your tripod collar. This helps prevent an accidental loosening of the clamp when what you really meant to do was loosen the collar. Be sure to practice loosening the collar and switching between horizontal and vertical until it’s second nature.

Tip Number Five: In a best-case scenario, you may want to have more than one tripod. (You have more than one lens don’t you?) Have one tripod that you use exclusively for outdoor photography and a second for general photography, and you will never have an excuse for not having properly stabilized lenses.

Tip Number Six: You want a tripod that gets low enough so you can lie on your stomach to look through the viewfinder. If the lowest your tripod will go still requires you to get on your knees, then it doesn’t go low enough.

Tip Number Seven: Quick release plates made by companies like Really Right Stuff, Kirk, and Wimberley are well made and reliable. Some offer extra options, including the ability to attach flash brackets and other accessories. This isn’t the area to scrimp. It’s just plain smart to own a good, sturdy, and reliable quick release system. If you’ve just spent $5,000, or even $500, on a new lens, this extra expense for a name-brand plate, is cheap insurance.

BONUS: If you’re looking for a pro-quality tripod that can do video and stills, look no further than the new Robus RC-5570 Tripod. I just got mine and have it matched to the Oben GH-30 gimbal. This tripod is pro-quality in EVERY way.

While I have been using the GH-30 gimbal for a year, this is a new – beefier tripod for me which I need because I plan to do more serious video next year.

The Robus comes with a nice carry bag, spikes for outdoors or non-slip pads for indoors, tools, instruction set and even a second base which provides a bowl for video style heads. This is a real Bargain! Cost as much as half some other pro tripods. There’s nothing cheap about this tripod other than the price.

If you’re in the market for less expensive (and lighter) camera supports, I recommend that you look at the Oben CT-2381 Carbon Fiber Tripod if you want a good, solid, performer but don’t want to spend a fortune. Pair that with the Induro BHD3 Ballhead and you are good to go. Another alternative is no tripod at all. And for that you want to take a look at the Platypod Max Camera Support. Even when I have a tripod with me, I still carry my Platypod.

Picture Methods has partnered with Hunt’s Photo & Video to bring you the best gear at a competitive price and backed by personal service. Call Alan Samiljan at 781-462-2383 if you need photo/video gear. If you prefer, you can also email Alan at: alansamhunts@gmail.com or just visit the Hunt’s Photo & Video Website deals page.