Set Up A Tripod The Right Way

Image  stabilisation features in lenses and improved high ISO performance in  cameras, have transformed the possibilities of taking pictures in low  light, but the steady base of a tripod is your best choice when it comes  to exploring the creative possibilities of slow shutter speeds and low  light.

Below we’ll show you some quick tips for how to use a tripod  effectively, as well as some essential features you’ll want when  choosing the best tripod for your needs. Unless  you’re using a tripod indoors, the chances are that the ground will be  uneven, so you need to get used to setting up your tripod on every type  of surface (check out our 4 tips for getting sharper pictures when using a tripod). The  most common situation is when the ground isn’t level, so you need to  adjust the legs to accommodate this.

You can adjust the length of each  leg to suit the height of the ground, or you can change the angle of  each leg. For low-level shots you need to unscrew part of the centre column, allowing you to get down to around 30cm from the ground. Alternatively,  you could either reverse the centre column or remove the head and  attach it to the bottom of the column.

This enables the camera to be  positioned at almost ground level, but the camera will be upside down,  making it more difficult to operate easily.  Most  budget tripods are quite light, so you‘ll find that adding extra weight  will help to make them more stable, especially in windy conditions.

Some models have a hook on the end of the centre column to which you can  attach your camera bag. In the absence of a hook you can hook the  handle of your bag over the top of the tripod. Set up your tripod using the steps below and you’ll get sharp results. 

Step 1: Use the top sections
Extend  the largest section legs first. The smaller sections at the bottom of  the legs are less rigid than the thicker top sections, and so are more  prone to wobble and flex. Step 2: Keep the column low
Avoid  raising the centre column. This is the most unstable component of  affordable tripods, so avoid using it if you can, especially in windy  weather. 

Step 3: Check the footing
Make  sure the feet are on stable ground. On slippery surfaces such as wet  rock or loose gravel, try to wedge the feet in position, especially if  you’re shooting down low. 

Solid construction
Look  for the best aluminium construction you can find. Extend the tripod up  to its full height and gently press down on the top of the tripod to see  how much movement there is. A budget model won’t be static, but it  shouldn’t move much. 

Effective leg locks
Make  sure the leg locks are easy to open and close, and that they hold their  positions. Try extending the legs, then gently press down on them to  make sure they don’t
compress easily. 

Versatility
Make  sure the tripod allows you to shoot at low levels by having adjustable  leg angles. The ability to remove the centre column is also useful for  really low-level shots.