The Tripod Compromise
I can’t even fathom going on any trip — even a business trip — without a camera. In some extreme cases I’ll just take my point-and-shoot digital camera along with me, but whenever possible (which is most trips) I’ll bring my digital SLR along as well.
A tripod, however, can be a whole different matter. On some trips, especially when they are short and on smaller planes, it can be a challenge to travel with a tripod. It often puts me over the limit for carry-on items and I worry about getting caught by an especially strict flight attendant. On full flights (which are more common these days with airlines cutting capacity) I also worry about damage to my carbon fiber tripod caused by bags that are crammed tightly into the overhead bins.
Such was the case on my current trip to Arcata, California, to teach a weekend Photoshop workshop at Humboldt State University. On balance it didn’t seem to make sense for me to bring it along, especially since the itinerary for the trip wasn’t going to allow much time for photography.
In the little free time I did have, my friend (and professor at Humboldt) Mark Larson took me to check out the redwoods as well as the small fishing town of Trinidad. On the pier at Trinidad I noticed the late light had caused the water to go inky black, and the rocks were creating some great textures in the crashing waves. A long exposure seemed in order, but without a tripod it seemed futile.
Naturally there was a railing on the pier, and with a plate always attached to my camera I had a pretty good structure for stabilizing the camera. Still, with exposures ranging from 1/15th of a second up to 2 seconds, my odds weren’t very good.
Fortunately things worked out, and I managed to get a few shots I was happy with despite not using a tripod. It is always a compromise to be out capturing photographs without having a tripod available, but this time it worked out fine. Sometimes it is riskier than others, but I think I’m going to make an effort in the future to bring a tripod along on these trips more frequently. In many cases it is simply far too difficult to get great images without a tripod, and even if I end up using it, I do like having the peace of mind of knowing it is there if I do need it.
Explore posts in the same categories: Equipment, Photography
March 1st, 2009 at 7:56 am
Tim,
I went to a fishing supply store and bought a rod case. It is basically a PVC pipe with canvas covering. shoulder strap, zippers and padding at the ends. My carbon fiber Gitzo is about six inches shorter, so I extend two legs just the right amount and close it tightly.
Cheap, strong, and so far, no hassles at security or from flight attendants. I’ve even had it stored vertically in the coat closet or behind the last row of seats for me.
Steve
March 1st, 2009 at 4:20 pm
Tim,
Would a monopod be an option for you?
- Paul
March 1st, 2009 at 4:22 pm
A monopod is certainly an option, since it is less bulky than a tripod. But since I’d opt for a carbon fiber monopod I would still be equally worried about it getting damaged in the overhead bin.
March 1st, 2009 at 4:26 pm
Steve,
The rod case from the fishing supply store is a great suggestion! Thanks very much!
Tim
March 2nd, 2009 at 7:56 pm
Hi Tim,
I keep a small beanbag in my camera bag for just such emergencies. Not only was it very cheap to make, it also fits perfectly on pier railings.
Thanks for all of the DDQs! I have been a faithfully reading and recommending your writings for years!
Best Wishes,
Shawn
March 3rd, 2009 at 6:17 am
Look into one of the Gorilla Pods if space is really tight. You can attach it to trees or other tall objects which are usually available. It covers about 80% of my tripod needs with a small camera. The thing is pretty tough and could certainly survive air travel. I still like the full sized carbon fiber tripod much better, but it does get in the way if photography isn’t the primary purpose of the trip.
March 4th, 2009 at 4:45 am
Great idea Steve.
And extending the legs to prevent it from rattling inside is really good as the way I’ve watched some of the tossing of luggage demands attention to this detail.
March 5th, 2009 at 8:01 am
LL - I’m a big fan of the Gorilla Pods and use them with my point and shoot, but I’ve not put them to use with the digital SLR yet…
Tim
April 1st, 2009 at 2:46 am
Good Morning Tim,
Big fan - my wife & I receive you DDQ - its great. Was wondering with all the plugins that you review, what you thought of Nik software VIVEZA and that whole technology - if you think there is a way to do that already in Photoshop CS4; ie. action, scripts, ect. and If maybe we’ll see that technology in upcoming versions of PS. Keep up the great work - also love your travellings - neat work if you can get it. Joseph :o)
April 4th, 2009 at 7:15 am
I always have a screw that goes into the camera and with a string (cord) attached and a loop at the bottom. Length such that the loop goes around my shoe and the camera is at eye level. Fits into the camera case (spare battery, a few cards, polarizing filter also there with the camera). Makes a big difference.
April 14th, 2009 at 8:33 am
Two things:
I always carry a miniature tripod (about 7 inches long) in my backpack. Occasionally I need it to stabilize my Canon 40D, even for self-portraits. It’s not always great but it’s tiny and it’s with me.
Secondly, you can buy a special screw at your hardware store that has a 1/4 inch thread at one end, and a wood screw at the other. The whole thing is about 1 1/2 inches long, and weighs nothing. You can screw the pointy end into a stick and - voila - instant monopod. My regular walking stick has one of the permanently embedded in the top.
On longer trips by plane i put my regular tripod in my [hard] suitcase.
E
May 8th, 2009 at 4:51 pm
Here’s my portable tripod solution: I have a Gitzo basalt tripod that’s about 17 inches collapsed without a ballhead on. I stow it in the laptop recess of a medium-sized camera backpack with a ballhead beside it. It fits just fine, amazingly I can’t feel the tripod through the padding on the backpack.
That’s my travel-light solution for when I don’t want to carry a tripod bag, or when I’m walking somewhere and I don’t want to carry more than just a backpack.
August 9th, 2009 at 7:39 pm
I made a string pod like Bob Lurie’s a couple of years ago. I wrote it up at http://www.georgevreilly.com/blog/2007/01/18/StringPod.aspx
I carried a monopod with me on a recent three-week trip to Europe and used it often. I wasn’t willing to lug my tripod around.
November 11th, 2009 at 10:39 pm
Tim, insurance for your equipment is inexpensive and relieves those worries about careless baggage attendants and just plain carelessness. I pay less than $350/year for $30,000 worth of coverage, no deductibles, payable for any damage or loss, no questions asked.
March 15th, 2010 at 12:37 pm
Carbon fibre tripods make excellent lightning rods. While I have not heard of injuries to photographers several fishermen with carbon fibre fishing rods have been struck. Just because it seems to be non metallic does not mean it is non-conductive.
There is a new tripod on the market that uses shock cord tent pole technology. I am sorry I do not remember the name but the legs come in sections and collapse to a very compact size.