How do you use a tripod?

Do you need stability to capture your perfect image? There is a solution for this problem: a tripod. Have you just bought a new tripod or do you already have one that is gathering dust? We are happy to help you use your tripod with pleasure. Follow these 7 steps to quickly and easily enjoy maximum stability with your tripod.

You are out and about and find a beautiful picture to photograph. Great! Just wait a moment before you unfold your tripod. Instead, put your tripod to one side for a moment. First, with your camera in hand, decide at what height you want to take the photo. This way you avoid having to move your tripod several times and having to extend and retract the tripod legs. This saves time.

Now, grab your tripod. The legs are what provide the greatest part of a tripod's stability. So, it's good to know that for maximum stability, you want to spread the three legs as far apart as possible and then adjust them properly. The shorter the legs, the more stable the tripod. The thickest sections of the legs are the strongest. Therefore, try to use the lower, thinner legs only when you really need the height.

While you are extending and retracting the tripod legs, pay close attention to the leg locks. Each tripod has either clips or swivel joints. Both have points for attention. Be careful not to get your fingers caught between the legs when closing the clips. With a swivel joint, it is very important that you check that it is properly tightened. Otherwise, the legs could just slide in and the tripod could fall over. So tighten them firmly, but not too tight, of course. Otherwise, you won't be able to open them later.

Many tripods have a centre column. This vertical piece on top of the legs acts as an extension to reach greater heights. Be aware that the higher you adjust the tripod, the more unstable your camera becomes, especially with heavier cameras and lenses. To compensate for this, you could use the hook under the centre column. By attaching a heavier counterweight, such as a bag, you can regain some stability.

Okay, your tripod is set at the right height. Now it's time to determine the right direction. A handy tip when setting up your tripod is to point one of the legs towards the subject you want to photograph. This way, your lens will point in the same direction, making the tripod less likely to tip over. A handy additional advantage is that you will not trip over the tripod legs because you can stand between the two remaining legs. Also consider the weather conditions. When there is a strong wind, it is better to place two tripod legs against the direction of the wind, regardless of which direction your lens is pointing. This way you create some extra stability.

Now that your tripod is standing, you can attach the camera to it. Are you shooting with a large telephoto lens? A tip is to attach the lens to the tripod instead of the camera. By distributing the weight more evenly, you create more stability. Most lenses of this kind come with a tripod strap. Does your lens not have one? Then it is always an option to buy a tripod belt separately. When you attach the camera or lens to your tripod, also check whether it would be better to turn off the built-in image stabilisation. The somewhat older types of stabilisers in particular do not work ideally in combination with a tripod.

Now that you have everything set up, it is important to make sure that the centre of your tripod is perpendicular and vertical to the ground. This way, you distribute the weight of the camera evenly over the legs and the tripod is most stable. A handy trick is to use a spirit level to check this. Many tripods already have one built in. If your tripod does not have one, you can find various spirit levels for a good price.