How to Set Up a Tripod

A tripod serves a critical function when lighting conditions are low or fine focusing is essential.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Camera Monopods
• Cameras
• Film
• Film-hanging Clips
• Tabletop Tripods
• Tripods
• Cameras

1. Pull the legs away from the center support until the tripod rests evenly on all three legs on a flat surface.

2. Extend the telescoping legs to the desired height by loosening the clamps along the length of each leg and pulling the leg out to the desired length.

3. Tighten the clamps to secure each leg.

4. Attach the base of the camera to the tripod head by screwing the post in the center of the head into the hole at the base of the camera.

5. Adjust the tripod head to the desired angle using the pivoting arm attached to the mount.

Tips & Warnings

• Make adjustments to the tripod before attaching the camera.
• Use a monopod for more mobility when using shutter speeds of 1/8 and up.
• Choose a tripod with a quick-release head to allow for fast removal and easy mounting of your camera.

[annvans]

on 4/18/2009 Great info on setting up a tripod, thanks.

on 11/22/2005 The length of the tripod's legs doesn't matter as much as their spread on the ground. With the same spread it is actually more stable to have shorter legs.

on 11/22/2005 Extend the legs of your tripod as far as possible. he added distance will make your platform more sturdy.

on 11/22/2005 This is the quickest procedure I know to set up and level a tripod which has a built-in bubble (or ball-bearing) level.

Using an integral bubble level, with all three legs extended but one not locked, use the level to place the unlocked leg at the highest point (directly uphill). The bubble or ball in the level will be pointing either directly at the unlocked leg or directly away from it depending on the type of level. Shorten the unlocked leg until the the bubble is centered in the level.

This is the quickest way I know of to get the tripod set up and leveled as only one leg needs to be adjusted. If the ground is extremely uneven, this might not work perfectly. The procedure theoretically assumes the two locked legs are at the same elevation. If they are not, the bubble might not travel in a straight line toward the center of the level as you adjust the leg and you will need to adjust a second leg. In my experience, this method almost always works with only one leg needing adjustment.

Even doing this in a rush gets me a more accurate level than, say, the accuracy with which the vertical-to-horizontal flip adjustment on a typical mid-range pan head aligns to the axis of the center post. When properly leveled, the camera will stay leveled as you pan horizontally. If it doesn't, check and adjust the flip adjustment.

on 11/22/2005 Hang your camera bag on the tripod knob to add some extra weight and stabilize the tripod. Remember to use a remote shutter release or the camera timer to further stabilize the shot.