10 Reasons why Photographers use Tripods - SUNWAYFOTO Travel Tripod Review

Tripods might seem like old-school gear in a world of ever-improving camera stabilisation, but for many photographers, they remain an essential tool—and for good reason. Whether you’re chasing silky waterfalls or planning the perfect self-portrait on a mountain top, a tripod can make all the difference. Here are 10 ways tripods come in handy, from practical benefits to a few unexpected tricks photographers use in the field.

Sharp Landscape Shots with Tripods

When you’re shooting landscapes, chances are you’re working with a narrow aperture (think f/14 or higher) to keep everything in focus—from the foreground to the clouds. That means slower shutter speeds, and any slight movement can blur the shot. A tripod keeps your camera completely still, ensuring those mountain ridges and textures in the rocks stay in perfect composition.

Long Exposures

Tripods are essential for long exposure photography, especially when you’re aiming to blur motion—think silky waterfalls, smooth ocean waves, or light trails under the stars. These kinds of shots require your camera to stay perfectly still for several seconds, or even minutes, and a tripod is the only reliable way to pull it off.

But here’s the thing—when you’re setting up in challenging environments like rocky coastlines or wet riverbeds, your tripod takes a beating. Water, sand, and fine dust can sneak into the leg locks and inner tubes, slowly degrading performance over time. That’s why it’s worth investing in a durable, weather-sealed tripod, like the one I use—Sunwayfoto T2840CE. This model features sealed twist locks that prevent water, sand, and dust from entering the system, which seriously extends its life. If you shoot in rugged conditions, it’s the kind of gear that pays off in the long run.

Panoramas

Shooting a panorama? Even the tiniest shift between frames can cause alignment issues when stitching images together later. A tripod ensures consistent framing and horizon alignment, giving you seamless results when you merge the images in post.

HDR Photography

High Dynamic Range (HDR) photography involves blending multiple exposures to balance shadows and highlights in tricky lighting. The key to great HDR is precise alignment, and that’s tough to nail without a tripod. It locks your camera in place so every exposure stacks up perfectly.

Focus Stacking

Need to get every detail sharp from front to back? Focus stacking involves taking several images with different focus points and combining them into one ultra-sharp final image. A tripod keeps your framing consistent while you adjust focus for each shot, especially useful in macro or product photography.

Tripods for Macro Photography

With macro lenses, you’re working with an extremely shallow depth of field—just a few millimeters can make or break the shot. A tripod lets you dial in focus with precision, hold your framing steady, and avoid any camera shake that could ruin the image.

Using Graduated Filters

Graduated ND filters are great for balancing skies and foregrounds in bright conditions—but to get that perfect alignment across the horizon, you need time and stability. A tripod lets you position the filter accurately and make fine adjustments without rushing.

Protecting the Territory

Okay, it’s not the most elegant use—but let’s be real. At popular viewpoints, a tripod can act like a territory marker. Photographers often set theirs up early to secure the best spot, especially during sunrise or sunset. It might not win you popularity points, but it definitely holds your place. That's why nobody likes the tripod guys.

Astrophotography

When you’re shooting stars, the Milky Way, or deep-sky objects, you’re working with very long exposures in very low light. A tripod is non-negotiable. Even the slightest vibration can ruin the shot, so stability is everything.

Self-Portraits & Group Shots

Sometimes, the photographer wants to be in the photo too. Whether you’re traveling solo, shooting couples, or taking family portraits, a tripod makes it easy to frame the scene, set a timer or use a remote, and step into the shot yourself.

Final Thoughts

Tripods aren’t always convenient—they slow things down, take up space, and yes, they can be a hassle to carry. But when the moment calls for precision, control, or creative flexibility, they’re absolutely worth the effort. Whether you’re shooting in low light, creating layered compositions, or just trying to get in the frame yourself, a tripod solves a lot of problems.

That said, let’s be honest—the biggest downside is the bulk. Carrying a heavy stand everywhere can wear you out, especially on hikes or long travel days. That’s exactly why I use a carbon fiber tripod like the SUNWAYFOTO T2840CE. At just 1.4 kg, it’s ultra-light, yet incredibly stable, making it ideal for outdoor shoots and travel.

If you’re serious about your photography and want gear that won’t quit when the terrain gets tough, a solid tripod is more than just helpful—it’s essential.