Why and how to choose tripod for long exposure photography?

Long exposure photography offers stunning results by freezing the flow of time in a single frame. To achieve these shots successfully, stable gear is essential, especially a reliable tripod. Using a tripod for long exposure photography prevents camera movement to guarantee crisp and clear images during long exposures.

Why do you need a tripod for long exposure?

When capturing long-exposure photos, it's important to keep the camera stable concerning the non-moving elements of the scene to avoid blur caused by camera shake. With shorter shutter speeds and handheld shooting, this shake is usually negligible. However, the extent of visible camera movement in a photo depends on two factors: the focal length and the exposure time.

If the camera is handled with reasonable steadiness, motion blur tends to become noticeable when the shutter speed (as a fraction) is roughly equal to the lens's focal length in millimeters. For instance, a 100mm lens can typically be handheld at 1/100 of a second. Beyond this threshold, during longer exposures, maintaining sharpness without camera support becomes increasingly difficult.

Camera movement increases in direct proportion to exposure time; doubling the time results in twice the movement. Therefore, you need greater stability than handheld shooting can typically provide. A tripod offers a purpose-built solution by keeping the camera firmly in place during extended exposures. A quality tripod can make otherwise unachievable shots possible, making it arguably the most essential accessory for photographers.

How to choose the best tripod for long exposure photography: 6 factors to consider

When choosing the best tripod for photography, consider the material, weight, height, leg locks, foot features, and center column to ensure camera stability in long-exposure photography.

Material: Aluminum models are strong and budget friendly, while carbon fiber tripods are better at dampening vibrations

Tripod material plays a key role in ensuring stability. Aluminum models are popular for their strength and cost-effectiveness, though they may transmit vibrations more easily. In contrast, carbon fiber tripods like Moman CA70 are not only lighter but also better at dampening vibrations, making them well-suited for long exposures. They’re also resistant to corrosion and perform reliably in harsh temperatures—ideal for diverse shooting conditions. Ultimately, the more robust the material, the more stable your long-exposure shots will be.

Weight: Heavy tripod for long exposure offers better resistance to camera shake and wind-induced movement

Tripod weight also affects the stability. Heavier models generally offer better resistance to camera shake and wind-induced movement. However, their bulk can be inconvenient for travel. To balance portability and performance, many tripods include a hook for hanging extra weight, enhancing stability without sacrificing ease of transport. This feature allows lighter tripods to perform effectively during shooting sessions.

Height and build: Models to reach high while staying stable offer flexibility in various situations

The height and build greatly influence the overall stability of a tripod in long-exposure photography. Models that can reach taller heights while remaining solid provide flexibility across various shooting situations. However, extending the legs and center column too far can introduce instability. To ensure steady long exposure images, opt for tripods with thicker legs and limit how much the center column is raised.

Leg locks: Twist locks are compact and weather-resistant, while flip locks ensure quick adjustments

Leg locks play a vital role in keeping the tripod stable. The two primary varieties are twist locks and flip locks. Twist locks offer a more compact design and better resistance to weather, whereas flip locks allow for quicker adjustments. Regardless of your preference, it’s important to choose sturdy, well-built locks that ensure a secure grip. Reliable leg locks help keep the tripod steady, which is critical for long exposure photography.

Feet features: Rubber feet enable tripod for long exposure photography to stand firmly indoors, while spiked feet are ideal for outdoor shootings

Your tripod’s feet play a key role in stability, particularly on rough or slick terrain. While rubber feet offer reliable traction indoors, spiked feet are better suited for outdoor use, as they anchor firmly into the ground. Certain tripods feature swappable feet, enabling you to adjust to different surfaces. This is an essential feature to keep stable during long exposure shots in varying conditions.

Center column: A short or fixed center column reduces vibrations and maintains a low center of gravity to ensure a stable camera

While the center column can provide extra height, it may compromise stability if overextended. For optimal steadiness during long exposures, it's advised to keep the column lowered. If additional height is necessary, opt for a tripod with a short or fixed center column. This helps reduce vibrations and maintains a low center of gravity, ensuring your camera stays stable for extended shots.

What to invest in: Overview table of tripods at Moman Online Store

Moman Online Store offers a range of sturdy tripod for photography. Here, we list their information based on the factors above. Check the table to see which is ideal for your photography project.