How can I reduce tripod vibration in strong wind?
Asked 2/18/2014
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I’m shooting on a tripod in strong wind and already hang weight from the center column. The tripod itself feels planted, but the wind catches the lens and hood and causes twisting or vibration at the ball head. Pressing on the lens with my hands doesn’t solve it. What’s the best way to stabilize a tripod-mounted camera in windy conditions?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
12y ago
2 Answers
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The only options are:
Buy a better tripod/head with significant over-provisioning. (i.e. if your camera were to weigh 2kg, don't get a head for say up to 3kg but up to 10kg.)
Shield the camera from the wind. (Anything that keeps the wind from hiting the camera - something along the lines of the "tents" people use at beaches.)
Use a weight below the tripod - you say you do this already.
You generally want to avoid touching the camera on a tripod because this introduces extra vibrations. - Hence people generally using and recommending a remote control (I do too).
You could experiment with using image stabilization on the lens DESPITE the general advice to NOT use it on a tripod. You would have to test this yourself. Some lenses also offer specific modes for monopods - maybe tripods too. This may be an option for you.
Originally by user7736. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user7736
12y ago
0
Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
In strong wind, the best fix is usually to reduce the wind’s effect rather than try to overpower it. Useful options are:
- Shield the camera from the wind with your body, a barrier, or windbreak.
- Use a sturdier tripod/head with plenty of capacity overhead; an under-specced ball head can twist even if the tripod legs are stable.
- Keep using added weight under the tripod, since that can help overall stability.
- Don’t hold the camera or lens by hand during the exposure—touching it often adds vibration. Use a remote release or self-timer instead.
- Try faster shutter speeds when possible to freeze vibration.
- If you need a long-exposure look, stack multiple shorter exposures rather than making one very long exposure.
- You can also test lens image stabilization on your setup. Tripod advice varies by lens, so results may differ.
In severe wind, some movement may be unavoidable, so combining wind shielding, a stronger head, and shorter exposures is usually the most effective approach.
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