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🎙️ Do you actually need a tripod? Not the answer every photography guide gives you — the honest one. Sometimes yes. And sometimes, genuinely, no. In this episode, I'll tell you exactly when each is true, what to look for if you decide to buy one, and the single most common tripod mistake — and it has nothing to do with the tripod itself. Whether you're thinking about buying your first tripod or wondering why the one in the cupboard never gets used, this episode will give you a straight answer in plain English.
📋 In this episode:
1️⃣ Your photo is blurry and you don't know why — here's what a tripod actually fixes
Start here. Understand exactly what a tripod does — and how to tell whether it would have fixed your blurry photo.
2️⃣ Two situations where a tripod stops being optional
Low light and long exposures. If either of these is on your photography list, a tripod belongs in your kit.
3️⃣ Good light and fast subjects? You probably don't need one
The honest other side of the conversation. In good daylight with image stabilisation, you often don't need a tripod at all.
4️⃣ Right, you've decided you need one — here's what to actually look for
Stability, load capacity, ball head vs pan-tilt, leg locks, height. Everything that actually matters when you're choosing.
5️⃣ The alternatives worth knowing about
Monopod, beanbag, natural supports. These are more effective than most photographers realise — and often more practical than a full tripod.
6️⃣ The cheap tripod problem
A wobbly tripod is worse than no tripod. Here's why cheap is false economy, and how to spend wisely.
7️⃣ The most common tripod mistake — not taking it with you
The best tripod is the one that's actually there when you need it. Buy for your real photography life, not your imaginary one.
📖 Full guide and show notes:
rickmcevoyphotography.com — Episode 235 show notes
🎙️ Related episodes:
Episode 96 — Do You Want To Know How To Take Photos On A Tripod?
Episode 234 — Oh No. Another Blurry Photo. Here's How to Stop It Right Now.
💝 Next episode:
What gear do you actually need as a beginner? Not what the photography industry wants you to buy — what you actually need, and what to completely ignore. Episode 236 publishes Friday 3rd July 2026. Subscribe now so you don't miss it.
▶️ Find me on YouTube by searching Rick McEvoy.
🌐 Website: rickmcevoyphotography.com
📚 Courses: rickmcevoyphotography.com/courses
🔧 Resources: rickmcevoyphotography.com/resources
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If you want to start taking stunning sunrise photos, and why wouldn't you, check out my Photography for Beginners: Sunrise in Mexico course at rickmcevoyphotography.com/courses.
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Cheers from me Rick
New Zealand