TRIPOD TECHNIQUES THREE LEGS ARE BETTER THAN TWO: HERE’S HOW TO MAKE THE MOST OF THEM.

AVOID EXTENDING YOUR LEGS TOO MUCH

If your tripod legs have spindly bottom sections, don’t extend these first — go for the most substantial ones first. Avoid extending the tripod higher than you really need to; even the best ones wobble at full height.

MAKE YOUR TRIPOD SOLID

It’s no use if the tripod legs are bouncing around on spongy vegetation. Push them through it until they meet something solid. Some tripods have spikes under their rubber feet — use these for extra stability when shooting.

CONSIDER THE LENS POSITION

If you’re adjusting the angle of the lens, ensure the top leg locks are firmly pushed to their stops. If you’re using a telephoto lens, make sure one leg extends out directly in front, under the barrel, to provide full support.

LOCK, AND YOU’RE READY TO GO!

Before you take the shot — in fact, before you fine-tune your composition — do a final check to make sure all the locks and knobs are tightly fastened. That includes the ones on the head as well on the legs.