equipment$30–150used in 1 side quest

Camera tripod

Three-legged stand that holds your camera completely still during long exposures. Any camera movement during 5-30 second night shots creates blur—a tripod is non-negotiable.

What to look for

  1. 1Adjustable height from ground level to eye level (16-50+ inches)
  2. 2Lever or twist locks that hold position firmly without drift
  3. 33-way head for precise angle adjustments
  4. 4Weight capacity rated above your camera + lens weight

Skip

  • Ultra-lightweight tripods under 1 pound (too unstable in wind)
  • Tripods without a hook for hanging weight in windy conditions

Used for: Night photography long exposures · Preventing camera shake in low light · Capturing light trails and star movements · Self-timer group photos