how many of you lug tripods up with you? i always use to, but realized i shoot most of my photos from the canoe, so i haven't the last couple. i'm starting to reconsider for this summer in case i see the northern lights or a small stream or waterfall where i'd want to blur the water.

I brought one up last year and strapped it to the side of one of my packs. I won't ever go up again without one since I love the night shots up there

I didn't bring one last year, and despite trying to brace the camera on whatever I could find, my pictures mostly sucked. I'm thinking of trying one of those GorillaPods this year, but packing in a regular tripod as well. It is well worth the 2 lbs.

Bear Bait... How far were you from the bear when you snapped that one? What kind of lens were you using? Awesome shot

thanks jenrobsdad...
i was about 20 yards away in a canoe using a nikon 80-400mm zoom lens. i took the picture last july on sawbill lake. he/she was traveling the shoreline checking the campsites for food. i must have followed it for an hour and the whole time it looked at me maybe 3 times, it could have cared less if i was there! heres a couple more shots.

I've brought one up every trip except my first one, where I was wishing I had it. Very handy to have, straps easily under your seat with a couple of bungee cords.

great idea jimi!
that never occured to me... i just checked and my tripod will fit. looks like i'm bringin it this year.
thanks for the tip!!!

Strap it under the seat.....why didn't i think of that! maybe now i can talk my husband into letting me drag one along!

Yep. I bring one as well. I've even found that shooting from a (non-extended) tripod while in the canoe works pretty well too. I set it up when soloing in front of me with a cable release and my lens set at the hyperfocal distance. That way, I can still tool around the lake while paddling without having to pause, grab my camera, compose, etc.

Here's one I shot at Wolf lake in Savanna Portage State Park using this setup.

Another option for stability if you don't want to carry the tripod is to get a Bogen superclamp. They only weigh about a pound (without a tripod head on it) and you can clamp them to almost anything (gunwale, tree branch, etc.).

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/546356-REG/Manfrotto_by_Bogen_Imaging_035RL_035RL_Super_Clamp_with.html

No one wants to lug your tripod. But when you see the Northern lights, waterfalls, streams, stars/moon, campfire shots,low light shots, group shots you will be happy that you did.

Just found this forum, I need to open my eyes more often!

tripod

Not much to pack or carry, can work in a canoe. Works well with my 'Olympus E330' and 40-150mm [80-300mm equivalent] zoom lens.
I'm pretty short so it's a good match.

butthead

bdubber, you mentioned taking a gorillapod this year. Have you used one before, or any of you others? I'm thinking of picking one up. Wondering how well they work and if you can rotate the camera (upright vs side) with the pod alone or if I should get one with a ballhead attachment.

I have also heard that there will be a meteor shower during the week I'm up there. Any suggestions on photo tips? I don't assume I'd want to leave it locked open too long, like for star trails. Anyone attempted this or any info would be greatly appreciated as I have no clue, new to this whole game, but would love to come home with a great shot! THANKS

This year I lugged one up, but didn't use it. It rained a lot at night and the other nights it was cloudy so no chance of night shots

I have brought my tripod (a cheapo specifically bought for the BWCA; knowing it will get beat up a bit) every year that I have gone into the BW. Last year it rained so much I hardly got a chance to use it. But I was glad to have it if only for a few shots that took of one of the Kekekebic streams.

I also dual purpose my tripod. In camp I often use it as a center pole for my tarp. Which is why I use a cheapo. I also have a little mount that I can use (custom) to attach a small table top. Only for placing small cooking items (pre made food) and I never place heavy stuff on it.

I bring in both my tripod and Gorilla pods. The tripod is for my DSLR and the Gorilla pod is for my flashes.

I have found the Gorilla pod to be kinda worthless for a larger camera as it's not that stable and it's hard to really make it work in the compositions I like.

quote bear bait: "how many of you lug tripods up with you? i always use to, but realized i shoot most of my photos from the canoe, so i haven't the last couple. i'm starting to reconsider for this summer in case i see the northern lights or a small stream or waterfall where i'd want to blur the water. "

i always want to leave the weight behind but cant seem to do it. i have looked at lighter ones but question the stability

quote bear bait: "how many of you lug tripods up with you? i always use to, but realized i shoot most of my photos from the canoe, so i haven't the last couple. i'm starting to reconsider for this summer in case i see the northern lights or a small stream or waterfall where i'd want to blur the water. "

i always want to leave the weight behind but cant seem to do it. i have looked at lighter ones but question the stability