Tripods For Better Focus
There’s no getting around the fact that it’s easier to get a tack sharp photo using a tripod. A tripod holds a camera much steadier than you can hope to. With a tripod, like other photography equipment, you get what you pay for. Cheap tripods are helpful, but won't hold the camera as stil as a more expensive tripod does. The best tip here is to buy the best tripod you can reasonably afford.
The more expensive tripods don’t come with the head attached. This must be bought separately, but then you can choose which you like best. Buying a good quality ballhead for your tripod will help you get sharp photos by keeping your camera from sliding.
If you’re somewhere that carrying a tripod just won’t work, beanbags make a nice cushion for cameras in these settings. They cushion your camera, helping to steady it and increase your ability to situate the camera to focus on the subject you want.
To improve your chances of a tack sharp photo even more, use a cable release instead of pressing the shutter. Movement from pressing the shutter may not seem like much, but it can be enough to keep you from getting a tack sharp photo.
If you don’t have a cable release, the self timer will also work. Although you press the shutter, the camera has time to stabilize and steady before actually taking the picture.
