When is a tripod essential in photography?

A tripod is essential in photography primarily when the shutter speed is slower than 1/60th of a second. This is because, at slower shutter speeds, even small movements or vibrations can lead to blurry images due to camera shake. A tripod stabilizes the camera, allowing for longer exposure times without introducing unintended movement.

In low-light situations or when capturing images of stationary subjects with a slow shutter speed, using a tripod enables the photographer to maintain image sharpness and clarity. Although a tripod can also be helpful in specific scenarios, such as night photography or when using certain lenses, the key factor is the shutter speed, as it directly correlates to the risk of motion blur.