Tripod

When you should use tripods:

1. When your shutter speed is slower than 1/focal length of the lens. Thus with a 50 mm equivalent lens, you should not attempt to handhold shutter speeds slower than 1/60 sec. and with a 500 mm equivalent telephoto lens, you will have to keep the shutter speed at 1/500 sec. or faster.

2. In any low light conditions

3. You need to use a tripod all the time if you want clear pictures in any condition.