Certified Professional Photographer (CPP) Practice Exam

When using a telephoto lens, what is recommended for stability?

1. Desk mount

2. Tripod or monopod

3. Hand holding

4. Camera strap

The correct answer is: Tripod or monopod

When using a telephoto lens, the recommended practice for ensuring stability is to use a tripod or monopod. Telephoto lenses have a longer focal length, which naturally magnifies any camera shake or movement, leading to less sharp images. By utilizing a tripod or monopod, the camera is anchored securely, significantly reducing the chance of blurriness that can occur from handling the camera freehand. Tripods provide a stable platform for longer exposures and compositions where precise framing is necessary, while monopods allow for greater mobility while still offering stabilization during shooting. This is particularly beneficial in situations where longer shutter speeds are required or when photographing subjects at a distance, such as wildlife or sports events. In contrast, hand holding a camera with a telephoto lens can often lead to challenges with stability, especially if the subject requires a longer exposure. A desk mount is inappropriate in many field scenarios where a photographer needs to move and adjust angles quickly. Lastly, a camera strap can provide some level of support but does not substitute for the stability offered by tripods or monopods.