Tripod

so I bought this

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Hama-00004161-Star-61-Tripod/dp/B0000WXD0W/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1311199852&sr=8-3

it's very cheap but actually quite decent and well made. I'm planning on getting a wireless shutter activator too (so I won't have to press the shutter button manually therefore risking movement)- should these in combination work well for night shots (obviously sitll limited by camera which is a 600d and 18-55mm kit lens)?

gloobag

You can also switch on "Mirror Lockup" to reduce movement even more. You'll probably find it in the custom functions somewhere in the cameras menu.

With this switched on, you have to press the shutter release once to flip up the mirror and then again to actually open the shutter.

oshead

The gear you have is fine. It's technique that's important and you seem to be going in the right direction. You can also set the shutter to a delayed timed release. I think there are two settings on your camera, a 2 sec and a 10 sec countdown.

artyeva

i'm nearly sure that's the same cheap 'n cheerful hama tripod i have, and it's ok for indoors and outdoors in wind-less conditions, but for long exposures i need to use a weight if it's windy [which it always seems to be down here], even with mirror lock-up and a wireless remote. i use a fishing weight or my bag hooked on the underside.

edit: mine's actually an 'atlas' but they're identical, even the quick release plates look the same. maybe mine's just a bit sh*ttier than the hama one though