Hi Robin,
I would like to use a tripod for every single shot but it just isn't possible. However, there are a couple of things I can share that make it easier for me:
1) Get up very early (before dawn)
If I can find the butterflies before they've warmed up, they make better subjects than the greatest supermodels. However, this is by no means easy and I have about a 5% success rate, particularly when searching for the more elusive species. In my experience, the easiest subjects to find at this time are those that roost low to the ground, such as the blues, pearl-bordered fritillaries, orange-tips and the browns. After this I find I have about a 30 minute window when the butterflies are active enough to be conspicuous but not active enough to be a problem, and then it's too late...
2) Use a flexible head and tripod
I use a Manfrotto 055PROB, which allows me to get right next to the ground (and 6' off the ground for other photography) with a 322RC head, which is a ball head with a squeezy quick release handle. It is amazing how sturdy this is when you use one and the time it takes to frame a shot is tiny compared with a normal head. However, constant use does require superman-fingers... or trumpet-player's fingers like mine
3) Frame a flower and wait for the butterfly to come to you
You need the patience of a saint. I rarely do this unless it is
really hot or the Mrs wants to "sit down for a bit", however the extra time for composition makes more shots "keepers".
4) Go on a cloudy day.
See point (1) regards difficulty... see point (4) regards keepers.
I'd be fascinated to see what others do to enable them to use a tripod. There is no question about it, the sharpness achieved for making the effort makes it extremely worthwhile. I think the use of a tripod fits snuggly in both the fieldcraft and equipment sides of photography.
Regards,
Chris
Regards, Chris.[/i]