I just noticed this question was never awnsered.
the tripod would have allowed me to shoot a much sharper picture, also less iso = less noise. and maybye little less shallow DOF.
Also, instead of being stuck with the 50mm , I could use the 28-75 and
get much more in the shot 28mm vs 50mm
Also, I could get a higher shutter speed and also have sharpnes, so I could catch many more interesting shots with quick moving fish that you dont see here !!!!
A tripod is almost always better. More options.