Many try to solve an inadequate tripod problem with totally inadequate solutions, some of which are dangerous as you have represented. Also, I have not read of many people who have spent $1000 or more on a tripod complaining they spent too much. I do hear a lot of people complaining about spending $100 and getting blurry pictures, and wondering if the $200 model will help. Then they go out and through good money after bad buying stuf like rock-hammocks.

The majority of camera vibration that will damage sharpness in an image comes from the camera itself, primarily in the form of shutter shock - which are high frequency low amplitude vibrations that no rock will help - regardless of where it is hung from. It's funny that the manufacturer of inadequate (for long lens and macro use) tripods sells a gimmick to induce those who bought their tripods, and found them to be inadequate, to spend even more money on their goods.

The only way to stabilize a camera with shutter shock vibrations is to have a solid head and a tripod with a large base plate and thick legs. In the case of long lenses, it also helps to use your body to further stabilize things - draping your arm over the lens, and gently pressing your face against the back of the camera as you roll your finger across the shutter release at the end of an exhale - if possible - sometimes you just have to take the shot. Forget about delayed release, mirror lockup, timers, and remote release - they may help in some cases, but they are not a great solution when you are shooting things that move fast. The rock thing is great if you have a heavy "sail" of a camera, like a view camera, that might be toppled in the wind, but only if your tripod is otherwise stable enough. Besides, view cameras have leaf shutters that really don't add vibration, so it is not an issue.

Anyway, I am assuming that Kuzano has never shot a DSLR with an "adequate" tripod, or with long lenses or macro at close to 1:1 or greater magnification. His story might be different if he had. And yes, RRS and Gitzo have made names for themselves for making the best tripods for field use on the planet. I've used them, and a whole bunch of others, and can speak from experience.

Many try to solve an inadequate tripod problem with totally inadequate solutions, some of which are dangerous as you have represented. Also, I have not read of many people who have spent $1000 or more on a tripod complaining they spent too much. I do hear a lot of people complaining about spending $100 and getting blurry pictures, and wondering if the $200 model will help. Then they go out and through good money after bad buying stuf like rock-hammocks.

The majority of camera vibration that will damage sharpness in an image comes from the camera itself, primarily in the form of shutter shock - which are high frequency low amplitude vibrations that no rock will help - regardless of where it is hung from. It's funny that the manufacturer of inadequate (for long lens and macro use) tripods sells a gimmick to induce those who bought their tripods, and found them to be inadequate, to spend even more money on their goods.

The only way to stabilize a camera with shutter shock vibrations is to have a solid head and a tripod with a large base plate and thick legs. In the case of long lenses, it also helps to use your body to further stabilize things - draping your arm over the lens, and gently pressing your face against the back of the camera as you roll your finger across the shutter release at the end of an exhale - if possible - sometimes you just have to take the shot. Forget about delayed release, mirror lockup, timers, and remote release - they may help in some cases, but they are not a great solution when you are shooting things that move fast. The rock thing is great if you have a heavy "sail" of a camera, like a view camera, that might be toppled in the wind, but only if your tripod is otherwise stable enough. Besides, view cameras have leaf shutters that really don't add vibration, so it is not an issue.

Anyway, I am assuming that Kuzano has never shot a DSLR with an "adequate" tripod, or with long lenses or macro at close to 1:1 or greater magnification. His story might be different if he had. And yes, RRS and Gitzo have made names for themselves for making the best tripods for field use on the planet. I've used them, and a whole bunch of others, and can speak from experience.

Many try to solve an inadequate tripod problem with totally inadequate solutions, some of which are dangerous as you have represented. Also, I have not read of many people who have spent $1000 or more on a tripod complaining they spent too much. I do hear a lot of people complaining about spending $100 and getting blurry pictures, and wondering if the $200 model will help. Then they go out and through good money after bad buying stuf like rock-hammocks.

The majority of camera vibration that will damage sharpness in an image comes from the camera itself, primarily in the form of shutter shock - which are high frequency low amplitude vibrations that no rock will help - regardless of where it is hung from. It's funny that the manufacturer of inadequate (for long lens and macro use) tripods sells a gimmick to induce those who bought their tripods, and found them to be inadequate, to spend even more money on their goods.

The only way to stabilize a camera with shutter shock vibrations is to have a solid head and a tripod with a large base plate and thick legs. In the case of long lenses, it also helps to use your body to further stabilize things - draping your arm over the lens, and gently pressing your face against the back of the camera as you roll your finger across the shutter release at the end of an exhale - if possible - sometimes you just have to take the shot. Forget about delayed release, mirror lockup, timers, and remote release - they may help in some cases, but they are not a great solution when you are shooting things that move fast. The rock thing is great if you have a heavy "sail" of a camera, like a view camera, that might be toppled in the wind, but only if your tripod is otherwise stable enough. Besides, view cameras have leaf shutters that really don't add vibration, so it is not an issue.

Anyway, I am assuming that Kuzano has never shot a DSLR with an "adequate" tripod, or with long lenses or macro at close to 1:1 or greater magnification. His story might be different if he had. And yes, RRS and Gitzo have made names for themselves for making the best tripods for field use on the planet. I've used them, and a whole bunch of others, and can speak from experience.