Weird idea for tripod stability
May 31, 2019 10:19:32 #
juan_uy
Loc: Uruguay
Hi all!
I was just wondering/thinking about tripod stability, and a "different" idea crossed my mind.
And probably it is not a good idea, either for practicality, for being more than needed, or some other fact. But here I am asking.
I am aware of the possibility of weighing down the tripod by hanging some weight from the hook in the central column (either backpack or any other weight).
Would it be useful to have one or more stakes, and using rope to tying this hook (or other firm part of the legs in some models) down to the stakes and adjusting the tension to make it more stable?
Has anyone tried something like this?
Would it be of any use?
Better or worse than just hanging some weight?
The pros, if it is a good or better solution, that I can see are:
- Stakes and rope are very light weight
- This makes sure there is no weight hanging being moved by any wind
- Allows to still have your backpack for easy access to any needed accessories
I was just wondering/thinking about tripod stability, and a "different" idea crossed my mind.
And probably it is not a good idea, either for practicality, for being more than needed, or some other fact. But here I am asking.
I am aware of the possibility of weighing down the tripod by hanging some weight from the hook in the central column (either backpack or any other weight).
Would it be useful to have one or more stakes, and using rope to tying this hook (or other firm part of the legs in some models) down to the stakes and adjusting the tension to make it more stable?
Has anyone tried something like this?
Would it be of any use?
Better or worse than just hanging some weight?
The pros, if it is a good or better solution, that I can see are:
- Stakes and rope are very light weight
- This makes sure there is no weight hanging being moved by any wind
- Allows to still have your backpack for easy access to any needed accessories
May 31, 2019 10:27:17 #
I think that's a good idea, just not very practical. You'd have to carry that stuff around with you, plus a hammer to pound stakes into the ground, all of which would add weight to your backpack. But it would certainly stabilize your tripod well. Who knows, sometimes good ideas are born out of bad ideas.
May 31, 2019 10:29:04 #
Tomcat5133
Loc: Gladwyne PA
Sounds like a tent. Pro's use sandbags to weight down stands etc.
And having a place to put a stake in may be ok in the forrest how about
the sidewalk. or inside etc. Think this through again.
And having a place to put a stake in may be ok in the forrest how about
the sidewalk. or inside etc. Think this through again.
May 31, 2019 10:34:04 #
Unless you are shooting in really high wind, I wouldn't worry about it. Staking the tripod down like a tent sounds like it would work if you REALLY needed to, but I don't think it would be very practical in the real world. Unless maybe if you were making long exposure photos of some kind. The way to work the hanging weight is to have the weight touching the ground so it can't move, but leaving most of the weight on the tripod.
May 31, 2019 10:48:27 #
juan_uy wrote:
Hi all! br br I was just wondering/thinking about... (show quote)
"by hanging some weight from the hook in the central column"
I hope when you do this you are not actually letting the weight 'hang' freely.
For those new here, if you weight your tripod from the center hook, the weight should rest on the ground, attached to the center hook with a bungee cord. If the weight is free hanging any bit of wind, or accidental touching, can adversely affect the exposure, while a bungee between a grounded weight and the tripod will absorb some vibrations as it helps steady it .
May 31, 2019 10:53:46 #
juan_uy wrote:
Hi all! br br I was just wondering/thinking about... (show quote)
I'd probably trip over the cords and stakes just like I have around a tent. I have enough trouble not getting hung up and tipping my camera with all the cable releases, flash cords, etc.
Best to just use a heavy enough tripod. I use Gitzo Tripods and heads. I once was shooting star trails for some 45 minutes exposures out in the Joshua Tree N.P. during a wind storm. Lawn furniture and food was flying around. My camera set up did not move. I did have a rock or something center weight. A friend had a lessor tripod and was more out in the open and her rig went over and damaged her camera. She later bought another nicer one (Canon 5DmkIII I think) before repairing the first one.
May 31, 2019 10:57:01 #
May 31, 2019 10:59:09 #
juan_uy wrote:
Hi all! br br I was just wondering/thinking about... (show quote)
That's why some tripods have a hook in the center. Doesn't really matter what you hang from it. Put some weight on it and it's going to be more stable.. Nuff said.
May 31, 2019 11:02:53 #
"...Pro's use sandbags to weight down stands etc." This... btw, if you are shooting in metropolitan public space many jurisdictions require a permit be pulled if any piece of equipment is free standing... NYC especially comes to mind... You'll need to furnish proof of professional liability insurance at a minimum and likely paid a fee. These permits are of very limited duration, albeit Maryland Park Service has allowed me to schedule a "rain date" for no additional cost.
If you are having issues with camera moment I suggest you consider assisting other commercial shooters in your market in order to get your head around "best practices" This has worked extremely well for me on my journey...
All the best juan_uy
If you are having issues with camera moment I suggest you consider assisting other commercial shooters in your market in order to get your head around "best practices" This has worked extremely well for me on my journey...
All the best juan_uy
May 31, 2019 11:05:41 #
Picture Taker
Loc: Michigan Thumb
I still found a bungee with a loop on the hook and my foot pulling it down works and I don't have to carry a sand bag or even a back pack.
May 31, 2019 11:56:19 #
juan_uy
Loc: Uruguay
Thanks to all for your opinions and advice.
I just had this on my mind and decided to post it and take advantage of the "hive mind" of UHH.
Obviously this would be only for outdoors and for only some terrains.
I understand that between a good stable tripod and some weight correctly placed, would be more than enough for any situation. Probably if that's not enough, it's not a good idea being outside taking pictures :)
Had not thought about the bungee option. And would have thought a rope with no elasticity would be better, but I now see how the elasticity would help to reduce or prevent transferring movement to the legs.
I just had this on my mind and decided to post it and take advantage of the "hive mind" of UHH.
Obviously this would be only for outdoors and for only some terrains.
I understand that between a good stable tripod and some weight correctly placed, would be more than enough for any situation. Probably if that's not enough, it's not a good idea being outside taking pictures :)
Had not thought about the bungee option. And would have thought a rope with no elasticity would be better, but I now see how the elasticity would help to reduce or prevent transferring movement to the legs.
May 31, 2019 12:14:57 #
May 31, 2019 12:23:20 #
Picture Taker
Loc: Michigan Thumb
The bungee will take up any slack so you don't have to adjust the distance each time. also the stretch of the bungee is the weight. The more stretch the more weight. It may not be the best solution but it works and I have never found a bungee too heavy to carry.
May 31, 2019 12:26:30 #
juan_uy wrote:
Hi all! br br I was just wondering/thinking about... (show quote)
I once used a concrete block and strapped that to the hook on my tripod ( but then the wind was going easily 40mph). Still had a few vibrations from the wind!
May 31, 2019 12:28:11 #
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