DerBiermeister Loc: North of Richmond VA

With everything else being pretty much equal, is a 3-section tripod more stable than a 4-section? My logic tells me it should be for two main reasons. There are 3 less joints and the bottom sections will be a larger diameter.

I am deliberating over which Induro pod to buy. Both are carbon fiber and in the same family but the one that has 3-sections will be approx. 4" longer when folded. 28" vs 24". While the 4-section pod is a little over 1" taller with the column retracted -- 63.8" vs 62.6", that should be a wash. Both have identical load ratings at 39.6lbs. And the weight difference is negligible -- 5 lbs for the 4-section and 4.9 lbs for the 3 section.

So if I go with the 3-section, it won't be quite as portable but neither of them are real compact. If carried over the shoulder with the strap, I wouldn't think there would be that much of a difference. I should gain on stability, but I am unsure as to how much?

A second question. RRS pods (and other high-end) do not have a center extending column. If on an Induro, one keeps the center column retracted, and the camera close to the actual legs, does that pretty much eliminate any instability caused by it?

Thanks for your input.

pithydoug Loc: Catskill Mountains, NY

I don't know about Enduro T's but my Manfrotto center can come out to a 90 degree or more in the case you want to shoot an object say in the middle of a table and you can stand on the table, yet want to shoot down. Flowers etc etc

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

I totally AGREE that 3 section legs are to be preferred over 4 section legs - if ultimate stability is desired.

Here is what I will say about centerposts:
If you are doing birds or airplanes or you want to shoot OVER something with a little height - then you MUST have a centerpost to gain a comfortable height !
In order to realize the best stability of a centerpost, it needs to be cross-braced to the legs and of considerable length so that a good portion of the post remains in the bottom braced tube when extended. The Manfrotto 475b exemplifies all these attributes !

DerBiermeister Loc: North of Richmond VA

Thanks and I will definitely go peek at the ManFrotto.

Peterff Loc: O'er The Hills and Far Away, in Themyscira.

Do a search on tripods and Gene51. Much excellent information...

Haydon

:thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup:

Bill_de Loc: US

I say no to center posts. They are typically unstable. I use a Gitzo 1548 with 4 section legs. The bottom sections for the most part are only extended far enough to keep the ferrules out of the dirt. If I do need extra height, I think having the fourth section more stable than a center post. With no center post it is also easy to splay the legs and get very close to the ground.

But, different stroke for different folks. This is just one opinion.


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Haydon

Agreed, I say no to center post as well.

bruswen Loc: Eugene OR

:thumbup: :thumbup: Gene is very knowledgeable on tripods, you can't go wrong following his advice.

mcveed Loc: Kelowna, British Columbia (between trips)

My Gitzo 2531 came with a centre post which is now in a drawer somewhere. I replaced it with a solid metal plate that sits between the top of the tripod and the ball head. I never used the centre post and it prevented me from getting close to the ground with the tripod. My heavier tripod, a Gitzo 3542LS didn't even come with a centre post. The fewer leg sections the more stable the tripod.

Manglesphoto Loc: 70 miles south of St.Louis

Ahhhhhh you don't have to use the fourth section.
and the extendable center does allow a lot of instability.

queencitysanta Loc: Charlotte, North Carolina

No to a center post as well if you want the highest possible quality.

Marionsho Loc: Kansas

Keeping in mind that the total load rating is 39+ pounds!!! I really don't think you could go wrong with either choice. I have an Induro rated for a whole lot less, and it works fantastic.
Marion

par4fore Loc: Bay Shore N.Y.

IMO, buy a Gitzo now so you don't wish you had one later. I am a fan of 3 sections and a center post. Use eBay and buy used from someone with 100% feedback.

kymarto Loc: Portland OR and Milan Italy

Four sections are often as stable as three, at least in the tests I have seen, but three sections extend significantly faster than four. It is clear that a center post adds to instability, but you have to consider how much you will extend it in normal use, how heavy your rig is, and balance that against the convenience of a center post. I have tripods with and without, and unless I am setting up a 500mm lens in a very relaxed situation I almost always opt for the speed of a center post--especially in situations (indoor events for instance) where I will have to change heights frequently as I move around. You don't often need ultimate stability, or at least it is better to get the shot instead of missing it adjusting three legs.