Some Questions on Pretty Good Quality Tripods
Dec 30, 2018 07:59:27 #
rook2c4 wrote:
For windy conditions, what you need is a heavy tripod with thick legs. I don't care how expensive a tripod is, what kind of super carbon-polymer-crystal-whatever material it is made of - if it is light weight and the wind is strong, the tripod will get knocked over fairly quickly. That's how physics works.
I think you have a good point here. The wind moves things. All tripods simply rest on the ground, so a $1,000 tripod will be affected as much as a $100 model. A 30 mph wind is a serious breeze.
Dec 30, 2018 08:57:05 #
Dikdik
Loc: Winnipeg, Canada
You need a solid tripod with a wide base. I would also use some means of physically anchoring it to prevent it from being tipped or moved during operation. I have a 3/16" metal contraption (3 arms with 3" dia loops on each end, rotated 90degrees. The one end is secured to a 2" dia loop in the middle; think of a 'Y". The tripod legs fit into the outer loops and these can be secured using 'metal' tent pegs (cinder blocks work well, but, are more difficult to pack). The outer loops are secured to the tripod legs with 1/8" cord (they can be safety wired).
Dik
Dik
Dec 30, 2018 09:11:13 #
Selene03 wrote:
Since I have experienced shakiness with the Gitzo and had a manfrotto that was only good in very little wind, and I know I mostly use tripods in windy conditions, I know I need something that is very good. I have tried to give as much information as I can to get the most help I can get.
Since I have experienced shakiness with the Gitzo and had a manfrotto that was only good in very little wind, and I know I mostly use tripods in windy conditions, I know I need something that is very good. I have tried to give as much information as I can to get the most help I can get.
Please remember, according to the laws of physics, WEIGHT is the ultimate stabilizer ! - and therefore, in your case, a friend.
..
Dec 30, 2018 09:13:05 #
Leitz wrote:
Which company's advertising do you like the best? (That's where a good deal of the "advice" has been coming from.)
....this is so important to remember !Dec 30, 2018 09:28:16 #
DaveO wrote:
Lighten up...nasty comments?? Some may have found your requirements a little stringent and offered a little humor to demonstrate such and apparently you didn't find it helpful. Just an opinion that did not fit your expectations. The only thing ugly was your response.
.....thick skin a pre-requisite here on UHHDec 30, 2018 09:35:03 #
imagemeister wrote: .....thick skin a pre-requisite here on UHH
.....thick skin a pre-requisite here on UHHDoes my head count??
Dec 30, 2018 09:39:57 #
RonM12
Loc: Washington State
I use a Sirui R 5214Xl carbon fiber tripod. It’s a beefy mother and easily provides a stable platform whit my D850 and 200-500. I haven’t used it in that strong of winds though. It is in your price range.
Dec 30, 2018 09:43:57 #
I do own a Gitzo CF but, if I were in the market for a new one, I would get an RRS. Best of luck & Happy Holidays.
Dec 30, 2018 09:51:05 #
The problem with any tripod in wind is the entrained vortices created by round legs. See: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yRSoilRCuEs
If you're photographing from a fixed location, i.e. you stay in one place while shooting prepare for your shoot by making some streamlined coverings for the legs. One simple way is to get some .010" mylar about 8" to 10" in width and as long as your tripod legs fully extended. Fold the mylar in half the long way and crease it. Take them to an upholstery shop and have them stitched up along the edge opposite the fold. Slip these over the tripod legs after you extend them. You'll be surprised how much of your wind vibration goes away.
If you're photographing from a fixed location, i.e. you stay in one place while shooting prepare for your shoot by making some streamlined coverings for the legs. One simple way is to get some .010" mylar about 8" to 10" in width and as long as your tripod legs fully extended. Fold the mylar in half the long way and crease it. Take them to an upholstery shop and have them stitched up along the edge opposite the fold. Slip these over the tripod legs after you extend them. You'll be surprised how much of your wind vibration goes away.
Dec 30, 2018 09:53:06 #
Dec 30, 2018 09:55:48 #
The Gitzo 3531S is a three leg segment, stable, systematic tripod. You may want to consider the Gitzo 3542LS. It is a four leg segment, stable, systematic tripod. (Neither the 3531S or 3542LS have center columns that decrease stability. A center column can be added.) The 3542LS with a tripod head and camera mounted is tall enough for your comfort. You do not have to bend over. The 3542LS has a removable flat top plate that is secured with an incorporated tightening screw and security release button to prevent inadvertent release of the flat plate. You can purchase an extra flat plate if you rapidly want to switch from one tripod head to another (eg. ballhead to gimble). Gitzo has updated the 3542LS to the 3543LS. They made minimal changes in the new model (added a side screw bushing to the head assembly and changed the leg releases at the head). Rubber feet can be pulled off revealing hidden spikes to adapt to different terrain. However, during testing, the 3542LS dampened vibrations better than the newer 3543LS. If you look around, you can still find the 3542LS. For most, it combines light weight, portability, convenience, stability, adaptability, proper height, and no need to purchase another tripod. As a disclaimer, I have no relationship with Gitzo or any photo manufacturer. After a recent tripod search, I just like the tripod.
Gitzo's numbering system is as follows: 3542LS
1. "3" = series 3 tripod
2. "5" = carbon fiber
3. "4" = number of leg segments
4. "2" = model of the tripod (in this case the "2" replaced the original "1" version)
5. "L" = long model
6. "S" = systematic model (vs. for instance the Mountaineer model with a center column)
Gitzo's numbering system is as follows: 3542LS
1. "3" = series 3 tripod
2. "5" = carbon fiber
3. "4" = number of leg segments
4. "2" = model of the tripod (in this case the "2" replaced the original "1" version)
5. "L" = long model
6. "S" = systematic model (vs. for instance the Mountaineer model with a center column)
Dec 30, 2018 09:57:22 #
gvarner
Loc: Central Oregon Coast
Selene03 wrote:
You three people are why I never ask serious questions on this site and make it obvious why it is called UGLY hedgehog, as there are so many ugly unhelpful people on here who prefer to make nasty comments rather than try to be helpful. I hope it makes you feel really good. I would say I am pretty done here, except that there are some very talented people who frequent this site who, unlike the two of you, actually try to help people who have serious questions and who I have learned a lot from.
Sometimes you have to dig through the horse manure to find the pony. Actually I thought the concrete comment was kinda funny. A 30 mph wind and hooded lens would require some serious anchoring. I have an old Bogen that weighs a ton and have visions of hanging a big bag of rocks to it with the lens anchored to the tripod instead of the camera.
Dec 30, 2018 10:58:45 #
I think the tripods you own are fine. Does the Gitzo have the spikes at the bottom of the legs. If not you might consider getting those to help keep it steady. Also, you can weight down the tripod by hanging your gear from the bottom of the center post. There's no reason that the Gitzo won't do the job for you. If it can't keep your equipment steady in the 30mph winds, nothing can. I repeat, nothing can keep it any more steady than your Gitzo with the spike legs and adding a little weight.
Selene03 wrote:
Background: I know there are threads on tripods al... (show quote)
Dec 30, 2018 11:25:42 #
Look into a zippered bag to utilize local rocks and hang it from the tripod in the center, thus adding more weight to solidify the setup. When finished shooting empty the bag so as to not be hiking with rocks
Dec 30, 2018 11:48:23 #
Gene51 wrote:
If you are looking to get the best performance in your price range, I'd have to say that RRS may very well be the choice. The Feisol is a nice lower cost alternative - a little bit more sturdy than the Series 3 Gitzo. I actually had purchased a Series 3 and returned it - not because it wasn't a great tripod, but because it was not what I needed. And at the time (2007) the Feisol, at $500, provided a sturdier alternative.
I think you will find happiness with the RRS.
I think you will find happiness with the RRS.
Thank you very much for your response. That is the direction I am leaning in.
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