Selene03

Thanks again! This is really the kind of information I guess I wanted.

SteveLew Loc: Sugar Land, TX

I like the Induro carbon fibre tripods. These Induros are built very well and mine has lasted for years. The Induro tripods are not inexpensive but are built to last and easy to clean if used in sand or fine dust. I have the three section Iduro because the leg sections are bigger and stand up to wind very well. Finally, the Induro comes with two center sections, one long and the other short. Also, the Indro comes with a tool kit and both rubber and metal leg bottoms.

aellman Loc: Boston MA

There are a lot of good reasons not even to attempt to shoot in 30mph winds, like
blowing dirt, sand, and dust in your camera, lens, and your face. Don't worry about
your tripods. Stay home. >>Alan

eardoc

The Gitzo 3542LS does have metal spikes. The are rubber foot caps that pull off to expose the spikes. There are also circular snow disks that can be attached to the feet. The flat top plate for the 2,3 and 4 series has a bottom hook for attaching extra weight to increase stability. The 3542LS also has twist leg locks that can be released together with one hand for rapid set-up and take-down.

Selene03

In general I agree with you completely on this. I ditched the tripod and did what I could with a rainsleeve on the camera in the 30 mph wind, as I was in an area I didn't think I would get to again. I never should have mentioned that particular wind, but I have been in winds that were stronger than that, where obviously tripods and even simple shooting were nearly impossible. My lens survived, but I loaned a lens to a friend that did need to be repaired--so your advice is spot on! I guess I mentioned that I often shoot in windy conditions (though rarely that bad) because I know the tripods I have are pretty good, but I have been thinking I may need something better.

BruceLR Loc: Shoreline (Seattle), WA

Thanks for the write-up on Gitzo's numbering system. Now I know what my Gitzo 1532 means. It has been a very good tripod even in windy conditions. Lightweight and easy to backpack. I recently had very sharp results in gusty wind with a Tamron 100-400 mounted on a 5D3 at 400mm. I did turn on the image stabilization. I think it helped in this case.

aellman Loc: Boston MA

Thanks for the vote of confidence. In addition to such a wind adding to camera
shake, it can affect your balance, potentially creating even more camera shake
and a risk to your personal safety.

repleo Loc: Boston

[quote=eardoc]
......Gitzo's numbering system is as follows: 3542LS......
/quote]

I believe that once upon a time, Gitzo's numbering system included guidance on max focal length of lens. I think it would be very helpful if manufacturer's gave this guidance. Load capacity is a pretty useless rating.

Venky

Hello,

Check Pro Media Tripods and also check out this awesome website for tripods

https://thecentercolumn.com/tripod-reviews/

lsimpkins Loc: SE Pennsylvania

deleted - info duplicates prior post

Selene03

A very useful website--thanks!

Selene03

Thanks!! This is really helpful!!!!

CO

The company that produces Breakthrough filters has just launched a new company - The Colorado Tripod Company. They will be producing the first Titanium ballheads and tripods with Japanese made carbon fiber. They will start mass production in January. Take a look at their products as well.
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/coloradotripod/the-worlds-first-titanium-tripod-system?ref=3wdxsy

E.L.. Shapiro Loc: Ottawa, Ontario Canada

I have a fairly large inventory of tripods in my commercial studio. I am not a tripod collector but I have accumulated them over many years mainly because in film photography there were many formats, some of which entailed very large, bulky and heavy cameras- most medium format through 8x10- each required an appropriate tripod to accommodate the load. I am not gonna claim that I am the ultimate "tripod guru" but I can give you my common sense version of tripod technology.

Unless you are working in extremely difficult conditions such as very extreme or inclement weather, environments such as construction and industrial sites where there is significent vibration or using very heavy camera or very big lenses, your present tripod would probably suffice. If you are experiencing some issue, PERHAPS a model that is heavier or with a sturdier build or better "trigonometry" for lack of a better word will work more effectively for you.

If the wind velocity is high enough to actually upset your tripod or shake it appreciably, MAYBE a heaver model may help, however, I don't know of any streamlined tripods nor is your DSLR streamlined, so there is going to be some wind resistance. A larger camera is going to catch more wind. Sometimes, in extreme wind conditions, I find I just need to bolster the tripod with my own grip and weight and somehow buffer it from certain wind or vibration issues. A heavier tripod with thicker legs may not conduct as much vibration up from the ground, but again, I sometimes use thick rubber pads or have to improvise something under each leg to buffer vibration- some rolled up cloth or some blankets that I store in my car.

A bigger, sturdier or heavier tripod is not going to abate or minimize blur, camera shake or vibration that is caused in the camera or by the photographer due to lack of technique. Issues like mirror slap, especially on long exposures and slower shutter speeds, of course locking up the mirror and the use of a manual or electronic cable release or a remote devices will remedy those issues.

I wish I coud recall all my physics, trigonometry and geometry but I can profess that a tripod with easily adjustable leg spreads can certainly help with stability and also make for easier low angle camera positioning. The Gitzo models I use have this feature whereby I can infinitely adjust the angle or spread of the legs.

Most high quality tripod heads shoud give you decent support and control. Back in the day, I used a geared head to tilt heavy view cameras or smaller cameras with big long lenses. After a while friction type locking devices wear out causing the came to lunge unexpectedly lunge forward or sideways causing damage, shearing off of the retainng screw or quick release device or seriously injured photograher's hands. Nowadays, with most digital gear, if you balance the camera/lens as per its center of gravely or use an additional support accessory, you should fare well with most high quality heads. I like ball-heads for quick and single handed operation of tilts and pans. If I have time and there is no rush, a standard heavy duty tilt and pan head with locking control on both handles is fine- just a bit more maneuvering.

Another consideration is selecting or upgrading your tripod inventory is the locking mechanisms on the leg sections. Badly designed or cheaply made leg locks are probably the main cause of tripod failure. This is especially critical in out of doors use and location work. The sleeve types on my Gitzo fiber-carbon tripod works surprisingly well even on cold weather and dirty locations. I have experienced problems with cheaper models,in the past, where they seize up in cold weather or where sandy or gritty partials get into the threads. Sometimes they just fail under the wight or excessive leverage or strain caused by heavier cameras and lenses beyond their capabilities. . For very heavy duty use in very potentially dirty or wet conditions, I recommend the kind of locking mechanisms that work with collars and set screws or thumb screws. The are less like to be fouled by dirt or other kinds of debris, the are extremely positive and are more easily serviced, mainland and repaired with commonly obtainable hardwear.

My present inventory of tripods and other support gear are from Gitzo and Manfrotto. I have no complaints or difficulties with theses brands as long as the support equipment is chosen for the camera or lights that the are designed for in terms of size and weight. If you are frequently working in very equipmet-hostile conditions, you may want to investigate the Majestic line of tripods. They are not disproportionately expensive and are extremely rugged and durable. They are not lightweight and the geared head may be heavier that some complete tripods. A geared elevator mechanism is hand for studio work, especially with heavy cameras but are more likely to become troublesome in out of doors conditions.

Another suggestion- Many photographers who special in nature, landscape and wildlife work actually preferred WOODEN tripods. They are very sturdy, are less like to be effective by cold weather and wont cause finger frostbite on cold days.

I am sure that there are many fine tripods and heads made by a variety of manufacturers, however, I have no personal long term experience with those, except for the ones I have mentioned. If I had to recommend ONE tripod brand or type for general use in a variety of conditions, it would be the Gitzo line of carbon-fiber models. I purchased mine 14 years ago and I give it pretty heavy usage and except for a few scratches, it's holding up exceptionally well. It is not exactly a featherweight but it is significantly lighter when I need to take it up steep grades and haul it around a location all day long.

Maintenance- If you don't look after the tripods, even the best of them will fail. Clean it off after dirty jobs, especially those threads under the collars. I use cleaners that are designed for electronic equipment- no soaps or detergents and the I lucubrate moving parts and threads with silicon type lubricants. Replace war out parts or wobbly joints before they worsen and cause excessive wear and striping of threads. If something jams, don't force it with a wrench- apply some WD-40 and allow it to penetrate and displace any moisture. Usually it will free up. Again, avoid any forcing or cross-threading.

Like many articles of photographic equipment, the "you gets what you pays for" axiom holds true. Some of the very low priced models will offer some support or utility but certain won't stand up to vigorous usage and will undoubtedly fail at their weakest point.

I hope some of theses suggestions will assist you. Before investing in a bigger or heavier tripod, go through the "drill" I have outlined, check out all of the parts, joints, locks and the basic build of you present tripod and see if ot stand up to your potential usages. Of course make certain it measure up to your working height requirements. That Majestic line has accessory extension legs that enable operation from a high stepladder.

Selene03

great advice!! Thanks!