Tripod suggestions
Mar 12, 2020 22:25:33 #
imagemeister wrote:
And, a better metric than that is the BOTTOM leg diameter . Most responsible tripod manufacturers are now furnishing this previously well guarded info ! 
.
.
No one really cares about the bottom leg diameter. Most of the micro-vibrations happen at the camera/lens end of things, and the thicker and more robust the connection is between the legs and the apex, the more stable a tripod is. This is part of the reason Gitzo makes no distinction between a 3, 4, or 5 section leg in their recommendations. A Series 3 tripod has a 32mm top tube and is suggested for 300mm to 400mm lenses, regardless of number of legs. Clearly, the version with the 3 sections has thicker bottom legs than the one with 4 sections. But they are both similarly rated for stability with the same focal lengths.
You've made this claim in the past, but offer no support for it. I'd love to see some evidence that supports your opinion. I'm pretty sure that vibrations that may occur at the bottom end of a tripod are well damped and inconsequential by the time they reach the top.
The other pretty obvious thing is that in order to have thick bottom leg sections the higher sections end up being thicker anyway. I'll bet that tripod engineers design from the apex down, and not the other way around.
Mar 12, 2020 22:33:56 #
craggycrossers wrote:
On my various internet photography travels I came across this site which you, and maybe others, might find useful in your tripod deliberations ......
https://thecentercolumn.com/
https://thecentercolumn.com/
Great site! Debunks a lot of myths.
Mar 12, 2020 23:20:35 #
Gene51 wrote:
No one really cares about the bottom leg diameter.... (show quote)
I am going by the laws of physics and common sense - MY educated experienced common sense ! And I do not need Gitzo or RRS or anyone elses permission for my reasoning !
Once again, the BOTTOM /weakest leg section - whichever one that is extended - is the largest determiner of stability - not the only determiner - but the greatest determiner !
"I'll bet that tripod engineers design from the apex down, and not the other way around." - Ill bet most of the better ones go from the bottom UP.
" But they are both similarly rated for stability with the same focal lengths. " This makes absolutely NO sense - and I do not care who is saying it - you or Gitzo.
.
Mar 13, 2020 05:34:20 #
imagemeister wrote:
I am going by the laws of physics and common sense... (show quote)
What do you consider a better tripod that adheres to your unusual brand of common sense and reasoning?
How many tripods have you designed and built?
Gitzo has a track record and an excellent reputation. You don't - at least as far as tripod design and manufacturing are concerned. It's hard to trust someone's oddball advice who claims to know more than a highly regarded tripod manufacturer. That's just a bit too narcissistic for my taste.
Mar 13, 2020 06:01:08 #
imagemeister wrote:
I am going by the laws of physics and common sense... (show quote)
👍👍👍 Reminds me of the weakest link theory.
Mar 13, 2020 07:31:21 #
Mar 13, 2020 07:46:57 #
So you would never want to use spike feet because of their minimal diameter? And if your theory is solid why not invert the leg and put the largest diameter at the bottom? Curious minds want to know...
imagemeister wrote:
I am going by the laws of physics and common sense... (show quote)
Mar 13, 2020 08:22:52 #
RWR
Loc: La Mesa, CA
Leitz wrote:
Or, the OP can read the adverts for himself.
How literally do you think one should take those advertisements?
Mar 13, 2020 08:29:39 #
Gasman57 wrote:
👍👍👍 Reminds me of the weakest link theory.
Yes. most of it it IS the weakest link theory
Mar 13, 2020 08:36:53 #
Notorious T.O.D. wrote:
So you would never want to use spike feet because of their minimal diameter? And if your theory is solid why not invert the leg and put the largest diameter at the bottom? Curious minds want to know...
It mostly does not matter WHERE you put the weakest link....
And, yes I LIKE spike feet - IF - they are going into a semi-soft base material - and the longer the better.
I would never want to use spike feet on hard surfaces that the spike could not penetrate because the minimal diameter provides a minimal surface area for support and friction.
.
Mar 13, 2020 08:47:25 #
Gene51 wrote:
What do you consider a better tripod that adheres to your unusual brand of common sense and reasoning?
Two section double and triple strength leg tripods as used for land surveying ...
I have not built any tripods - YET - but I do build monopods ....
.
Mar 13, 2020 09:14:13 #
By that logic as long as the top is a 2x4, the bottom could be a toothpick. Think about it. Not many buildings are built that way.
Mar 13, 2020 09:22:15 #
Gasman57 wrote:
By that logic as long as the top is a 2x4, the bottom could be a toothpick. Think about it. Not many buildings are built that way.
Mar 13, 2020 09:36:46 #
cytafex
Loc: Clarksburg MA
I've owned Gitzo tripods since 1975, but my last tripods are Sirui. Bought a W-2204 carbon fibre tripod with #30 head several years ago and it's been fantastic, first tripod that hasn't jammed on river trip in the Grand Canyon and ease of use continues to amaze me. Total cost around $300 and works better than my Gitzo's!
Mar 13, 2020 09:41:53 #
Buildings also vibrate...
Gasman57 wrote:
By that logic as long as the top is a 2x4, the bottom could be a toothpick. Think about it. Not many buildings are built that way.
If you want to reply, then register here. Registration is free and your account is created instantly, so you can post right away.