Tripod stability question
Jun 30, 2020 11:51:47 #
Gjb1706
Loc: Central Florida
scubadoc wrote:
If I weren't using a heavy camera and a large piece of glass, I wouldn't need a tripod. The weight is why I use a tripod, especially for landscape photography.
Jun 30, 2020 11:57:33 #
P-J wrote:
Always, always extend from the top down is my advice, for maximum stability. If you don't want max. stability why use a tripod?
I also agree with not fully extending each section first - which is why you need large diameter long legs for any given height ! I also agree that the camera /head interface and the head/apex interface have a LARGE responsibility regarding stableness. Nit-picking ? yes, somewhat - but that is what hoggers do best 
Manufacturers will tell you what ever and in a way that makes THEIR product look better
- which, winds up being, probably, NOT the WHOLE truth 8-(.
Jun 30, 2020 12:09:55 #
Jun 30, 2020 12:23:32 #
Scruples wrote:
Tripods are general very stable I have found. Try not to extend it fully and don’t have a heavy camera body and large piece of glass. Also, see if the tripod has a hook on the middle column. You can attach the camera bag for stability.
Happy Shooting!
Happy Shooting!
It wouldn't be much good my hanging my camera bag on my tripod - my M43 kit is so light! However, I pack a small net which can hold some stones to hang on the hook if necessary.
Jun 30, 2020 12:31:02 #
Nicholas DeSciose wrote:
Always put at least a 25 pound sandbag attached to the bottom of the tripod
Who carries a 25 pound sand bag around?
Just a cheap plastic grocery bag and pick up a couple of rocks or other items of opportunity put them in and then leave them.
Or do you have someone to carry that bag around with you?
Jun 30, 2020 12:43:31 #
I don’t extend the tube next to the top tube fully when setting up. It is much easier to level your rig or make small leg length adjustments with that tube rather than the smallest tube.
Jun 30, 2020 12:46:20 #
jdupps wrote:
I don’t extend the tube next to the top tube fully when setting up. It is much easier to level your rig or make small leg length adjustments with that tube rather than the smallest tube.
Good idea, thank you.
Jun 30, 2020 12:47:52 #
One problem with not using the bottom more narrow legs to obtain maximum stability concerns mud and/or sand in the lower three joints. After finding sand difficult to remove in these joints after a trip to the Oregon coast, I've changed my mind about this practice.
Jun 30, 2020 12:53:41 #
Photonerd5 wrote:
One problem with not using the bottom more narrow legs to obtain maximum stability concerns mud and/or sand in the lower three joints. After finding sand difficult to remove in these joints after a trip to the Oregon coast, I've changed my mind about this practice.
That is why I do not like tube legs and twist locks.
Lever locks just loosen, hose down and you are good to go.
Jun 30, 2020 13:09:04 #
Practically it makes very little difference. Especially if you are not near the weight limit.
Jun 30, 2020 13:29:24 #
scubadoc
Loc: Sarasota, FL
jdupps wrote:
I don’t extend the tube next to the top tube fully when setting up. It is much easier to level your rig or make small leg length adjustments with that tube rather than the smallest tube.
Even on uneven ground, I try to have all legs extended the same amount. I do use a leveling platform to make minor adjustments, rather than fiddle with extending/collapsing leg sections. It adds less than a pound of weight, but saves setup time in the field.
Jun 30, 2020 13:35:53 #
25 pounds of lead shot takes up a lot less space...
Nicholas DeSciose wrote:
Always put at least a 25 pound sandbag attached to the bottom of the tripod
Jun 30, 2020 13:45:41 #
scubadoc wrote:
Even on uneven ground, I try to have all legs extended the same amount. I do use a leveling platform to make minor adjustments, rather than fiddle with extending/collapsing leg sections. It adds less than a pound of weight, but saves setup time in the field.
Here is uneven ground trying to get a small flower.
Hill has a 45 degree slope.
Using different leg angles and lengths is frequently the only option.
Jun 30, 2020 13:46:34 #
Architect1776 wrote:
Who carries a 25 pound sand bag around?
Just a cheap plastic grocery bag and pick up a couple of rocks or other items of opportunity put them in and then leave them.
Or do you have someone to carry that bag around with you?
Just a cheap plastic grocery bag and pick up a couple of rocks or other items of opportunity put them in and then leave them.
Or do you have someone to carry that bag around with you?
Soooo true. And if your dinky 8 or 10 lb tripod were 25 lb heavier it wouldn’t need the sandbag.
Jun 30, 2020 13:48:08 #
scubadoc
Loc: Sarasota, FL
Several responders to this thread have made the comment that a heavy lens creates instability. I disagree with that comment. Most heavy primes or Tele-zooms have a tripod collar. If you mount the lens to the ballhead rather then to the camera body, you can center the lens directly over the apex of the tripod. With the weight thus centered, there should be no vector forces to create instability, as all the weight is directed 90° downward, centered over the apex of the tripod.
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