2024 Eclipse from Central Kansas and lessons learned on tripod use.. (Page 2): I had a similar event a few years ago. Fortunately, a post in UHH talked about a rider to home owners...

Photorob156 Loc: South Carolina

Shellback wrote:

Had my system set up to shoot the eclipse, turned ... (show quote)

I had a similar event a few years ago. Fortunately, a post in UHH talked about a rider to home owners insurance to cover camera equipment. I cover 6 cameras, all lenses, and most accessories for about $200/year. My damaged camera was replaced at no additional cost. Anyone with expensive cameras should ask your insurance agent about this coverage.

clemente21

I have my D500, 18-200 lens and flash (the setup I hang around the most) insured for theft, breakage or loss with State Farm for about $8/month. I agree that these expensive equipment need some type of protection. Hope never have to use it, but it is there if needed.

dbrugger25 Loc: Raleigh, NC

I have a very expensive Lunt Solar Telescope. Once my cat decided to jump aboard it and it fell over. The optical tube now has a dent and the eyepiece was ruined but, fortunately, the scope optics were undamaged, and everything works perfectly. I had to replace the eyepiece.

george19

After tightening the legs, I push down on each one to double check. Can’t guarantee it will always work, but it gives me a little more comfort.

Shellback Loc: North of Cheyenne Bottoms Wetlands - Kansas

imagemeister wrote:

Why are you NOT attaching the tripod to the tripod collar of the lens ??

That was next step - sun was in my eyes - needed my hat - lessons learned (the hard way)...

Shellback Loc: North of Cheyenne Bottoms Wetlands - Kansas

My research for parts tells me to just buy a used one - I found one on eBay - less than 6000 shutter count for $250.

Larryshuman

That's the wrong way to mount your camera/lens. You are putting a great amount of stress on the 4 tiny screws that are in the lens flange. They go thru the flange and threat into the plastic body. Its much better to use your lens foot to mount from.

MJPerini

I feel very badly for you, stuff happens I guess
Too late now but you always use the tripod foot to mount the camera so it is more balanced.
Second there are arca swiss plates that have built in stops so that even if not tight, the cameras cannot slide out of the head.
Third always drape your camera strap over the tripod as a fail safe

Shellback Loc: North of Cheyenne Bottoms Wetlands - Kansas

clemente21 wrote:

I have my D500, 18-200 lens and flash (the setup I hang around the most) insured for theft, breakage or loss with State Farm for about $8/month. I agree that these expensive equipment need some type of protection. Hope never have to use it, but it is there if needed.

I'll investigate with my agent - thanks for the info

Shellback Loc: North of Cheyenne Bottoms Wetlands - Kansas

MJPerini wrote:

I feel very badly for you, stuff happens I guess
Too late now but you always use the tripod foot to mount the camera so it is more balanced.
Second there are arca swiss plates that have built in stops so that even if not tight, the cameras cannot slide out of the head.
Third always drape your camera strap over the tripod as a fail safe

Yeah, lot of lessons learned on this one -

AzPicLady Loc: Behind the camera!

That was an ouch. So sorry. I learned that my hands were steadier than my tripod at that angle.

jcboy3

Shellback wrote:

Had my system set up to shoot the eclipse, turned ... (show quote)

What's wrong with this picture?

1. It's tilted very badly. Makes it look like the tripod is going to tip over. Tilting the tripod like it looks in the photo would risk the tripod tilting over and the camera hitting the ground.

2. The lens foot allows the camera/lens to be balanced on the tripod head. But the lens foot also should have a stop screw that keeps the lens from sliding out of the ball head clamp.

3. The camera would not slide out of the ball head clamp if the tripod plate is oriented properly. Or also if the tripod plate has a stop screw.

4. A lens strap on a camera mounted on a tripod is a risk at being snagged and pulling the tripod over. On the other hand, looping it properly would serve as a safety strap which would have kept the camera from hitting the ground.

coolhanduke Loc: Redondo Beach, CA

Ouch!!

EJMcD

imagemeister wrote:

Why are you NOT attaching the tripod to the tripod collar of the lens ??

Good question!

coolhanduke Loc: Redondo Beach, CA

Shellback wrote:

Had my system set up to shoot the eclipse, turned ... (show quote)

That tripod looks way too under strength for that setup. Especially since you had to tilt it at that angle to photograph the sun.

Also, you should have the camera mounted to the tripod not the lens. Center of gravity is way off and perhaps could have prevented the fall.