I've decide to take a smaller travel tripod with me on an upcoming trip. Any tips that you can share? I remember that I used to hang my camera bag around the tripod legs to help stabilize a smaller tripod that I used when I first started shooting many years ago.
My travel tripod is a Benro C-157M8 with a BH-30 LR. The largest lens that will be on it is a 70-200 2.8 IS II attached to a 5DII or 7D. I'll take a 1.4x II with me, but only use it in a pinch.
Hanging some weight on it is a good idea. I do it all the time.
Definitely get/bring a cable release.
With my travel setup (Gitzo Traveller tripod/Markins Q3) vibration is easy to induce with the slightest touch, especially noticeable on telephoto lenses.
But wind can also be a problem, especially with a lightweight tripod setup.
A camera strap flapping around can be real issue.
Usually I turn off IS on a tripod, but in windy conditions, I'll usually turn it on.
Ideally, the weight should hang from the center of the tripod and just barely touch the ground. This way the force is directed straight down, rather than slightly to one side, and the weight won't be able to move.
I've rigged myself up with a bungee cord with a hook at the top and a large D-ring at the bottom. If it's windy I hook the cord into the center column, then put my foot into the D-ring and pull the ring to the ground. It seems better than hanging a bag.
I just discovered a hook on the bottom of the center post on my Benro tripod! Doesn't look like it would hold a lot of weight. But, better than nothing.
peter_n wrote:
I've rigged myself up with a bungee cord with a hook at the top and a large D-ring at the bottom. If it's windy I hook the cord into the center column, then put my foot into the D-ring and pull the ring to the ground. It seems better than hanging a bag.
The bungee and carabiner (instead of D-ring), sounds like a great solution to use with a bag.
I rather not have to step into and out of the D-ring when I'm shooting, since I rarely just stand in one place and usually have my feet to the sides.
Thanks for this tip - I'm definitely going to try it.
