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Does the perfect tripod for my needs exist?

CharleyL
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p.2 #1 · p.2 #1 · Does the perfect tripod for my needs exist?

In my post #12, discussing the Slik U-212 tripod.

I neglected to note that the center column lock is much like a drill press chuck, in that turning a horizontal knob at the tripod base locks the center column much like a drill chuck to remove all of the play that would exist in the center column if it didn't have a lock. The column has a crank handle on the side of the base to allow raising and and lowering the center column too, something that many tripods with center columns do not have. Other than significant side force on the raised center column with the lock active, there is no visible movement at the camera at any height selected.

I have several high quality tripods of other brands that are newer as well as older, but the Slik U-212 is all that I'll put a camera on, in the studio or out in the field when a tripod is needed. They tend to get used for light or reflector holding, if used at all. I have considered buying something newer and lighter, but haven't found any that I like more than what I already have.

Charley

Jun 04, 2024 at 06:51 AM

Perceivedshift
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p.2 #2 · p.2 #2 · Does the perfect tripod for my needs exist?

sjms wrote:
it will be interesting to see how you do it and with what materials, and again cost.

just for reference RRS uses Al alloy for its center post for a number of reasons. it uses a cinch mechanism to lock too. its only 12" long.

if you review the pic above of the photog at the high position take a look at the CP on that set of legs it a little longer then the 18" you want.

Im not sure why you are so hung up on length when other variables are involved. CharleyL, who seems to have used the Slik for decades makes the claim the center column is extremely stable at any position. You write like physics has placed some invisible wall on center column length, which is just not the case....at all. Actually, that is just not how physics works. Is there some give-and-take? Yes, there always is, but for my use case I can afford to sacrifice a little stability for column length indoors. I don't even use a tripod anymore on the job outdoors, even on cloudy days, so wind isn't even a factor.

If I went custom, I'd look at increase column diameter, perhaps by 1/4", which would add a fair amount of rigidity to the legs. To take the concept to the extreme, imagine a tripod with a 24" center column which is 12" in diameter. How stable do you think it would be?

Jun 04, 2024 at 07:07 AM

sjms
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p.2 #3 · p.2 #3 · Does the perfect tripod for my needs exist?

have fun

Jun 04, 2024 at 07:09 AM

Perceivedshift
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p.2 #4 · p.2 #4 · Does the perfect tripod for my needs exist?

CharleyL wrote:
In my post #12, discussing the Slik U-212 tripod.

I neglected to note that the center column lock is much like a drill press chuck, in that turning a horizontal knob at the tripod base locks the center column much like a drill chuck to remove all of the play that would exist in the center column if it didn't have a lock. The column has a crank handle on the side of the base to allow raising and and lowering the center column too, something that many tripods with center columns do not have. Other than significant side force on...Show more →

The crank would be amazing specifically for my Matterport camera where I also hang a 20lb weight on the center column. As you can imagine big scans are a workout.

Jun 04, 2024 at 07:09 AM

Cinstance
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p.2 #5 · p.2 #5 · Does the perfect tripod for my needs exist?

If you don't mind the weight, a Gitzo series 5 tripod with the long geared column should be able to meet all your need. When you want to go low, you don't need to lower the column. The column can accept camera on both end, and you just move the camera from the top platform to the lower platform. It could be done quickly if you have quick release adapters on both ends. The travel distance of the column is almost 30". Even at its maximum extension, coupled with a series 5 tripod, it can still be as stable as a series 3 tripod without center column.

Jun 04, 2024 at 09:36 AM

jeffbuzz
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p.2 #6 · p.2 #6 · Does the perfect tripod for my needs exist?

Perceivedshift wrote:
Im not sure why you are so hung up on length when other variables are involved. CharleyL, who seems to have used the Slik for decades makes the claim the center column is extremely stable at any position. You write like physics has placed some invisible wall on center column length, which is just not the case....at all. Actually, that is just not how physics works. Is there some give-and-take? Yes, there always is, but for my use case I can afford to sacrifice a little stability for column length indoors. I don't even use a tripod anymore on the...Show more →

Physics has placed a wall on center column length. It's called moment of inertia (i.e. the pendulum effect).

I suggest you look at boom systems rather the tripods. They're a little more time consuming to set up than a simple tripod. But once set up, you'd have the ability to rapidly move the camera vertically and horizontally.

Jun 04, 2024 at 10:26 AM

tsdevine
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p.2 #7 · p.2 #7 · Does the perfect tripod for my needs exist?

Thinking well outside the box here. You could look at wooden tripods as they tend to have less segments. Certain models come with center posts. Thinking Berlebach and Ries. There may be decent knockoffs, but can't help much there.

For example, this Berlebach is kind of in the ballpark you described.

https://www.berlebach.de/en/?bereich=details&id=8

Edit....link doesn't work...intended to link to the TRIPOD REPORT 242. May not close enough to what you want....but if you search for wooden tripods, you may find something that is closer to what you want.

I have been using (not specifically shooting what you shoot) a 2 segment inverted tripod, but it doesn't have a center column.

And I just realized you want a 2 section center column about 18 inches each. I think that is going to be tough to find in a conventional tripod. Jeffbuzz might have the ticket.....don't look for a tripod.

Perceivedshift wrote:
I am a real estate photographer, and I have a problem. A tripod problem. The worst thing about photo sessions is fumbling with the tripod legs. Mostly because the legs are made of of 4-5 segments less than a foot in length each. With a short 1ft center column this means I often have to fumble with the legs to drop the camera low enough for some compositions. I also do matterport scans where it gets worse. Often I have to adjust all three legs when scanning staircases with my heavy Pro 2 camera and weight attached. Probably a matter...Show more →

Jun 04, 2024 at 04:05 PM

Perceivedshift
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p.2 #8 · p.2 #8 · Does the perfect tripod for my needs exist?

Cinstance wrote:
If you don't mind the weight, a Gitzo series 5 tripod with the long geared column should be able to meet all your need. When you want to go low, you don't need to lower the column. The column can accept camera on both end, and you just move the camera from the top platform to the lower platform. It could be done quickly if you have quick release adapters on both ends. The travel distance of the column is almost 30". Even at its maximum extension, coupled with a series 5 tripod, it can still be as stable as...Show more →

This would definitely fit the bill, at some point I just might make this investment. ($2k?) Probably (actually) be the last tripod I'd need to buy for my RE work. Maybe I can land something on ebay.

Jun 09, 2024 at 11:21 AM

sjms
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p.2 #9 · p.2 #9 · Does the perfect tripod for my needs exist?

i think you honestly don't really understand what you want or actually need. and that is truly too bad. you are all over the place.

Jun 09, 2024 at 02:57 PM

sjms
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p.2 #10 · p.2 #10 · Does the perfect tripod for my needs exist?

this is a stable 74" high video/cinema/whatever tripod.

Edited on Jun 11, 2024 at 05:11 AM · View previous versions

Jun 09, 2024 at 03:40 PM

johnvanr
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p.2 #11 · p.2 #11 · Does the perfect tripod for my needs exist?

Why don’t you call B&H and ask?

Jun 09, 2024 at 03:59 PM

sjms
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p.2 #12 · p.2 #12 · Does the perfect tripod for my needs exist?

ah, with so many to choose from

and actually i'd like to hear what is the final chosen one.

Jun 09, 2024 at 05:58 PM

elkhornsun
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p.2 #13 · p.2 #13 · Does the perfect tripod for my needs exist?

You want a 2-segment or worst case a 3-segment set of legs. Go to BH Photo Video and use their filters. Most people want as short a collapsed tripod as possible and you want the opposite.

With my own tripod legs I will often retract only the last section and then put the tripod into my vehicle. No need to fully retract the legs to drive or walk to the next location. The flip locks are a lot noisier but that is not anything that should concern your use of them.

I started using the Arca-Swiss D4 GP head for indoor shoots and it is a real time saver both at the location and later in post processing the images.

Jun 15, 2024 at 06:25 PM

elkhornsun
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p.2 #14 · p.2 #14 · Does the perfect tripod for my needs exist?

I use the Feisol CT-3472 tripod and there are accessory quick level base and a center column kit that add on in less than a minute. The quick level is great when moving around outdoors as it takes only a few seconds to re-level the base.

The center column kit has a large diameter fiberglass tube and it is very rigid and I have had no issues with it supporting a 16 lb lens and camera load. I use it to gain 4 inches of working height when photographing up a slope.

Jun 18, 2024 at 06:42 PM

sjms
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p.2 #15 · p.2 #15 · Does the perfect tripod for my needs exist?

the CT-3472 center column had a large diameter carbon fiber tube, not fiberglass.

i much prefer an alloy CP as it in this situation is a better option for stiffness and longevity. The overall weight difference in this particular usage is minimal to say the least.

Edited on Jun 21, 2024 at 11:23 AM · View previous versions

Jun 18, 2024 at 07:01 PM

sjms
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p.2 #16 · p.2 #16 · Does the perfect tripod for my needs exist?

i believe he has gone elsewhere.

Jun 18, 2024 at 07:03 PM

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