Pimp My Tripod
Ever since I got my first ’serious’ tripod, a Bogen 3001, I have been wrapping my tripod legs with foam pipe insulation and black duct tape to add a little padding for when I’m carrying it over my shoulder. I’ve recently made the switch to a Gitzo GT3540LS Series 3 Systematic 6X carbon fiber tripod (wow, that’s a mouthful) and the first thing I did after drooling over it was add the foam, giving it a nice ‘Mad Max’ look. I also make one other addition to my tripods that I’d like to share here on Across the Southwest.
I commonly use a remote release in my photography so I don’t have to actually touch the camera to fire the shutter, which provides me with a more stable shooting platform. Even though I live in the desert-southwest I often find myself shooting with the tripod in the water, whether it be a mountain lake, or the Rio Grande River. Several times now I have discovered my remote release dangling an inch or two above the water, and it’s gone swimming once. What I needed was a place to stick my release where it couldn’t go swimming (again) while I’m composing my shot.
My solution was to adhere a piece of 1/2″ Velcro around one of my tripod legs with a small piece of Velcro on the back side of the release. Now I’ve got a place to stick the remote release that will keep it out of the water, and out of the way when composing a shot.
If you find this tip useful or have one of your own that you would like to share, I’d love to hear about it.
That’s a great idea!! Velcro, what an amazing product! How is the Big Bend Project going?? Can’t wait to see the final results!!
13 May 2008 at 11:10 am
The Big Bend project is coming along just fine. I’ve developed most of the images, but I intend to sit on them for a few more weeks and then I will go back and make the final cut. Often, an image that I initially like may not do anything for me when I review it again several weeks later. The reverse is also true. After a second (or even a third) review I may discover an image that upon first glance didn’t move me.
Best,
Adam
04 Jun 2008 at 7:06 pm
The only other thing I would do with all of that setup is use Film makers Gaffing tape. It doesn’t leave residue, get gummy, shred like duct tape and looks cool with the flat blackness of it.
Off to the sand dunes today for some pics.
Sam
21 Jun 2008 at 1:17 pm
Hi Sam,
I’ll have to try gaffer tape some time. The duct tape has always held up very well, and I haven’t had any of the problems you mention. I like the idea that it isn’t as reflective as the black duct tape, but after one day in the field I’ll have enough dirt and dust on the tape that I think reflections will not be a problem.
Have a great time at the sand dunes.
Best,
Adam
21 Jun 2008 at 8:09 pm