I've invented a new "push button" leg lock for tripods... your thoughts?

[chris malcolm]

There's a lot of innovation in some small corners of the tripod business, but what seems to be lacking is a market that's willing to consider something different. Everyone seems pretty happy with what we've got.

Happy? I suppose I'm happy with what I've got because I can't see anything better. I've got a Benbo for shots which require extreme camera or leg positioning. I've got a Mefoto Globe Trotter for general landscape and natural light interiors. I've got a Gorillapod for just in case bung in bag portability. The Mefoto also turns a leg and the centre column into a monopod for those times requiring fast mobility such as running around in crowds, or in places where tripods are forbidden and the security guards agree that a monopod is not a kind of tripod. The Gorillapod can also wrap a leg around the top of the monopod and stretch it's other two legs out to provide a stable monopod lean against a wall, tree, etc. for long exposures.

I'm definitely in the market for something better. But I've no idea what it might be, and it seems neither does the market. Perhaps such a highly stabilised hand-holdable gimbal thingy that you can hand hold very stable exposures of a few seconds?

 

[niko]

I'm definitely in the market for something better. But I've no idea what it might be, and it seems neither does the market. Perhaps such a highly stabilised hand-holdable gimbal thingy that you can hand hold very stable exposures of a few seconds?

thats called Olympus m4/3 cameras- the image stabilization is black magic

 

[Terrywoodenpic]

Until some one invents a go anywhere sky hook, we are all going to be unhappy bunnies.

 

[sk66]

Using struts attached to the centre-column is one way around that, video-pod style.

Using spreaders used to be very common. It's still common with specialized video tripods, but even there it's becoming less. TBH, I'm not sure why. Not only can they set highly variable leg angles, they also provide additional stiffness to the legs (mid level spreaders)... I guess it must be a weight thing.

 

[Nod]

Spreaders add not only weight but mechanical (and hence manufacturing) complexity and, perhaps even more importantly for manufacturers and purchasers, cost! They also restrict leg angles to being the same for each of the 3 legs - not always desirable. Fine for studio use but not usually ideal elsewhere.

 

[sk66]

They also restrict leg angles to being the same for each of the 3 legs - not always desirable. Fine for studio use but not usually ideal elsewhere.

Not usually. Typically each spreader is telescopic (lockable) or the attachment point on the leg (collar) is moveable.
There are fixed spreaders of course, typically "ground spreaders."

 

[HoppyUK]

Spreaders add not only weight but mechanical (and hence manufacturing) complexity and, perhaps even more importantly for manufacturers and purchasers, cost! They also restrict leg angles to being the same for each of the 3 legs - not always desirable. Fine for studio use but not usually ideal elsewhere.

Video tripods with leg struts/spreaders and the characteristic twin tubes for the upper section/s are undoubtedly stronger and more rigid, but for a good one, the price and weight goes up accordingly. Spreaders don't have to lock the legs at a fixed angle though, and adjustable sliders to change individual leg angles are common, eg the Manfrotto Triaut I linked earlier. It's actually a very good way to get individual and infinitely variable leg angles, and with no need for any pivot locks on top at all. But they do add cost and weight, the range of angles tends to be limited and the mechanism can get in the way. (Edit: crossed post with Steven)

Bizarrely, leg struts also appear to be a feature of the very cheapest tripods too, eg this one for £13, so obviously no guarantee of extra stability! https://www.amazon.co.uk/Hama-Star-...F8&qid=1496420086&sr=1-5&keywords=tripod&th=1

 

[sk66]

Trying to think of everything, it occurred to me that the big advantage to the 3 step system is that first step... You just swing open the legs and they stop there, and the vast majority of the times that's what we use. Most other times, exactly equal leg placement isn't a requirement, or even desired.

In order to incorporate that function I have added a spring loaded shear pin. A stainless steel shear pin is incredibly strong so it should be adequate for most situations, but depending on the sizing it might be beneficial to also engage the locking hinge pin for extremely heavy loads. The idea is that if the hinge pin is kept in the unlocked position the hinge acts like the typical step system; then when you want to use other leg positions you depress the shear pin and utilize the locking hinge pin instead. It's getting a bit more complex now, but I think maybe it's also approaching universal applicability.

 

[Airscene]

Whilst I agree with the issue with the "3 step tripods" I don't see any issue with tripods with clamps other than those cheap brands (or cheap manufacturing).

I have been using a Velbon D600 for 20 yrs now and the clamps are still operating perfectly, and I can't envisage any problems with them in the next 20 yrs.

 

[Raymond Lin]

Whilst I agree with the issue with the "3 step tripods" I don't see any issue with tripods with clamps other than those cheap brands (or cheap manufacturing).

I have been using a Velbon D600 for 20 yrs now and the clamps are still operating perfectly, and I can't envisage any problems with them in the next 20 yrs.

Ditto, I have had my Manfrotto 055Pro for 17 years....tried and tested, why would I change?

 

[sk66]

Whilst I agree with the issue with the "3 step tripods" I don't see any issue with tripods with clamps other than those cheap brands (or cheap manufacturing).

I have been using a Velbon D600 for 20 yrs now and the clamps are still operating perfectly, and I can't envisage any problems with them in the next 20 yrs.

Ditto, I have had my Manfrotto 055Pro for 17 years....tried and tested, why would I change?

That's completely different from the clamping systems we're talking about... those are leg extension mechanisms, not leg angle.
We're talking about these kinds of clamping systems.

 

[Raymond Lin]

I don't think it's an improvement than what's there now. Like I said, I dislike things sticking out.

 

[the black fox]

As a caravanner as well as a togger ,I have just acquired a bradcott awning ,it has a super light aluminium pole system ,that are fitted with a very good push button clamping system ,this post has got me wondering if it's worth buying a few spare legs and having a play ,as if the sections keep locked tight with massive awnings then a tripod is easy peasy

 

[sk66]

As a caravanner as well as a togger ,I have just acquired a bradcott awning ,it has a super light aluminium pole system ,that are fitted with a very good push button clamping system ,this post has got me wondering if it's worth buying a few spare legs and having a play ,as if the sections keep locked tight with massive awnings then a tripod is easy peasy

Pics?
Splines and shear pins are incredibly strong relative to their material/size... a large portion of a vehicle's drivetrain is dependent on sliding spline connections.

 

[the black fox]

Will do if I get a chance Steve also saw a super hide stand today to take a gimbal without it all being clamped down

 

[sk66]

Well, the director of product development at RRS has contacted me expressing interest in the design. We'll see where it goes from here!

 

[sk66]

It's going to be presented at the next corporate development meeting...

 

[sk66]

While we are in discussions about the design, I have convinced them to explore (prototype/test) the idea of inverting the tubes as well .
(it's been done before, but it's not common)

 

[sk66]

Well, this is interesting...
I recently found out that RRS did adopt the inverted leg design for a new tripod a few years ago (2020). They claim it is the most rigid tripod they make.

TVC-22i Mk2 SOAR Series Tripod

DetailsTVC-22i Mk2 SOAR Series Tripod

www.reallyrightstuff.com

And this design has been copied by Leofoto.

SO Series Tripods

Leofoto Rifle is the official site for Leofoto Sport Optics & Rifle products line in the United States We are proud to be a U.S. company with 100% U.S.-based support out of our office in New Orleans Email: info@leofotousa.com Call us: 504-507-0578

leofotorifle.com

For some reason they are only marketing the design only towards long range rifle shooters; but I find there are some real benefits to the design for wildlife/landscape photography. I recently acquired the Leofoto SO-362C and it is my new favorite tripod... so much so that I'm selling/have sold most of my other tripods (RRS TVC 34L, RRS TVC 33, Leofoto LM-404C). The only other tripods I'm keeping are my Benbo Classic 2 (which lives in the studio), and a compact/lightweight Benro for my smaller/lighter kit (Nikon1, air travel, etc).

I've got a few accessories coming for it to optimize it for my uses and make it even more versatile... when they come in I'll probably do a video review of the whole setup.