Tripod on sand?

[KMPhoto]

Looking for a hint here please:

When shooting on a beach, how do you ensure that the tripod doesn't sink into the sand (albeit very slowly) and cause a problem with long exposures?

Thanks, Kevin

 

[Alastair]

Unless the water is lapping at the tripod feet and washing the sand out from under, just settling the legs into the sand usually provides a stable enough base. You might want to splay the legs out a bit wider than normal.

 

[Andy The Gardene]

If the tripod looks as if it will sink, I use 3 cheap plastic plates to create a bigger surface area for the legs to stand on.

 

[SeeFarr]

If the tripod looks as if it will sink, I use 3 cheap plastic plates to create a bigger surface area for the legs to stand on.

Just what I was gonna recommend.

 

[KMPhoto]

The plastic plates idea sounds good; will give that a go.

I found that in wet sand, there is a degree of movement over extended periods of time so wondered what to do.

Cheers.

 

[alexw9]

The problem is getting the sand stuck inside your tripod, nightmare, you'll never get every grain out

 

[KMPhoto]

The problem is getting the sand stuck inside your tripod, nightmare, you'll never get every grain out

Tell me about it! I still feel the grind of sand in the clips on a long dead tripod

 

[lensflair]

.

 

[lensflair]

The problem is getting the sand stuck inside your tripod, nightmare, you'll never get every grain out

Don't put it deeper than the bottom leg extension, then rinse it off after. Sea water if you have to but rinse it with fresh as soon as possible.

For shooting low, I've seen moose Peterson use a plastic frisbee with a gimble plate wedged inside. Stable platform that you can push along the sand while laying down.

 

[markmullen]

ISTR Manfrotto do sand plates to fit over the spiked feet.