Tripod steadying

arclight

arclight

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Does anyone use the old technique of hanging something (eg. camera bag) from the underside of a tripod to provide additional steadying/dampening vibration.
I know that at least one model has a hook for this purpose.
 
I do when its very windy or for long exposures (30 secs+) :)
 
I did on the summit of Skiddaw last year when I was taking my windfarm 360 shots.

I had a boulder in my rucksack from off the cairn which must have been 10 inches across (i.e. it weighed a ton) and the tripod still blew over before I had chance to attach my camera (luckily). Not known wind like that in a while.
 
Good - used to be able to get "net shopping bags" - just like a bit of fishing net (with the holes about 1" square) with handles, but don't see them about now.
Could slip a large stone in and they did not have much wind resistance.
 
I've got a boulder holder for hanging under my tripod - not the over the shoulder type though :naughty:
 
I've got a short bungee cord/hook for doing this, which makes adjusting the height much easier. It's important that any weight is on the ground and not allowed to swing.
 
There is a hoop on the centre column of my tripod, but the are no hooks on my rucksack, so I just loop one of the arm straps of the rucksack over the top and around the three legs. Sadly or not, my rucksack is quite heavy with other stuff in. (sadly for carrying it, but good for weighing the tripod down) ;)
 
has anyone considered how much wieght you are adding. the tripods can only support so much. so with the weight of your camera and the wight of the ballast are you working within the limits of the tripod to stop buckling or even the section locks from slipping.

not having a go, however cheap tripods can only support so much and thats not just on top but what ever is hanging off it, since some have plastic hinges. I use quite a heavy tripod as it is, with thick section legs, i have yet to use further ballast. However it does have a hook so my kit bag can be used in extreme situations.
 
arclight said:
Good - used to be able to get "net shopping bags" - just like a bit of fishing net (with the holes about 1" square) with handles, but don't see them about now.
Could slip a large stone in and they did not have much wind resistance.
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I have seen similar bags used for carrying skate boards, try the skate board shops maybe.
I have hung my camera bag over a lightweight tripod a few timeson hikes, seems to work fairly well. Wayne
 
I hang my camera bag, or rucksack off the tripod, and when it's extra-windy, splay the legs out even more than normal...
 
33L said:
has anyone considered how much wieght you are adding. the tripods can only support so much. so with the weight of your camera and the wight of the ballast are you working within the limits of the tripod to stop buckling or even the section locks from slipping.

not having a go, however cheap tripods can only support so much and thats not just on top but what ever is hanging off it, since some have plastic hinges. I use quite a heavy tripod as it is, with thick section legs, i have yet to use further ballast. However it does have a hook so my kit bag can be used in extreme situations.
Click to expand...

You must be carefull not to overdo it, but just a couple of kilos helps.
 
CopeImages said:
I did on the summit of Skiddaw last year when I was taking my windfarm 360 shots.

I had a boulder in my rucksack from off the cairn which must have been 10 inches across (i.e. it weighed a ton) and the tripod still blew over before I had chance to attach my camera (luckily). Not known wind like that in a while.
Click to expand...

Perhaps digging in and burying the legs in concrete would have helped? :D
 
CopeImages said:
I did on the summit of Skiddaw last year when I was taking my windfarm 360 shots.

I had a boulder in my rucksack from off the cairn which must have been 10 inches across (i.e. it weighed a ton) and the tripod still blew over before I had chance to attach my camera (luckily). Not known wind like that in a while.
Click to expand...

sounds like the day i was up there last May. Every time i lifted the camera to my eye i thought the wind was going to blow the contact lens off my eyeball! :eek:
 
arclight said:
I know that at least one model has a hook for this purpose.
Click to expand...

I thought that was for hanging the billy-can over the camp fire when making tea!

:D
 
CopeImages said:
A brasier for the fuller figure is about as cleanly as I can put it :D
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If you get collared by the police when taking pics and are just on the point of convinving them you are harmless then they find that in your pocket ...... Oh dear !
 
My Camlink tripod has a hook on it so you can hang a weight on it. I haven't needed to yet but when I do I'll just use that.

Why can't you just push down on the tripod if you keep still? Surely this will be more stable than hanging a bag on the tripod that will get blown slightly in the wind?
 
Kryptix said:
My Camlink tripod has a hook on it so you can hang a weight on it. I haven't needed to yet but when I do I'll just use that.

Why can't you just push down on the tripod if you keep still? Surely this will be more stable than hanging a bag on the tripod that will get blown slightly in the wind?
Click to expand...

I think that to get the steadiest shot you need to have your hands off
both camera and tripod. Preferably lock the mirror up before releasing the shutter.
 
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