Waterproof Tripod

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thegman89

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George Buckingham
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I know it sounds odd, but does anyone know if there's such a thing as a waterproof tripod? Basically I photograph kitesurfing and at the moment sit in a small boat - which isn't too stable. Just looking for a tripod that isn't going to rust too quickly really! I've had a quick Google but to no luck :(

Cheers :)
 
hypnotic said:
I think I might be a bit more worried about my camera more than the tripod ... :D
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Its only flat waist deep water so will be fine - hopefully :|

Am going to get a cheapo £12.99 tripod from work and see how long it lasts I think
 
hmmm..:thinking:

The potential for disaster is...is...:suspect:...err lots.
What about a mono pod, you'd be forced to hold it at all times whereas a tripod...you might forget or be less concerned.
I don't think a tripod will offer the same stability when its stood in 4ft of water.
I'd probably want a waterproof housing to be even semi relaxed about it.
What about the wake, wind, fat tuna and frenzied frog secks...
 
I'd be a whole lot more worried about the camera. It gets soaked in salt water its dead.
Also as joxby says.. how do you anchor the thing or "plop!", expensive insurance claim time.

Generaly tripods dont care if they get wet. Cameras do.
 
dseered said:
Actually, Aluminum doesn't rust either ?
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Not strictly true! Aluminium doesn't go the brown colour of rust, as that is the distinctive colour of Iron Oxide (rust) but Aluminium will corrode in salt water and produce a white powdery material Aluminium Oxide which actuslly can prevent further corrosion taking place, but will prevent the tripod working properly.

An extract from a site on metal corrosion:

Anything ferrous exposed to saltwater or salt atmosphere will deteriorate very quickly. Saltwater will also have a deleterious effect on non-ferrous metals like aluminum. They are subject to corrosion and eventually become brittle. Aluminum cans thrown into saltwater will completely dissolve in a very short time. Zinc-coated (galvanized) surfaces will eventually yield to corrosive elements if not properly maintained.

So if you want a non-corroding (or rusting) tripod you need it made from plastic or carbon.
 
Makes me wonder if a tripod is what you need, the boat is still going to bob about which to me makes the tripod pretty useless. The water won't be as calm and still as a billiard table or there would be no breeze for the kitesurfers. As suggested earlier a monopod to force you to keep a firm hold or a lens with IS might be a better option.
 
EdBray said:
Not strictly true! Aluminium doesn't go the brown colour of rust, as that is the distinctive colour of Iron Oxide (rust) but Aluminium will corrode in salt water and produce a white powdery material Aluminium Oxide which actuslly can prevent further corrosion taking place, but will prevent the tripod working properly.

An extract from a site on metal corrosion:

Anything ferrous exposed to saltwater or salt atmosphere will deteriorate very quickly. Saltwater will also have a deleterious effect on non-ferrous metals like aluminum. They are subject to corrosion and eventually become brittle. Aluminum cans thrown into saltwater will completely dissolve in a very short time. Zinc-coated (galvanized) surfaces will eventually yield to corrosive elements if not properly maintained.

So if you want a non-corroding (or rusting) tripod you need it made from plastic or carbon.
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[off topic]That's why you shouldn't scour aluminium pans too. The Aluminium Oxide coating protects it the surface. :geek:[/off topic]
 
I'd be quite happy to take my gitzo 1325 in sea water. It's carbon fiber, rubber, plastic and aluminium. It all comes apart without the use of tools, so I could take to to bits and hose every individual part down after. If I was going to make a habit of it, I'd probably think about getting/building a more specific set-up just for that sort of work though.

You can certainly get casings for your camera that will allow it to survive a dunk in sea-water.

Are you going to be in salt or fresh water?

As you say it's only waist deep, how far are you from dry land, or a jetty? Could you just get a longer lens and stay where it's a bit safer?
 
frank said:
Makes me wonder if a tripod is what you need, the boat is still going to bob about which to me makes the tripod pretty useless.
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What he said ^
 
first of, i would forget the cheap tripod.

from what i see people say, they arent that stable on solid ground, bear in mind you need it extended to 5' plus to keep your camera clear of the water(just a guess). you add the water to the equation and the balance goes out the window as inevitably air will get trapped somewhere inside i would have thought adding bouyancy to it.

the monopod idea sounds like a good one,they are quite cheap(compared to tripods), and if a big wave does come, you can quickly lift clear of the water to save your equipment. only problem is you got to hold it the whole time

whatever you get, make sure you carry round a shovel and 3 empty heavy duty bags to fill with sand to hold the legs still:thumbs:
 
thegman89 said:
I know it sounds odd, but does anyone know if there's such a thing as a waterproof tripod? Basically I photograph kitesurfing and at the moment sit in a small boat - which isn't too stable. Just looking for a tripod that isn't going to rust too quickly really! I've had a quick Google but to no luck :(

Cheers :)
Click to expand...

Are you not able to increase ISO, reduce your f numbers and increase shutter speed to the point of it being a non issue? What time of day are you taking the pics? Is is particularly low light?

G.
 
For a more permanent solution that'll work well on sand (but will be next to useless on a rocky bottom!) would be to make up a stainless spiked monopod with 18" or so of spike below a "T" piece that would be the way to sink it in (combined with your bodyweight) as well as the depth stop to give you the right working height. A platform on top to accept the head of your choice and Robert's a parent's sibling.

Since up until now, you've been shooting from a small, unstable boat, do you really need a tripod? Maybe just a stainless pole monopod would do?


ETA... To avoid costly dunkings, how about one of these? http://camerasunderwater.co.uk/ewa_marine/slr/housings.html
 
I've not photographed kitesurfing but any of the sailing stuff i've done has usually been done with a mix of the 70-200 and 300 in a small rib.
 
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