I've recently been experimenting with telescopes and panoramic heads, both of which ruthlessly reveal vibration problems in the support system.
My main tripod is a Gitzo tele studex, a standard hollow aluminum tube model. Luckily, I also have a 1970s version, which would make a good test mule. I've been thinking about trying a couple of things.
Idea 1: use a two part expanding polyurethane foam in the bottom leg sections and the center column. Something like what is shown at: http://www.tapplastics.com/shop/product.php?pid=79 This would put a light, moisture resistant foam inside the lowest tubes and center column, which should help dampen vibrations without adding much weight.
Idea 2. Paint the upper tube sections with a vibration dampening paint, such as Spectrum, which you can see at: http://www.secondskinaudio.com/store.php?category=121 Not only would this dampen some vibrations, but it'd be a nice insulator from the cold metal.
Thoughts?
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