My ideal tripod.....

[Kirk Gittings]

One feature I have always wanted on my "ideal" tripod would be where one leg was removable and could be used as a waking stick. what do you think?

[welly]

I tend to use my tripod as a bit of a walking stick when I'm out in the bush as it is. It's not ideal but it works. I quite like your idea though.

[adelorenzo]

Well there are monopod hiking poles... I think even Gitzo makes one. Why not a tripod?

It would be awesome if you could join the other two legs together and use the long pole to pitch a tarp shelter or a megamid.

[Heroique]

...my “ideal” tripod would be where one leg was removable and could be used as a walking stick...

If you’re short enough, you can do that w/ the Ries J600.

If you’re too tall, the spikes can still ward-off wild animals.

Or hold marshmallows over the camp fire.

Pretty close to ideal!

[Light Guru]

One feature I have always wanted on my "ideal" tripod would be where one leg was removable and could be used as a waking stick. what do you think?

You mean a tripod like this.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/BENRO-C1682TB0-Tripod-Monopod-Trekking-Pole-3in1-Kit-2-QR-Plate-Package-/271048223905

You could also go about it taking an opposite approach. When hiking you actually want to use two trekking poles anyway instead of a "walking stick". Strap one more trekking pole to your bag or a hacked up old tripod and you have the makings of a tripod.


http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/forums/thread_display.html?forum_thread_id=2028

http://dondo1.wordpress.com/2011/06/27/how-i-lightened-my-tripod-using-trekking-poles/

[Vaughn]

I tend to use my Ries as a climbing aid -- and at about 300 pounds (me and the camera pack) I need all three legs of the tripod to support me!

[lenser]

Some of the Tiltalls allow just that. The ones with the bottom of the column having the plug with the extra 1/4x20 screw in plug allows you to convert a leg into a monopod and that is about a five foot long walking stick if you so desire.

[N Dhananjay]

I usually carry a monopod along with the Ries - it's used to support the front standard at long extensions. I use the monopod as a walking stick for balance and support while I am walking/scrambling etc. Cheers, DJ

[Kirk Gittings]

That Benro is a possibility. I'd have to know how easy it is to remove and put back and whether the stability is compromised. I also don't need the head but could not find whether I could just buy the legs.


You mean a tripod like this.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/BENRO-C1682TB0-Tripod-Monopod-Trekking-Pole-3in1-Kit-2-QR-Plate-Package-/271048223905

You could also go about it taking an opposite approach. When hiking you actually want to use two trekking poles anyway instead of a "walking stick". Strap one more trekking pole to your bag or a hacked up old tripod and you have the makings of a tripod.


http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/forums/thread_display.html?forum_thread_id=2028

http://dondo1.wordpress.com/2011/06/27/how-i-lightened-my-tripod-using-trekking-poles/

[Jac@stafford.net]

One feature I have always wanted on my "ideal" tripod would be where one leg was removable and could be used as a waking stick. what do you think?

That is not as odd an idea as some might think. I had a wooden tripod that did exactly that.

My ideal tripod today would have all-wheel drive. :)

[E. von Hoegh]

One feature I have always wanted on my "ideal" tripod would be where one leg was removable and could be used as a waking stick. what do you think?

Get a Tiltall with the removeable leg. The only problem is that you'll wear the spike on that leg, plus there's no handgrip. I have a Komperdell walking stick, it telescopes, has a replaceable carbide tip, and the top unscrews revealing a 1/4-20 screw.

[Bob Salomon]

Novoflex Quadropods with the Walking Stick legs have this feature and the Walking Stick converts into a monopod. All Giotto VGR tripods have a leg and column that converts into a full size monopod that can be used as a walking stick.
Lastly the new Novoflex PATRON hands free umbrella is also a walking stick and a monopod. With mirrorless cameras it also functions as an octopod when a ball head is added to it. And it converts into a shooting or changing tent with a couple of accessorie and a tripod or free standing monopod.

[Jac@stafford.net]

Man, is my knowledge out-of-date!

Thanks for that, Bob. The Quadropod is here (http://www.novoflex.com/en/products/camera-support-systems/quadropod/). The Giotto VGR here (http://www.giottosusa.com/classic-tripods.shtml). Patron Umbrella (http://www.novoflex.com/en/products/photo-umbrella-patron/) here.

[falth j]

Given your age...

Here's what I think:


Quite simply, this solution is not only compact, effective, and in most cases you should be able to walk with the result for four hours, if not contact your physician!


Carry one or two viagra, their cheap, compact, and ready when you're in need.

[Kirk Gittings]

Hmmmm..........unfortunately they give me blinding headaches! :)

[Kirk Gittings]

Thanks Bob that is very useful. I will check those out.


Novoflex Quadropods with the Walking Stick legs have this feature and the Walking Stick converts into a monopod. All Giotto VGR tripods have a leg and column that converts into a full size monopod that can be used as a walking stick.
Lastly the new Novoflex PATRON hands free umbrella is also a walking stick and a monopod. With mirrorless cameras it also functions as an octopod when a ball head is added to it. And it converts into a shooting or changing tent with a couple of accessorie and a tripod or free standing monopod.

[Ari]

I bought a Chinese CF tripod a year ago, and it, too, features a removable leg that is supposed to be used as a monopod.
It simply unscrews from the tripod, and could certainly be used as a walking stick, or to ward off teen-agers. :)

[sethlatimer]

Does anybody have any experience using the novoflex walking stick tripod legs with a view camera? They seem pretty ideal to me. I only have two concerns. They only extend to 57inches which might be too short. And are they as steady as regular tripod legs?

[sethlatimer]

There is a bit of a review of the novoflex Here (http://www.nature-images.eu/contents/reviews/quadropod/index.html).

[Bob Salomon]

Does anybody have any experience using the novoflex walking stick tripod legs with a view camera? They seem pretty ideal to me. I only have two concerns. They only extend to 57inches which might be too short. And are they as steady as regular tripod legs?

Seth,

These legs are modified Leki cross country ski poles so the weight of a view camera is not a problem for them. In fact when they are used for the legs to convert the Novoflex Basic Ball table top tripod to a full sized tripod they are rated for 22 pound capacity. The BasicBall table top tripod with the table top legs is rated for 55 pounds.

With the Walking Stick legs on the Quadropd the capacity would be about 30 pounds.

[Bob Salomon]

There is a bit of a review of the novoflex Here (http://www.nature-images.eu/contents/reviews/quadropod/index.html).

There are some changes that should be pointed out.
1: When you buy a QUADROPOD with any of the top plates (B, C or V) and a set of the aluminum or carbon legs you also get a four piece set of the short table top legs and the monopod adapter to make any one leg into a monopod (this is the top plate only, it is not a ball head top. A head would still screw directly on to the leg)>
2: When you buy the top plate version with the center column (C version) you get both the standard column and a short column. So the comments about low angle shooting in the review are now incorrect.

The inclusion of the short legs and monopod top are an ongoing promotion for the Quadropod in the USA. Other countries may or may not have this offering.

[Bob Salomon]

Man, is my knowledge out-of-date!

Thanks for that, Bob. The Quadropod is here (http://www.novoflex.com/en/products/camera-support-systems/quadropod/). The Giotto VGR here (http://www.giottosusa.com/classic-tripods.shtml). Patron Umbrella (http://www.novoflex.com/en/products/photo-umbrella-patron/) here.

There is always something new under the sun. Have you seen the Novoflex bike clamp to mount smart phones or tablets to handlebars? Or the complete kit that will also mount them to a windshield? These also mount lightweight cameras like a NEX or MFT system.

How about their new pocket MULTITOOL with 5 Allen keys, a T2, phillips and flat head in a small pocket sized folding tool that TSA allows on board.

[Mark Sawyer]

One feature I have always wanted on my "ideal" tripod would be where one leg was removable and could be used as a waking stick. what do you think?

My "ideal" tripod would have a bottle-opener on the side of the head. :)

Alas, the manufacturers are cold-hearted pragmatics with no idea of the real needs of the serious artist... :(

[Vaughn]

My "ideal" tripod would have a bottle-opener on the side of the head. :)

Alas, the manufacturers are cold-hearted pragmatics with no idea of the real needs of the serious artist... :(

While it is difficult to adapt to changes, there are some mighty fine micro-brews in cans these days...much lighter for those all-day photo hikes...:)

[Bob Salomon]

While it is difficult to adapt to changes, there are some mighty fine micro-brews in cans these days...much lighter for those all-day photo hikes...:)

I'm not a beer drinker but don't a lot come in bottles with twist-off tops?

[Jac@stafford.net]

There is always something new under the sun. Have you seen the Novoflex bike clamp to mount smart phones or tablets to handlebars?

As an avid bicyclist I am pretty much up on such. Have you seen the picture of my face after my most recent bike crash? :) I will spare everyone. The accident also destroyed my one-week old Leica M9. That hurt!

[Mark Sawyer]

I'm not a beer drinker but don't a lot come in bottles with twist-off tops?

Yes, the same way a lot of cameras come with built-in telephones and angry bird games. The better ones don't. :)

[Bob Salomon]

Yes, the same way a lot of cameras come with built-in telephones and angry bird games. The better ones don't. :)

Why not? Doesn't Crown Cork and Seal make the caps used on the bottles made in the US?

Or is it imported beers use the old type crimp cap only?

[Mark Sawyer]

Why not? Doesn't Crown Cork and Seal make the caps used on the bottles made in the US?

Or is it imported beers use the old type crimp cap only?

In the US, only the very big brewing companies use twist-off caps, and they make the fizzy yellow light beers. The smaller companies that make the tastier brews all use crimp-ons.

[goamules]

Originally Posted by Bob Salomon - HP Marketing
"I'm not a beer drinker but don't a lot come in bottles with twist-off tops?"


Yes, the same way a lot of cameras come with built-in telephones and angry bird games. The better ones don't. :)

Best Quote Of The Week.