How do you carry your tripod?

[RbnDave]

I am looking for a way to carry my Bogen 3221 and Manfrotto 468RC2 Proball head. This is a rather large heavy set up. I don't know if there is a backpack sturdy enough to hold it. I like taking my tripod on walks, but it is too cumbersome to carry. It isn't the weight that bothers me. It's just that I can't find a balanced way to carry my camera equipment and the tripod. I've looked at some of the Lowepro bags with tripod holders but they look to flimsy to hold my giant tripod.

Any suggestions?

Dave

[CoolToolGuy]

I have two Tamrac bags with tripod straps, but they are barely long enough to hold my 'travel model' Velbon tripod. I would not recommend them for a substantial tripod setup.

I have an older tripod with a tripod strap, and that worked well considering it was an extra thing to lug around. Manfrotto and Tamrac have straps, and there are others. There are also tripod bags and cases, but they just enclose the tripod, you still have an extra thing to carry.

Several of the backpacks have a provision for a tripod, but I'm not a backpack kinda guy.

Hope this helps. Keep us posted on what you come up with.

[Belmondo]

Dave:
I'd seriously reconsider trying to carry that rig very far. I have the same tripod (different head), and I carry it with a pickup truck. I don't remember the exact weight, but I seem to recall it weighing around 13-14 pounds, and that's a bunch. Admittedly there are few tripods as sturdy.

If I can't set up within a couple hundred feet of the truck, I have a much lighter Gitzo tripod I use instead. It's higher quality than the Bogen, but at less than half the weight, isn't quite as sturdy. That one I'd be willing to carry all day if necessary. If you absolutely have to carry the Bogen, though, I wouldn't rely on any backpack harness. I'm not aware of any that are designed to carry that much weight, and even if there was one, the 3221 is way too large and heavy to be conveniently transportable---it's either too tall (or wide, depending on how you carry it) to be manageable. I'd probably rig up another harness with bungee cords that attaches to the frame of the backpack more solidly than the straps I've seen that are provided for your intended purpose.

[PacAce]

Dave, I have that exact same set up and I haven't found it to be cumbersome at all. It helps to have the ballhead screwed on to the tripod so that you only have to carry one thing intead of two separate things. :mrgreen: :lol:

But kidding aside, I find that if I carry the tripod with the legs partially extended, I can carry it over one of my shoulders (the padding really helps here) and I only need one hand to manage it. The other hand is free to hold the camera.

But I haven't really gone hiking long distances with the tripod yet, though. Just short distances.

[Biko]

I got a wide strap with clips and I hook it round the tripod clip it on. I can put on or over shoulder. This suits me as have another bag with camera gear.

Its the easiest way I have found yet, I thought about putting all in sack but it looks cumbersome and it could take ages to get it all sorted, not what I wanted when I want to stop and get a pic who knows when or where.

[robertwgross]

How I carry a heavy tripod depends on the subject.

For example, for an evening hike in a local park, I expect to see some deer. If I have the monster lens on the camera, then I'm not going to get much without a tripod, but deer are quick, and if I don't have the damned thing set up and ready to shoot inside three seconds, I'm not going to get anything at all. In a situation like that, I have to carry the camera mounted on the tripod, and the tripod resting on my shoulder.

On the other hand, if I am out to shoot wildflowers, they don't jump around too much. I can easily sneak up on them, uncase a tripod, set it up, fool around with the legs, check for levelness, etc. Then it might be a minute or two before I am framed up and ready to shoot.

Since I often cover many miles on foot, I do not carry a tripod slung low below a pack, nor do I strap it on vertically behind the pack. The easiest way seems to be strapped onto a pack side, with the tripod feet stuck into a pack pocket. And, with many miles to cover, I don't carry the heaviest tripod in the world.

---Bob Gross---

[IanD]

I tell the wife that there is a new Martha Stewart store that has just opened on the other side of that there mountain. If she could carry the tripod for me then I'll gladly walk over there with her and while she shops, I'll take pictures of Justabirds.
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.Whoops, they must have moved the store. Grab the tripod and we'll head over in that direction :lol:

[where1]

I have an old Bogen tripod (model number escapes me) that weighs quite a bit. Ever see those canvas lawn chairs on a metal chassis that unfold. Some have foot rests and beer holders. Well one of mine is missing it's bag. :) When I went on vacation, I had my tripod, monopod, my homemade short monopod with clamp, and my ballhead in this bag.

[Scottes]

I hate carrying my tripod, so I just throw it ahead of me and catch up to it.

Since I'm on my 3rd tripod, I'm going to take where1's way and add a wide padded strap to it. Sounds like it will work.

[G3]

You know those canvas camp chairs that come in the canvas bag? Leave the chair at home and put your tripod in the bag the chair came in, strap it horizontally to the pack you carry your gear in and you're good to go.

[iwatkins]

I quite often carry in my large Giottos tripod with heavy duty head into the remotest of places. I used to just use the supplied padded strip but found I was unable to carry it over the shoulder without using a hand to steady it.

Then I used the bag (also supplied) which was better as it has two straps and could cross them over my shoulders to leave it hands free. However, it wasn't padded, so ended up getting control knobs digging in my back.

Best solution was to simple line the bag with 5mm neoprene rubber. Protects the tripod should I drop it and also comfortable to carry.

Manfrotto etc. all make tripod bags, some padded, some not, might be worth a look.

Something I found that is sort of related but for birders is this thing (http://www.warehouseexpress.co.uk/BinsandScopes/Rucksacks/Heritage.html).

Cheers

Ian

[timmyquest]

I hate carrying my tripod, so I just throw it ahead of me and catch up to it.

Since I'm on my 3rd tripod, I'm going to take where1's way and add a wide padded strap to it. Sounds like it will work.

I was backing out of the thread and quickly read this and laughed.

Thank you for that :-)

[mjordan]

When I have to lug around a lot of equipment, but I still want to take a tripod, I have to be creative. My wife has gotten smart to the store just over the hill... and besides, I wouldn't want her with the tripod in her hands if the store wasn't over the hill. :lol:


So I found another way to bring my equipment along...






http://www.sitnprettyphoto.com/display/scan961.jpg


But he doesn't come cheap. :lol:

Mike

[DocFrankenstein]

That's why you have to get a cheap ass tripod like I did. It's aluminum and weighs about a pound :lol:

[cmM]

That's why you have to get a cheap ass tripod like I did. It's aluminum and weighs about a pound :lol:
And then stitching pics into a panorama is like a blind man performing brain surgery :P

[Tom W]

That's why you have to get a cheap ass tripod like I did. It's aluminum and weighs about a pound :lol:

Actually, I think Ian has a good idea with his "Cheap Tripod Ass". :)

[thomascanty]

I have a Bogen Manfrotto 3021 and two heads, including carrying straps and bag, but there's no way I'm going to lug that heavy contraption too far. Yesterday I bought a new 'pod for my hikes. It's a Bogen Manfrotto 724B. I took it on a trek up Mount Baldy today, and I absolutely love this thing. It weighs just three pounds, closes down to 20 inches, and can hold up to 7.7 pounds. You can't choose your own head for it, though. It has a built in ball head. It's nice and sturdy, too. The wind was blowing like mad up there, but I managed to get a few four-second IR shots with no visible camera shake.

[Ballen Photo]

When I have to lug around a lot of equipment, but I still want to take a tripod, I have to be creative. My wife has gotten smart to the store just over the hill... and besides, I wouldn't want her with the tripod in her hands if the store wasn't over the hill. :lol:


So I found another way to bring my equipment along...


But he doesn't come cheap. :lol:

Mike

Mike, You had better get that dog a Red collar, because to quote Ron Chappel; It looks like one "L" of a Dog. :D :shock: :D
.........Bruce

[acidhouse]

Ok so this tread's almost a year
Has anyone got a new way of carrying a tripod ?
have you tried any of the new straps ?

I'm looking for something to carry a 190pro.
I've seen this http://www.warehouseexpress.com/binsandscopes/tripods/popups/401n.html but in the UK it's £45.

Thank you
Brian

[SkipD]

I just use the standard long strap (see http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=5285&is=REG&addedTroughType=categoryNavigation) and carry the tripod across my back on longer treks. I do have a set of tripod "leg protectors" (Bogen #3430) installed, which makes the tripod a little softer against my back.

The leg protectors also make the tripod much easier to handle outside in the winter.

[RTMiller]

You know those canvas camp chairs that come in the canvas bag? Leave the chair at home and put your tripod in the bag the chair came in, strap it horizontally to the pack you carry your gear in and you're good to go.
That's a very good idea!

[robertwgross]

I just ran into this same tripod problem again over June 28-30. I was backpacking in Yosemite National Park, and the rocky trail I was on is anything except for level. I was carrying about 20-odd pounds worth of ordinary backpacking gear, and then another 20-odd pounds worth of camera gear. I mean, let's keep our priorities straight!

I tried carrying the tripod inside the backpack, and that was fine as long as I did not have to use it. Later, when I started to run into some photogenic subjects, the tripod needed to be out and handy. Since I was after wild birds, the rig needed to be fast. I tried strapping the tripod laterally on the top of the pack, but again I would have to stop and set the whole thing on the ground to change anything. The bird was gone by then.

When backpacking with a camera this way, I don't like to get too much stuff hung directly on my chest. It blocks my view of my feet, and this contributes to stumbling. On a rocky trail, that is bad.

I tried leaving the tripod on top of the pack, and I tried to use the I.S. capability of the 100-400 lens for handheld shooting. That sort of works, but I found the only way to carry the camera with lens was to hang the tripod collar "foot" onto a loop from one shoulder strap.

What I need is some sort of "fast-draw" tripod holster that will fit on a 4500 cubic inch backpack.

---Bob Gross---

[ScottE]

I have the same setup, a Manfrotto 055 PRO tripod and 468 RC ball head.

I used to carry it on my Lowepro Photo Classic camera pack using the tripod holder, but I replace the top elastic strap with a nylon strap and Fastex clip buckle.

If I was going on longer hikes, I would take may backpacking pack and put the tripod inside the pack. I would put my camera and lenses in smaller shoulder bags that would also fit in the pack. This was the most comfortable to carry, but time consuming to get the camera, lenses and tripod out when you wanted to take a picture.

More recently I have acquired a lighter Gitzo carbon fiber tripod and Acratex ball head. This has been the most satisfactory solution and I seldom take the Manfrotto in the field any more.

Scott

[mtndew]

If you happened to purchase one of the PotN Op-Tech straps your going to have the Canon camera strap left over unless you tossed it. I used mine by hooking it to my tripod

[CoolToolGuy]

I'm still not a backpack kinda guy, so my newest solution works fine for me.

I'm now using a Manfrotto carbon fiber tripod and monopod, and I got a Manfrotto carrying bag from B&H. This one has two shoulder straps and goes on like a backpack. The tripod goes right down your back, and it leaves your sides free to carry a shoulder bag. It is the best tripod-carrying solution I have ever used. But as I said, I don't carry the camera in a backpack.

Have Fun,

[johnlo]

I carry my tripod as if I am about to Kick some a$$. hehehe!! no strap. Just hold it like a baseball bat.:lol: :lol: :lol: ;) ;) ;)

[acidhouse]

Thank for the reply's
Today I bought the Manfrotto Long strap from Calumet, see how it works out over the next few weeks.

[benhasajeep]

I have a Manfrotto and it came with a carrying strap, but I tend to carry the tripod in my hand (carbon). It does not seem to bother me too much hand carrying it.

[KurtKuhn]

If you happened to purchase one of the PotN Op-Tech straps your going to have the Canon camera strap left over unless you tossed it. I used mine by hooking it to my tripod

I did the same, and it worked out OK.

Now I'm considering a second POTN strap for the tipod (Bogen 3021Pro & Kirk BH-3).

-KK

[Miyamoto Musashi]

I hate carrying my tripod, so I just throw it ahead of me and catch up to it.

Since I'm on my 3rd tripod, I'm going to take where1's way and add a wide padded strap to it. Sounds like it will work.


You made me crack up LOUDLY and that's a first while reading forums. Thanks.

[kooldezign]

I usually don't bring tripod with me. I used monopod instead.

[R_Alexander]

I use the straps on the bottom of My Lowepro Backpack

Works well and doesn't add a great deal of weight

Rob

[Slaggie]

Extend one leg and use it for a hiking staff. Old guy talking here. George ;)
PS Only tripods with lifetime warrenty. Could also use it as a monopod. Hmm, screw a camera plate to a round piece of plywood and you would have a stool. :lol:

[Michaelmjc]

I just bought a new tripod, its a lot bigger than the one I used to have. I was able to put the tripod in my bag, but not anymore.. so my question is... Do most of you just carry your tripods around, or do you attach them to your bags somehow?

I'd like to be able to attach it to my bag, so I dont have to carry it everywhere.

Thanks

[AjP]

ha ha ha, I have same dilema now.. thinking about buying tripad bag

[Danny Boy]

I just carry my tripod around. If it ever gets to the point where I'm walking too far where carrying my tripod doesn't make sense, I strap my monopod to the back of my Expedition 5 and make the best of it.

Dan

[jopfin]

I carry mine with camera attached everywhere i go, even if I am taking a long or steep hike. I very rarely take my camera off the tripod............................Joe

[eggrollboy]

Almost the same problem...

Just bought the Manfrotto 3021BPRO tripod with the 3030 3-way pan tilt head and I can't to try it out! Any suggestions on carrying this around? There was a case included so I don't mind lugging it across my back (used to lug a .50 cal machine gun in the Army) but do I leave the pan/tilt head on or take it off? Or do "fold" down the handles so it does not protrude out as much?

This is my first with a tripod so any suggestions are greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance! :)

[johnlo]

Almost the same problem...

Just bought the Manfrotto 3021BPRO tripod with the 3030 3-way pan tilt head and I can't to try it out! Any suggestions on carrying this around? There was a case included so I don't mind lugging it across my back (used to lug a .50 cal machine gun in the Army) but do I leave the pan/tilt head on or take it off? Or do "fold" down the handles so it does not protrude out as much?

This is my first with a tripod so any suggestions are greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance! :)

do i know you? :-D