Tripod Question---Hypothetical.

[Belmondo]

Let's say, for the purposes of discussion, that you had a big, heavy tripod with a Wimberly head on it. Then, lets say you left that tripod somewhere, and now you have to replace it.

Now, let's say that you know already you're going to buy another Wimberly Head because you can't imagine life without it.

Let's also say you're a moderator in a large photography forum, and you have a history of doing stupid things.

The question is, which set of legs would you buy for that head.

Since you haven't planned on this purchase (becuase you're a stupid person that leaves $1,000 tripods laying around for people to take), you're really more concerned about rigidity than weight. You want the beefiest, stiffest tripod you can buy for the least money.

What would you do? What would you do?

[CyberDyneSystems]

:(

Oh man.....

:(

You have PM

[DocFrankenstein]

:(

Man that's bad.

What are the original legs? :(

[Todd Jacobsen]

What would you do? What would you do?

1). I'd cry...

2). Debate merits of carbon fiber (light) vs aluminum vs wooden (low vibration)

3). Cry some more...

4). Look into my Home Owners insurance to see if I can get SOME settlement

5). Finish up the cry...

6). Setup the wife to make it look like it was her fault...

7). Purchase Bogen legs.

[robertwgross]

Hypothetically, wouldn't that be a senior moment?

---Bob Gross---

[cactusclay]

Sorry to hear that, I hate it when I do stupid things like that. Get a 3021 pro and a good ball head.

[CRE@TE]

It could have been worse. You could have left the camera attached to the tripod.

Losing things sucks.

[IanD]

Again??????????????
don't this make 2?

[pcasciola]

The only thing that will make you feel a little better is to replace it with something better, if that's even possible in this case. Then, convince yourself that tripodzilla was on it's last legs anyway (no pun intended) so the person who took it will lose a $5,000 lens when it collapses on him next week.

[CyberDyneSystems]

We have a one word solution to this problem....

"Gitzo"

[IanD]

Oh man! OK serious now. Gitzo 1325 Carbon or 1340 in alu. A word to the wise concerning any carbon product. If you are considering a carbon tripod or mono pod, buy it ASAP. The price of any carbon product will rocket very shortly due to a worldwide shortage of raw carbon (T-700 the most popular and highest quality)

[IanD]

We have a one word solution to this problem....

"Gitzo"
Gitzo is out in the back pasture grazing. If it is really important, I'll call him otherwise I can take a message.:):):):):):):)

[Belmondo]

Again??????????????
don't this make 2?

You've just driven a stake into the heart of Canadian/US relationships that may never be forgiven. :evil:

But you are correct---in almost the same location, too. :o :o :o

The first one was a good tripod with a crappy head. Now, it's a world-class head with crappy legs. One of these days I'll get it right. :lol:

BTW, my bride is telling me it's okay to go ahead and order whatever the little thing was that I lost. I said, "Thanks, Dear." We'll sort it all out after the credit card statement comes in next month.

The good news.....at least I didn't leave the 500 f/4 on it.

[Skip Souza]

Chain the new one to a tame alligator. Then it will still be there when you remember it. :-)

[ssim]

Good god man. How in the name of blazes does one forget their tripod.

It is a good thing that you didn't leave the 500 on it.
http://www.pbase.com/ssim/image/41170237.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/ssim/image/41170237.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/ssim/image/41170237.jpg

[Belmondo]

:o :o :o :o
It's a talent.

Actually, I like Skip's idea. I think I'll call B&H and see if they have tame alligators listed as tripod accessories. It might just work.

[CoolToolGuy]

Bummer, Tom - and its REALLY a good thing you didn't still have the 600 FD with the FD-EOS extender on it - that extender is not easily replaceable.

How about a tether to the truck? The tripod might get a little beat up if you drag it, but with any luck the noise will alert you before its too late . . .

Have Fun,

[robertwgross]

Normally, my tripod is found in only one of three places:
1. Folded down in the trunk of my car.
2. Erected and carried over my shoulder with the camera on it.
3. In front of me, or within about two paces from me.

I can't imagine how to forget one. Well, give me a few more years.

---Bob Gross---

[HJMinard]

Tom ... that's depressing. In a better world you would go back to where you left it ... and there it would be. Wish we lived in that world.

[PacAce]

:(

Man that's bad.

What are the original legs? :(
I don't think he wants to use the same legs as the old one because the old one wasn't stiff enough. It was so limber that it just upped and walked away by itself.

[Mills]

Gitzo Carbon Fiber. I love mine. Oh, by the way, Sh*t Happens. Think of this as an opportunity to get a new toy. ;) (I'll bet that didn't help any, did it Tom?).

[ilya]

Good grief Tom.

But my theory is that this streak must be subliminal / subconscious. There is nothing better than opening up new stuff that comes in UPS boxes. Hypnotherapy comes to mind.

[dphotomania]

Chain the new one to a tame alligator. Then it will still be there when you remember it. :-)

Skip you said Tame Alligator, I am afraid the alligator will become that persons leather shoes and belt. :p

[SkipD]

Look at the Bogen 3051. No kidding. This is my real workhorse, and it makes my 3021BPro look like a wimp of a tripod. No, you won't want to take it hiking. However, it is very rugged and extremely flexible (not as in wiggling, but in the ways you can use it).

[Belmondo]

Look at the Bogen 3051. No kidding. This is my real workhorse, and it makes my 3021BPro look like a wimp of a tripod. No, you won't want to take it hiking. However, it is very rugged and extremely flexible (not as in wiggling, but in the ways you can use it).

Actually, it was a 3051. The thing is a monster, but no question about it being solid. Weight aside (>13 lbs), I really liked the fact that you could extend all three legs at one time. It was just too heavy.

[SkipD]

Actually, it was a 3051. The thing is a monster, but no question about it being solid. Weight aside (>13 lbs), I really liked the fact that you could extend all three legs at one time. It was just too heavy.Please tell me that your 3051 didn't really learn how to walk away!! I'd cry the biggest crocodile tears ever if mine learned that trick.

Actually, one of the super things about the 3051 - other than it's built like a tank - is that you can loosen all three legs with one lever. Makes setup and levelling breeze.

[jfrancho]

Tom,
You may want to consider an inconspicuous body piercing, and festoon the new tripod to it. I tried this and believe me, I never misplaced my car keys again...

[Belmondo]

Tom,
You may want to consider an inconspicuous body piercing, and festoon the new tripod to it. I tried this and believe me, I never misplaced my car keys again...

Obviously you have not seen my body. There is a great deal of it, and a tripod could get lost pretty easily. :oops: ;)

[Andy_T]

Tom,

You might start looking on eBay for a nice used 3051 tripod with a Wimberly head offered in your area :twisted:

Best regards,
Andy

[sparker1]

Sorry to hear it, Tom. Hope some insurance covers it. If nothing else, Medicare may do it. Try something like, "patient lost head", or, "walked away, never returned". They understand us seniors.

[eosster]

My condolence and maybe an excuse for a CF Gitzo...

[CoolToolGuy]

Tom,

Perhaps this could be modified to meet your needs:

http://www.consallen.com/forager/forager-200.htm

A welder to adapt the Wimberley head - it should be sturdy enough - and built-in wheels and trailer hitch.

Sounds like a go to me! ;) :rolleyes: :lol: :lol: :lol:

Have Fun,

[neil_r]

D'oh...

Do look at the Benbo 2 realy solid and far to big to forget.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=247266&is=REG

Serious piece of kit

Regards

N

[RJSorensen]

We still have a few working hay derricks up here. I think one of those 'Wood' meet your needs . . .

Sorry for your loss, forgive yourself.

[Skip Souza]

Tom,

Perhaps this could be modified to meet your needs:

http://www.consallen.com/forager/forager-200.htm

A welder to adapt the Wimberley head - it should be sturdy enough - and built-in wheels and trailer hitch.

Sounds like a go to me! ;) :rolleyes: :lol: :lol: :lol:

Have Fun,

I love it! :lol: :lol:

Tom, about eight years ago I pitched my Honda Saber down the road in a very stupid fashion. I did manage to ride it home from the coast but it was never going to be the same. My lovely wife in her understand way told me that I had better get a new one. $10K later I was motoring about on my dream bike, VFR750F.
I still have both the wife and the bike. The moral is that some things happen for the best. Don't beat yourself up so much (that is what friends are for) and get yourself your dream tripod.


P.S. The next time you feel the urge to leave it behind call me in advance:lol: :lol: :lol:

[MarkoPolo]

Let's see, my wife tells me the first thing to go is the memory. Now what was the second one?:D

[Dante King]

Belmondo, Dont feel so bad. S*** happens! Sure seems to be my problem lately. Although my recient losses were a bit out of my control. I'm just coming off a rash of 3. Always seems to run in 3's. First is was the ice maker (bye bye nice 85mm 1.2), then it was the dish sink plumbing running into a floor drain (good bye second 580EX flash) and to round out my recient 3 run it was the ice cream freezer and 90 gallons of premimum ice cream! (good bye long L Glass).

I hate losing things, be it money in the business or , heck you name it!

I like the suggestions of some and upgrading to a better set up. Man your wife sounds really cool. Mine freaks when ever some new gear comes home.

[Perry Ge]

Soooo...how's the new hypothetical tripod?

:lol::lol:

Merry Christmas belmondo.

[Belmondo]

Soooo...how's the new hypothetical tripod?

:lol::lol:

Merry Christmas belmondo.

So far, so good.

At least I still have it.:lol:

[alexanderGARDNER]

Wow. That's sad. I'd skip the alligator and get a salt water crocodile. They're big, stable and don't move around usless you want them to.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fngnrROQjO8

[JohnJ80]

http://www.berkeleypoint.com/products/tethers/parts/MCT1.jpg

and

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/images/items/567550.jpg

(Gitzo 3541LS)

J.

[ben_r_]

Wow, this was a HUGE bump!

[malla1962]

I use the gitzo 3540LS with a king cobra head.

[zeva]

Wow I think is the record for the bump over 3 years...

[Perry Ge]

Wow I think is the record for the bump over 3 years...

I just think there are some threads that everyone on POTN should see :lol:.

[zeva]

YOu mean like my flash isnt working it turns off by itself? >.> and its random!??!!? I DOTN GET IT ;D

[Perry Ge]

YOu mean like my flash isnt working it turns off by itself? >.> and its random!??!!? I DOTN GET IT ;D

I have no idea what you're talking about. :):cool::)

[zeva]

of course not =D lol

[Jon]

I just think there are some threads that everyone on POTN should see :lol:.And here's another one of them (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=455916). :{)#

[zeva]

LOL! :P

[funhouse69]

Gitzo GT5500 Series? They are rock solid, I have a GT3530 for my 500L and it it fine even though it is marginal according to Gitzo. If I had to do it over again I would go for the 5500 series.

[tigerotor77w]

Even though this is four years old... to the OP -- I feel your pain, I suppose. I've left two $150 calculators to be stolen and never returned (name and contact info on both) in the past four years... *sigh*

[Wilt]

Take heart...you could have remembered the tripod, but packed up the car and drove off without the bride!

[Tareq]

my Gitzo GT5540 is not sturdy, i got some shaking photos with it

[Karl Johnston]

For something like that i would report it missing with the RCMP, get them to file a report. After that I'd ask around to see if anyone was seen with my tripod since i'm relatively well known and often seen carrying it on my bag or in my hand journeying around.

Ultimately i'd get insurance to take care of it.

Till then I'd shoot with my 055CX3 because I'm a normal idiot who doesn't put 1000 $ into a set of tripod legs.

No worries.

[Wilt]

Till then I'd shoot with my 055CX3 because I'm a normal idiot who doesn't put 1000 $ into a set of tripod legs. .

Are you the 'idiot' who refuses to put $8k into a camera used for professional pursuit of income, or who refuses to put $3k into a lens for professional pursuit of income? :)

My question is posed, merely to point out that achieving idiocy is doing something like tearing up $100 bills while standing in the shower...not while trying to produce income with $100 bills. What we each invest in the production of income is a relative value system, not idiocy, even $1000 tripods.

And it does not take a huge effort to spend that much money when QR systems can cost $140 and ballheads cost $300 and tripods leg sets cost $500 and spike feet and straps and other accessories. There are lots of those 'idiots' who frequent POTN, and they aren't even professionals but merely enthusiasts who know the value photographically to a good support system...normal idiots

[Belmondo]

Something else to keep in mind:

The stability of a cheap or lightweight tripod can be improved dramatically by hanging a weight directly under the tripod head. Sand bags are great for this. (Obviously you don't want to overload the tripod.) Some tripods actually come with hooks for that purpose. And use a cable/remote shutter release. Makes all the difference in the world.

[Tareq]

Something else to keep in mind:

The stability of a cheap or lightweight tripod can be improved dramatically by hanging a weight directly under the tripod head. Sand bags are great for this. (Obviously you don't want to overload the tripod.) Some tripods actually come with hooks for that purpose. And use a cable/remote shutter release. Makes all the difference in the world.

Fair enough well said, i was using 190XPROB and i will keep using it for lightweight gear, but if i will use something heavy then i will never regret to use a tripod kit that will cost over $2000 for best or maximum stability, it is worthy every cent.

[JohnJ80]

Are you the 'idiot' who refuses to put $8k into a camera used for professional pursuit of income, or who refuses to put $3k into a lens for professional pursuit of income? :)

My question is posed, merely to point out that achieving idiocy is doing something like tearing up $100 bills while standing in the shower...not while trying to produce income with $100 bills. What we each invest in the production of income is a relative value system, not idiocy, even $1000 tripods.

And it does not take a huge effort to spend that much money when QR systems can cost $140 and ballheads cost $300 and tripods leg sets cost $500 and spike feet and straps and other accessories. There are lots of those 'idiots' who frequent POTN, and they aren't even professionals but merely enthusiasts who know the value photographically to a good support system...normal idiots

That would be yacht racing - akin to standing under a cold shower tearing up $100 bills.

J.

[Karl Johnston]

Are you the 'idiot' who refuses to put $8k into a camera used for professional pursuit of income, or who refuses to put $3k into a lens for professional pursuit of income? :)


I'm the idiot who owns, operates a studio and pays 3 other idiots to work with him with concern for spending more money on rent/taxes/incomes. Who has concern for economizing where need be if one has the knowledge to use less superior equipment correctly.

I think you've mistaken me for another idiot...;).

Actually maybe in the polar opposite type of idiot from the irony I'm painting here.

Something else to keep in mind:
The stability of a cheap or lightweight tripod can be improved dramatically by hanging a weight directly under the tripod head. Sand bags are great for this. (Obviously you don't want to overload the tripod.) Some tripods actually come with hooks for that purpose. And use a cable/remote shutter release. Makes all the difference in the world.

There's a good idea from another ironic idiot.

[argyle]

I'd replace it with an INSURED Gitzo 3-series...

[Belmondo]

There's a good idea from another ironic idiot.

Is that good or bad?;)

[Perry Ge]

Is that good or bad?;)

<--- Tom, why is there a hole where your nose once was? Did you misplace it in the desert too? :eek:

*runs away*

[Wilt]

I'm the idiot who owns, operates a studio and pays 3 other idiots to work with him with concern for spending more money on rent/taxes/incomes. Who has concern for economizing where need be if one has the knowledge to use less superior equipment correctly.

I think you've mistaken me for another idiot...;).

.

Oh, you're that one! :cool:

[Belmondo]

<--- Tom, why is there a hole where your nose once was? Did you misplace it in the desert too? :eek:

*runs away*
Yeah. It was mounted on a tripod.:p

[Perry Ge]

Yeah. It was mounted on a tripod.:p

:eek: I want a tripod nose mount too!! I could take naps ANYWHERE.

[Karl Johnston]

Is that good or bad?;)

I was going for good.

[Perry Ge]

Gmooo!

Oh wait...hm, I think I'm in the wrong thread.

OH HI TOM! I see you've gotten your nose back - did you find it with your tripod?

:D

[Belmondo]

Gmooo!

Oh wait...hm, I think I'm in the wrong thread.

OH HI TOM! I see you've gotten your nose back - did you find it with your tripod?

:D

I thought the forum needed a dose of a malevolent moderator. My nose just wasn't that intimidating.

No....I never found any of the lost tripods, but I haven't lost any more either.

[DDCSD]

Belmondo, what tripod did you end up going with?

[Belmondo]

Belmondo, what tripod did you end up going with?


I've got a few of them. I'll go make a list in the morning.

[DDCSD]

I've got a few of them. I'll go make a list in the morning.


I gotta say, that quote in your sig is great. I've never heard that one before. I'll quote it below so that people don't go "huh?" in the future when you change your sig.


It is a good rule in life never to apologize. The right sort of people do not want apologies, and the wrong sort take a mean advantage of them.
— P. G. Wodehouse