Using Manfrotto 055XPROB at the beach, Need suggestions

Hello guys. I just recently made the purchase of a Manfrotto 055XPROB and a Manfrotto 468MGRC2 along with a variable ND filter. I would like to start taking some long exposure shots of landscapes and seascapes but I need some suggestions on how to keep the gear clean at the beach.

First, I don't know if its even a good idea to bring the 055 into the sand/salt water. I'd like to know if it's ok or it I should cover the bottom section of the legs with something when using it in the sand or water.

Also, what is the proper way of cleaning the tripod legs after getting home?

I have seen several videos showing that you should rinse the tripod legs with fresh water once or twice. I would like to know more details about this.

Thank you guys in advance. This forum has helped me out a lot so far.

just rinse it off - no problems

yes use it however you wanna use it and rinse it off when you get home..

to be honest I have been using my benro aluminum for a year now and constantly dip it in salt water...never rinsed it yet and only the bolts are starting to get rusted... so far no problem with the tripod itself

My 055XPROB is used on the beach and in the Gulf at least weekly. When I get back from a beach shoot I will fully extend the legs and thoroughly hose it down. I leave it out on the lanai in the sun to thoroughly dry before storing it.

Marcy, some of my main concerns are will the legs eventually start to rust or anything similar? And how would I go about cleaning inside the legs? Or should I just not shorten the legs until I clean them?

Sorry for all the dumb questions. This is the first time I own a good quality tripod and I just don't want to ruin it already.

Sounds good guys, thank you for replies. Joe, sounds easy enough. Do you try cleaning inside the legs as well or is that not really necessary?

Again, thank you guys!

I take mine in the water all the time, I take it in the shower with me and wash it off. Something to keep in mind is when you get sand stuck to the legs, don't close it. Leave it extended until you can rinse it off.

rick_reno wrote in post #12087339
I take mine in the water all the time, I take it in the shower with me and wash it off. Something to keep in mind is when you get sand stuck to the legs, don't close it. Leave it extended until you can rinse it off.

What about rinsing it with the beach water to wash off the build up of sand, and then closing them. Would this be a good idea until you get home and rinse them? I would like to know in case I need to shorten the legs back down for a certain shot and I have some build up of sand on the legs like you mentioned.

Mario, I don't find it necessary to wash the inside of the legs. The principle part that needs rinsing with fresh water is the leg locks. While leaving the tripod extended until you have a chance to rinse it off is not a bad idea, I don't find it practical since the tripod will not fit in either of my cars without collapsing it to some extent. I do knock the sand off with a rag before collapsing the 055XPROB.

I've used mine for over 1 1/2 years.. at the beach a few times per year, and in sand routinely (once a month or so?), but I just carry a cloth in my backpack, and wipe it down before I close up the legs, and wisk away to the next location. Maybe i'm just lucky, but I've never washed it down.

My experience with all types of tools near the coastline is that a fresh water rinse and thorough drying slows down corrosion, a thin coat of non-sticky lubricant never hurts, and you have to accept the fact that you're going to get some rust or oxidation on metal parts. The best way to keep things from sticking is to use the equipment as frequently as possible.

If you want to keep rust from freezing fasteners permanently into place, you might have to disassemble and grease them occasionally. Personally, I'd just as soon use it until it wears out so I'd have an excuse to upgrade.

One thing is for certain about salt water and anodized aluminum...unless you rinse veeeerrrrrryyyy thoroughly, the anodizing will begin to show signs of attack by salt water. As the previous post states, "a fresh water rinse and thorough drying slows down corrosion"

I have a lifetime as a sailor in salt water, including ownership of one sailboat purchased brand new. I took the pains to apply some auto finish wax to the aluminum anodized mast and boom when new, and to the anodized aluminum spinnaker pole. And we rinsed it all thoroughly with a fresh water hose after every use of the boat. There was plenty of signs of salt water attack of the anodizing, in spite of care of washing things down, in the twelve years when I finally sold the boat. Any time immersed in salt water, electrolytic corrosion starts between dissimilar metals. And unless all the chemical salts are thoroughly rinsed off, the salts draw moisture from the air to continue the process.

If you are truly anal about your tripod staying more pristine, find yourself some of the polyethylene bags used for holding wet umbrellas to keep them from dripping on stone floors and making them slick for walking. Put each leg in one, but still rinse the tripod when done!

Hmm. Well, I am very anal about my equipment so these last few posts have me worried. I know nothing lasts forever but I would love to have this tripod work like new for years to come. I mean, I won't be submerging it into the ocean or anything, but when I get close to the shore line, I don't want to worry too much about what the sand and salt water are doing to the tripod.

Wilt, would heavy duty trash bags work the same? I was thinking of wrapping each leg with something like a trash bag and using rubber bands to hold them in place. With rubber bands it would also make it easier when having to adjust height.

I know most of you may read that and think I'm crazy but believe me, it's my OCD.

Nothing wrong with trying to keep the legs dry, but I'd be more concerned about the trash bag concealing an open clip that slips and drops your whole rig into the sand. And, anything that holds moisture longer than necessary is a bad thing.

A friend has had the same tripod for about a year, lives within a block of the beach and doesn't hesitate to use his tripod in the wet sand or carry it in the rain on hikes. It still looks and works like new.

Don't worry about losing your OCD status. Keeping the legs extended until you can rinse it off with fresh water and then drying, polishing, and lubricating it after each use will be adequate to convince your friends that you're slightly off your rocker.

Only problem I see with keeping the legs extended until rinse is what if I need to take a shot down low before Im done shooting?