stone bags for tirpods

I always assumed stone bags attached to the hooks at the bottom of the center columns on tripods. my new pod came with stone bag with 3 arms with Velcro straps for each leg.

is attaching to the leg considered to be the more stable option?
what are those hooks/ openings at the bottom of the center column for?

Cannot really help you on this one. Never used one. I use a canvas with two sets of grommets along each corner and just clip a set together to a hook at my column base, as this sets my legs apart.

I would THINK that attaching them to the legs would try to pull the legs inward, and be less stable, but again, I have no first hand knowledge of this.

The centerpost hook is definitely designed to carry stone bags. You want the stone bag to weigh down (stabilize) all 3 legs of the tripod, rather than just one leg. I hope that answers your question.

I too have a related question. I notice that when it's very windy the stone bag sways a little bit in the breeze. I think that the stone bag reduces stability in this scenario. Do folks agree?

I would never let my weight leave the ground, as it will adversely affect stability. I use my camera bag with a carabiner, and have it set so the center column lifts 1 -2" to tension the bag's strap, which stabilizes the pod.

My centerpost screw will also allow me put the head under the post, for close to the ground work.

Bootlegger0173 wrote in post #5664908
Cannot really help you on this one. Never used one. I use a canvas with two sets of grommets along each corner and just clip a set together to a hook at my column base, as this sets my legs apart.

I would THINK that attaching them to the legs would try to pull the legs inward, and be less stable, but again, I have no first hand knowledge of this.

i was kinda thinking the same thing. i think I'll just remove the Velcro leg straps and use 3 hooks to mount to the bottom of the center column.