Do it Yourself - Tripod Pads

I recently purchased a new Gitzo GT3541XLS and was wondering if anyone could help me with a decision between lenscoat/optech tripod pads when someone said why don't you make them...

- This will mostly be geared toward Gitzo but the same can be applied to any other tripod


-This is incomplete do to I have to shop around for a nylon fabric I like so this is just for the pads
PS the apple sticker is now a tradition ( I had a smaller one on my Manfrotto so a bigger on on the Gitzo )
So here we go...

Time to complete: (If not taking photos=D) = 15 minutes tops
Total cost (not including tripod) = $1.42 including tax =D
Materials needed:

- Tripod
- Change from their pocket
- A local hardware store that carries PVC pipe insulation (I think thats what it's called?)
- Clear tape (It's the smoothest)
- White computer paper (If you can think of something better let us all know)
- Scissors

PS Here is the results of your hard work - now the clean up

You went about the installation the hard way. Pipe insulation generally comes split lengthwise and has a glue strip on both sides of the split, protected by peel-off strips. All you'd have to do is put the foam around the tripod leg, pull out the peel-off strips, and then squeeze the split together. It will be permanently bonded from then on.

No disassembly of the tripod is necessary. The product is designed for installing on existing piping in your home (or other buildings) without disassembling the piping.

SkipD wrote in post #6226596
You went about the installation the hard way. Pipe insulation generally comes split lengthwise and has a glue strip on both sides of the split, protected by peel-off strips. All you'd have to do is put the foam around the tripod leg, pull out the peel-off strips, and then squeeze the split together. It will be permanently bonded from then on.

No disassembly of the tripod is necessary. The product is designed for installing on existing piping in your home (or other buildings) without disassembling the piping.

I didn't want to do it that way as I don't have any experience with the kind of glue they use and didn't want it melting in a hot car etc...I looked at it while at the store and decided to get the one that I could slide on...like I said it only took 15 min and I have no glue on mine

I use the seam-type insulation tubes on the hot-water pipes in our house, and I'd have to cut them off if I wanted to remove them. The adhesive they use is quite good. I'd have no problem with using that type of insulation tube if I hadn't purchased the original parts made by Manfrotto (I found a set on sale at a local camera store quite a while back).

HAHA sounds good well should I say then - everyone who has read the whole thing... Nevermind lol just buy the ones mentioned in the first part and by skip and its much less work

Nice.
$800 tripod and $1.42 for leg protectors. Just could not spring for the extra 47 bucks huh.

I've done the same thing with one of my tripods. Helped some of the scratching when a black bear broke into my work truck as well as scratches/dings from normal everyday use. I'll stay tuned for part 2: the Nylon outer shell.

midnight_rider wrote in post #6228622
Nice.
$800 tripod and $1.42 for leg protectors. Just could not spring for the extra 47 bucks huh.

What you think I'm rich?
I worked hard for the money for that tripod, I'm 22 and I guarantee when I put the fabric on those pads they'll be of better build quality than lenscoats

Or buy a Giottos

The Giottos comes with pads built in...

wallybud wrote in post #6229823
What you think I'm rich?
I worked hard for the money for that tripod, I'm 22 and I guarantee when I put the fabric on those pads they'll be of better build quality than lenscoats

I once knew someone that went to a flea market and bought some of the pads that go to a bike and put them on their tripod. It worked out pretty well. You are only two years my junior btw.

This may sound silly but why put foam protectors on a tripod? Doesn't putting protectors on just add extra bulk to the tripod, making it harder to carry around?

midnight_rider wrote in post #6234870
I once knew someone that went to a flea market and bought some of the pads that go to a bike and put them on their tripod. It worked out pretty well. You are only two years my junior btw.

Sounds like a good idea, basically the same concept I guess... accept im not sure id like the pattern the bike companies would choose for the pads ....what you are only two years my junior btw mean lol?

Calicajun wrote in post #6236686
This may sound silly but why put foam protectors on a tripod? Doesn't putting protectors on just add extra bulk to the tripod, making it harder to carry around?

they weigh like one ounce hehe and I carry my tripod over my shoulders - who wants carbon fiber against their neck and shoulder muscles plus it protects the legs so I cant throw it around and not feel as bad

"they weigh like one ounce hehe and I carry my tripod over my shoulders - who wants carbon fiber against their neck and shoulder muscles plus it protects the legs so I cant throw it around and not feel as bad "

Makes sense, just never though of doing that to one of my cheap tripods. If your tripod legs are round, you could also use bike shop handle bar tape. It has a small amount of padding, would be easier to put on and much more durable than foam, plus it comes in lots of different colors.

Calicajun wrote in post #6236686
This may sound silly but why put foam protectors on a tripod? Doesn't putting protectors on just add extra bulk to the tripod, making it harder to carry around?

The foam makes carrying a tripod across your back a lot more comfortable than doing it with uncovered tripod legs, as has been said above.

In addition, the foam makes handling a tripod outdoors in very low temperatures a lot more comfortable on the hands. That's why they are sometimes called "leg warmers".