Using the 055XPROB in mud or water?

I am pretty much set on purchasing the 055XPROB as my first tripod, but before I do, I wanted to ask if anyone here has used theirs in the mud, or in a shallow river / stream or in a few feet of water at the beach?

Won't it rust? And how easy was it to clean? Have you used the tripod in conditions like these a lot?

I don't plan to use the legs in conditions like these often. But if I need to, it would be nice to know that I won't ruin them.

Does carbon fiber do a better job in conditions like I mentioned (maintenance, cleaning, keeping them in top condition)?

Thanks

Aluminum doesn't rust. What you will need to watch is the clamp mechanisms where the legs extend.

The main thing is just to thoroughly wash it with fresh water as soon as you are done.

The twist locks in CF legs allow for easier maintenance compared to flip locks. Unscrew all the locks, and pull the legs out to clean individually.

Will you be shooting in salt or fresh water?

keitaro wrote in post #10441679
The twist locks in CF legs allow for easier maintenance compared to flip locks. Unscrew all the locks, and pull the legs out to clean individually.

Will you be shooting in salt or fresh water?

Probably more likely in very shallow fresh water such as streams. But I assume 99% of the time will be on a dry surface. It's one of those things where I truly don't know how much I will use it until I own it. The tripod is for long exposures, scapes, and macro. But I don't want to jeopardize what could be a good composition because I didn't set up in the mud or water.

krb wrote in post #10441619
Aluminum doesn't rust. What you will need to watch is the clamp mechanisms where the legs extend.

The main thing is just to thoroughly wash it with fresh water as soon as you are done.

Thanks! That was assuring. I didn't know aluminum doesn't rust. I'm pretty anal about keeping my gear in the best condition possible. Thanks for the advice!

keitaro wrote in post #10441679
The twist locks in CF legs allow for easier maintenance compared to flip locks.

Twist locks are not synonymous with CF. I have the CF version of the 055 and it uses the same flip locks as his aluminum model.

While easier to remove, twist locks are also more likely to become jammed if any grit gets into the mechanism. With a flip lock the primary concern is that the springs could corrode and need to be replaced.

rjx wrote in post #10441806
Thanks! That was assuring. I didn't know aluminum doesn't rust. I'm pretty anal about keeping my gear in the best condition possible. Thanks for the advice!

Rust = iron oxide and there's no way of getting that from aluminum. Aluminum can oxidize but the process is self limiting and not at all harmful to the aluminum. In fact, a very common finish used on aluminum parts is anodizing which is a process of causing a thick layer of aluminum oxide to form on the surface and then adding a dye to give it color.

krb wrote in post #10442001
Twist locks are not synonymous with CF. I have the CF version of the 055 and it uses the same flip locks as his aluminum model.

While easier to remove, twist locks are also more likely to become jammed if any grit gets into the mechanism. With a flip lock the primary concern is that the springs could corrode and need to be replaced.

What I meant was that there were carbon fibre tripods with twist lock, while there are no aluminium w/ twist locks.

While it is more likely to get jammed, it is easier to field clean on the spot, compared to flip locks.

I have been using mine at the Oregon Beach for the last week - no problems as the wave encroached - just rinsed it off in fresh water when I got back from the shoot

Actually I have a tripod with aluminum legs and twist locks and I have been using it since 1968. The old story is true, buy a good tripod and it will be with you for a very long time if you choose correctly!!

I was at Havasu Falls in the Grand Canyon a couple of weeks ago and just stuck my 055XPROB right into the waterfall pools. It's what I bought the damn thing for!! Use it!!

I wouldnt, thats why I use plastic leg protectors: LINK

wcgryphon wrote in post #10446611
It's what I bought the damn thing for!! Use it!!

Ditto!

I have the exact tripod/ballhead combo the OP is looking for, and have had it in water at the beach several times. It picks up a little bit of sand, but I just hose it off and leave it set-up to dry overnight and it's as good as new again. IIRC I paid $150 for it... so I'm not going to worry about it. If I it were a big-dollar gitzo CF, I'd probably be a little more careful.

My one comment about this combo is that it is *heavy*. Maybe you've already done this, but since you (the OP) are in Santa Clara you could visit Keeble & Shuchat in Palo Alto as they have a large selection of tripods out on the floor to compare, however this may cause you to lean towards a more expensive CF tripod.

my 055xprob was ok after this

wow... that is cool...