Portrait on Tripod - DPChallenge Forums

Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM

02/27/2007 01:44:44 PM · #1

I want to use my camera in portrait orientation on my tripod. But the 17-55 is quite heavy, therefore the whole camera rotates around the screw which attaches it to the tripod until the lens faces down. Has anyone got an idea how I can get around that? Other than buying a new tripod.

idnic

Canon EOS-60D

02/27/2007 01:52:14 PM · #2

Can you rotate your tripod in the other direction (e.g. right instead of left), so the weight of the lense tightens the threads instead of loosening them? I had to do that with one of my old tripod heads.

02/27/2007 01:54:43 PM · #3

flopping it over so it self tightens is one solution, though you still get quite a bit of vibration because you are now hanging from the head, rather than being supported by it.

The two real solutions to this though cost a fair bit of money.

Either you need an L-bracket ($150~+) and head that can take an L-bracket ($250~+) or you need a lens that has a tripod collar so you can rotate the lens and camera around the collar $++++

Telehubbie

Canon EOS-40D

02/27/2007 02:25:39 PM · #4

It sounds like you need something to give you some friction between the tripod head and the camera. Maybe try adding some thin cork to your tripod head. Another thought (and I now it sounds wierd and very amateur), but maybe a little velcro with one side on the head and the other side on the camera. It won't magically make them stick together obviously, but should put some more friction between the two when the tripod head is screwed in tight. And when you're done, just pull them off if you want. -Just a thought, I've never done that.

fotomann_forever

02/27/2007 03:11:04 PM · #5

Pick up camera, kick tripod, be happy :-)

gloda

Canon EOS-5D Mark II

02/27/2007 03:18:10 PM · #6

fotomann, you'd be surprised. The reason I'm asking is this: I mounted the camera in such a fashion that the weight would actually fasten the screw, as idnic and Gordon suggest. What happened? The f****ing screw ripped the metal rows out of my battery grip because it couldn't go in any further! I managed to catch the camera 10cm before it it the floor.
The velcro sounds interesting, but I'd have to glue it to the camera. I'll have a look at wether I can find anything that increases friction.

Message edited by author 2007-02-27 15:18:42.

hyperfocal

Nikon D7000

Nikon MF 105mm f/2.5 AIS

02/27/2007 03:21:41 PM · #7

As others have said you need a L-bracket. Really Right Stuff and Kirk Enterprises make decidate one for your Canon.

02/27/2007 03:22:51 PM · #8

I don't think velcro would work very well - it sticks up/down about 2mm on each side, well within the pitch of the screw threads, so the camera would stick one or two revolutions before it hits the actual plate.

Cork/ rubber is the common solution, but if your tripod/ head is so weak or under-speced for the camera you are using that it falls apart under the weight of a 350D and a half kilo lens, then you might start to question if the tripod is really big enough and sturdy enough to be doing you any good anyway.

It sounds like either the head or the tripod as a whole are maybe for a point and shoot sort of camera, rather than an SLR ?

fotomann_forever

02/27/2007 03:23:24 PM · #9

Originally posted by gloda:

I managed to catch the camera 10cm before it it the floor.

Whew! Glad ya caught it. I don't like using them, never have and I certainly don't trust most tripods (or the screw mount in the bottom of the camera). If I have to be on a tripod the neck strap is always firmly wrapped around something.

02/27/2007 03:23:29 PM · #10

Originally posted by hyperfocal:

As others have said you need a L-bracket. Really Right Stuff and Kirk Enterprises make decidate one for your Canon.

Would you like to say what the tripod gear in that photo costs ?

The plate, head & legs combined ?

02/27/2007 03:25:17 PM · #11

Originally posted by fotomann_forever:

With decently engineered equipment, you shouldn't need to be too concerned. Certainly the $50 cheapos aren't worth the trouble for a heavier SLR (fine for most point and shoots), but a decent bracket & head should hold under fairly extreme circumstances.

Message edited by author 2007-02-27 15:25:39.

d56ranger

Canon EOS-20D

Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 24-70mm f/2.8G ED

02/27/2007 04:02:51 PM · #12

Rather than buy a new tripod, change the head to one that will work.

alfresco

Nikon D700

02/27/2007 04:06:44 PM · #13

Originally posted by Gordon:

but a decent bracket & head should hold under fairly extreme circumstances.

I concur.

gloda

Canon EOS-5D Mark II