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DPChallenge Forums >> Hardware and Software >> Lugging a tripod around
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07/14/2005 10:31:36 PM · #1
Wondering what people do for a carrying case for a tripod. The only ones I've seen in the stores are the rifle-like bags that are big and clumsy looking. I purchased one of those cheap camping/beach chairs that are sold at sporting goods stores for $5.00 and use the bag it came in to carry my tripod. But I'm unhappy with it as it keeps slipping off my shoulders. I carry all my equipment in a backpack and fannie pack and when I add the tripod there is so much weight on my body that I feel like I'm going for an expedition at Everest. I don't have a car, so I have to figure out how to carry all this stuff more efficiently so that I don't pass out by the time I get to the location I'm shooting at. Any ideas?
07/14/2005 10:35:36 PM · #2
Try a tripod Strap...

Tripod Straps at BH Photo
07/14/2005 10:40:10 PM · #3
Heh heh heh, boy, I could easily have written that post!
I have a Bogen/Manfrotto 3021BPro with 3030 head, and it has a nice bag, but you are correct, the bag is not that great for long-term toting. I also just bought a "compromise" tripod for travel, it's Calumet's "house brand" compact tripod. It has the same "rifle" style case, but my plan is to attach it to my camera bag when on shoots, and stow it in my roll-on luggage on trips (it fits in the carry-on sized roll-on).
Still, I will need to migrate to a backpack-style bag in order for the whole shebang to be workable on all-day events. I'm heading for the EAA's Airventure in Oshkosh,WI in a couple weeks and will be walking all day with my equipment (07:00 to 17:00, few breaks). My current shoulder bag is just not going to cut it, I nearly killed my shoulder last year, LOL.
07/14/2005 11:35:37 PM · #4
Di53, thanks for the link on the tripod straps...I didn't know these exist so I"m going to have to take a trip to my local camera store and see if they have any on hand for me to try out. I see that they are special orders for B&H.

Fritz, I can't imaging using just one shoulder to carry around all your gear...it gives new meaning to the word "schlepp." Perhaps the best solution is to hire a caddy...and if you saw my TCON-300 you'd probably agree that I could use as a 5-iron :)
07/14/2005 11:41:04 PM · #5
A caddy, now why didn't I think of that?? Hmm, 13-year old son...
07/14/2005 11:50:05 PM · #6
I just rest my tripod (foam side down) on my shoulder and hold it with my hand. I wouldn't want it in a case or attached to my backpack because then it becomes a hassle to actually get it out and use it....especially if you need to capture a shot quickly. Resting it on my shoulder is quite comfortable and when I stand still I can let go of it and it will balance there on it's own. It's also helpful if you need a little something to steady yourself.
07/15/2005 08:32:08 AM · #7
Agree w/ Butterflysis. I use pieces of pipe insulation taped around the legs as a shoulder rest(couple of bucks at local hardware stores). It balances very well and I can manuever through crowds fairly easily. Additionally, with the tripod and body/lens over your shoulder, people tend to make way for you as they conclude that you are "professional" and working.

If on the other hand, the question is how do you transport you tripod from location to location, then my answer would be, I still carry it over my shoulder, collapsed with one lower leg partially extended as a place for my hand to rest and control the tripod.

If the question is what do I do with my tripod while traveling commercial lines (like planes), then it goes in my checked baggage.
07/15/2005 08:38:47 AM · #8
I have mine in it's own case/bag attached to the bottom of my backpack, I always carry it around as it does not get in the way and with it's positioning I can easily get at it without having to take my backpack off
07/15/2005 09:12:07 AM · #9
i saw the most amazing thing at our camera club meeting...

this guy was using a 5-foot piece of string for a tripod!!!

he had a mount on the bottom of his camera, with the string attached. when he saw something he wanted, he simply dropped the string to the ground and stepped on it, pulling it tight to where he wanted it. while he didn't really recommend it for low-light, he did show how it let him get some shots where a tripod wouldn't go easily.
07/15/2005 09:27:53 AM · #10
Originally posted by skiprow:

i saw the most amazing thing at our camera club meeting...

this guy was using a 5-foot piece of string for a tripod!!!

he had a mount on the bottom of his camera, with the string attached. when he saw something he wanted, he simply dropped the string to the ground and stepped on it, pulling it tight to where he wanted it. while he didn't really recommend it for low-light, he did show how it let him get some shots where a tripod wouldn't go easily.


I use one (well used to), mine is connected to a retractable cord (designed for a ski pass) which I connect to a belt loop on my trousers.

For more info on string tripods look here
07/15/2005 09:35:35 AM · #11
Originally posted by di53:

Try a tripod Strap...

Tripod Straps at BH Photo


150.00 for a strap? That is outrageous!

07/15/2005 10:02:57 AM · #12


Um go down the page....I for one would choose one that is a lot lower in cost...like the optech for $19.95 ... or the Bogan/manfrotto for 24.95

Originally posted by Alienyst:

Originally posted by di53:

Try a tripod Strap...

Tripod Straps at BH Photo


150.00 for a strap? That is outrageous!
07/15/2005 10:22:05 AM · #13
Does anyone have any experience with carrying a tripod onto a plane? I'm lugging my camera gear to Canada next month, and I'm not sure of the best way to do this. I've got a Lowepro backpack that allows me to strap a tripod on, but I still haven't figured out how that's supposed to work.
07/15/2005 10:41:48 AM · #14
Originally posted by waterlilies:

Does anyone have any experience with carrying a tripod onto a plane? I'm lugging my camera gear to Canada next month, and I'm not sure of the best way to do this. I've got a Lowepro backpack that allows me to strap a tripod on, but I still haven't figured out how that's supposed to work.


My guess is it won't be allowed as carryon (something about the possibility of it being used as a weapon). Your best bet would be to call the airline and ask.
07/15/2005 10:42:10 AM · #15
Originally posted by waterlilies:

Does anyone have any experience with carrying a tripod onto a plane? I'm lugging my camera gear to Canada next month, and I'm not sure of the best way to do this. I've got a Lowepro backpack that allows me to strap a tripod on, but I still haven't figured out how that's supposed to work.


I am not sure if I would do this but last week in the airport I saw someone who had the legs of the tripod rubber banded together and he was using it like a cane. He was coming off a plane at the time so they obviously let him on with it.
07/15/2005 10:44:01 AM · #16
Originally posted by di53:

Um go down the page....I for one would choose one that is a lot lower in cost...like the optech for $19.95 ... or the Bogan/manfrotto for 24.95

Originally posted by Alienyst:

Originally posted by di53:

Try a tripod Strap...

Tripod Straps at BH Photo


150.00 for a strap? That is outrageous!


I did go down the page - I was just expressing my shock at the price of one of the straps shown. You have to admit, 159.00 for a strap is a little bit excessive.
07/15/2005 10:48:16 AM · #17
MAJORLY excessive...
did you look at the price of the Vinten tripods ::hysterical laughter:: no wonder they think 159 for a strap is ok..

Originally posted by Alienyst:

Originally posted by di53:

Um go down the page....I for one would choose one that is a lot lower in cost...like the optech for $19.95 ... or the Bogan/manfrotto for 24.95

Originally posted by Alienyst:

Originally posted by di53:

Try a tripod Strap...

Tripod Straps at BH Photo


150.00 for a strap? That is outrageous!


I did go down the page - I was just expressing my shock at the price of one of the straps shown. You have to admit, 159.00 for a strap is a little bit excessive.
07/15/2005 10:54:22 AM · #18
I have a 12" tall tripod that extends to 4' tall! It's great! The legs extend like a radio intenna (bad speller). I can just put in inside my camera bag. I also have a traditional tripod that I put a guitar strap on it to sling it over my back. Works pretty good.
07/15/2005 11:03:36 AM · #19
Originally posted by Olyuzi:

I don't have a car, so I have to figure out how to carry all this stuff more efficiently so that I don't pass out by the time I get to the location I'm shooting at. Any ideas?


Use a good monopod. Doubles as a walking stick, works pretty damned well, especially the ones with fold out "foot" attachments and very lightweight. I do a LOT of hiking around here and that's my solution.
07/15/2005 11:12:21 AM · #20
Hire an assistant and make him carry it.... =)
07/15/2005 12:32:00 PM · #21
Originally posted by kirbic:

.... I'm heading for the EAA's Airventure in Oshkosh,WI in a couple weeks and will be walking all day with my equipment (07:00 to 17:00, few breaks). ...


I went to the EAA Fly In a few years back. Fascinating. Please show us lots of pics of that.
07/15/2005 01:19:43 PM · #22
Thanks to all for your responses, they are helpful in giving me ideas.
Any idea how I can securely strap or attach a tripod to the bottom of my backpack that holds most of my gear? I'd rather not purchase a brand new bag with this feature.

I'm not sure about carrying my tripod over my shoulder or using a monopod (not as stable as a tripod) will work for me, especially in the cold dead of winter. I've found from using it in cold weather that it holds the cold and my hands start to freeze and become stiff and then I can hardly operate the controls of the camera. Gloves are a must, of course, but even then, the cold goes right through. I want to minimize the time I'm actually holding the tripod.
07/15/2005 02:36:36 PM · #23
I use a lightweight tripod and on long shoots I pic one lens attach it to the body attach the camera to the tripod and carry the tripod with the camera end on my shoulder and my right arm up and overtop of the legs. I'm not sure why I do this, I have done it since I was a kid using my pentax k1000 and a monopod.
07/18/2005 02:49:56 AM · #24
Originally posted by waterlilies:

Does anyone have any experience with carrying a tripod onto a plane? I'm lugging my camera gear to Canada next month, and I'm not sure of the best way to do this. I've got a Lowepro backpack that allows me to strap a tripod on, but I still haven't figured out how that's supposed to work.


I flew a couple of weeks ago (Switzerland <-> England) with my tripod attached to the bottom of my backpack - no problem at all
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