Travel Tripods and Center Columns

[Ranger Rick]

In the "old days", the word was that you did not want to use the center column of the tripod or you would likely introduce instability.  Some even suggested removing the center column.  I have been wondering if this "law" has changed recently, as I see an increasing number of compact tripods being introduced and touted by professional photographers: 3 legged thing, mefoto, etc.

While the benefits of shorter folded size are clear, what about the stability of having a center column extended a few feet to gain extended height?  Anyone had experience with these "new-fangled" tripods?

Rick

[BrownBear]

We've been traveling with a couple of Gitzo GT1555T Series 1 Travelers with RRS BH-30 heads for over a year. We certainly don't use them with long lenses or heavy combos, but for everything else they're fine.

I'm 6'4", so my center column is extended a lot of the time.  I'm concerned about that while shooting any shutter speed is in the 1/8-1/2 second range, but with with today's better performance at higher ISO, that's usually a workaround. With lighter camera/lens combos, hanging a little extra weight from the base of the center column really helps, especially with breezes. So does use of a cable release. I haven't had to resort to mirror lock for any situation yet, but am prepared to do so.

The trade-off is lots less weight when traveling. That's enough benefit for me to use workarounds.  At only around 3# for the legs and head, it's so light I carry mine all the time clipped horizontal onto my camera bag.  As a result I've had it along when unexpected needs arise, seldom the case with heavier tripods even at home. 

[chez]

I have the Feisol 3442 with a Markins head for travel. Fits into my checked luggage and into my day pack. Light enough to carry all day. Don't have a center column and never missed it. Most of my shooting is from lower levels...vary rare do I extend all the legs. I find I get better compositions if I don't try to get the camera to my comfortable eye level.

I once came upon a photo tour group, all lined up with their tripods fully extended so they don't have to crouch or get onto their knees. Seems funny that everyone of those photographers thought the best composition was from eye level...every one. Sometimes a tripod is a boat anchor making you lazy and not experimenting different compositions.

[graeme]

It might be worth having the camera in magnified live view when you're releasing the shutter. 10x magnification will show up any camera shake so just wait until the image is steady. It's easier if your camera has an articulated rear screen.

I regularly shoot with the tripod centre column extended above head height ( I'm 6'3 ). I usually take a few exposures  just in case a bit of camera shake does creep in unnoticed.

I should say my tripod is a big heavy Manfrotto 028 so not exactly lightweight / compact but I still think you should give the magnified live view approach a go.

[NancyP]

I too have the Feisol 3442 without column, combined with ArcaSwiss p0 head. Fine. Good for ground-level macro up to my eye level (~5 feet).

[nma]

+1 Feisol 3442

Practical for everyday use whether or not you are traveling. Anytime you are away from your car, the 3442 paired with a suitable head is a very practical solution. Fits in a carry on suitcase.

[Paulo Bizarro]

I always got tripods without centre columns. Makes it easier to get them almost flat to the ground.

[BrownBear]

I always got tripods without centre columns. Makes it easier to get them almost flat to the ground.

We opted for the Gitzo 1555  over the Feisol 3442 specifically because it had a center column, but one which could be reversed for macro use. The ability of the center column to be raised and lowered while reversed vastly simplifies positioning the camera for framing and focus, compared to when you have to negotiate the legs through the terrain for each camera adjustment.

An aside specific to macro and not the original topic, we always carry old Bogen Super Clamps. Move your tripod head onto the clamp, then slide it up and down a leg for quick and easy positioning for macro or any other low angle shots.  Best $25 (at the time we bought) purchase of camera gear we've ever made. Between uses, just leave the SC clamped to the base of one of the tripod legs while the head is restored to its normal position on the legs.

[NancyP]

Good tip, brownbear

[BrownBear]

The Super Clamp and an extra head are also a good way to mount a second camera (with cable release) on the tripod, if needed. Others may never encounter situations where two cameras are needed, but if so, remember the Super Clamp and second head.

Oh heck, one more in my love affair with Super Clamps.  I often carry a 10' aluminum stepladder in the truck for situations where a higher perspective is needed. I even set it up in the bed of the truck when lots of height is needed.  Clamp a ballhead to the top of the ladder for a really tall "tripod". Remember AA with the shooting platform on top of his Caddie? 

[nma]

We opted for the Gitzo 1555  over the Feisol 3442 specifically because it had a center column, but one which could be reversed for macro use. The ability of the center column to be raised and lowered while reversed vastly simplifies positioning the camera for framing and focus, compared to when you have to negotiate the legs through the terrain for each camera adjustment.

The Feisol 3442 has several options: (1) It can be used without a center column for maximum stability. (2) You can add a center column that mounts to the spider. (3) You can mount a short center column. The choice is yours.
An aside specific to macro and not the original topic, we always carry old Bogen Super Clamps. Move your tripod head onto the clamp, then slide it up and down a leg for quick and easy positioning for macro or any other low angle shots.  Best $25 (at the time we bought) purchase of camera gear we've ever made. Between uses, just leave the SC clamped to the base of one of the tripod legs while the head is restored to its normal position on the legs.

[BrownBear]

The Feisol 3442 has several options: (1) It can be used without a center column for maximum stability. (2) You can add a center column that mounts to the spider. (3) You can mount a short center column. The choice is yours.

No reflection on your choice of the Feisol, but we didn't want to be tracking extra pieces while traveling in order to have the versatility.  We're extremely happy with our Gitzo's, especially as an all-in-one package.

[muntanela]

I'll buy this Manfrotto Super Clamp for my Ranunculus glacialis on the Costa de la Cros (at the end of august I found there many of them, after the anthesis).
In order to have some background with the Distagon 25 2.8 at RR 1:2,32 I have to place camera and lens on the ground, in this case I have found useful a small bean bag.