I did see the 2008 RRS owner's name on the list of donors to Amendment 8, back in 2008. I knew someone whose marriage was at risk of involuntary repeal through Amendment 8, and I did take enough offense in 2008 to scratch RRS off my buying list. But do I care now? No.
As for the tripod in water, you might be able to find a largest-size Uni-Loc or a Benbo 2
http://www.patersonphotographic.com/benbo-tripods.htm Uni-loc website is not well maintained, but it is legit despite the non-updating of certificates. However, I don't know if they are still in business. You may need to haunt ebayUK . Here is a review:
http://stage-www.photographyreview.com/tripods/uni-loc/tripods/system-tripods.html . The bent-bolt tripods (Benbo and Uni-Loc) are weird critters, it takes practice to use one, they do have some unique capacities. I have seen one other UniLoc/Benbo design tripod in the St. Louis MO area. When you release the clamp, all the legs are moveable. "Wrestling an octopus" is the comment I heard about learning to use it. They weigh a "TON", and this is a GOOD thing if you are working in water. I have seen one UniLoc/Benbo design tripod in the St. Louis MO area - not at all common in USA.
Here is text off their site:
www.uniloctripods.comfrom their site:
Hand Crafted in England * Quick Set-Up * Stable & Sturdy
Waterproof Bottom Segments * Flexible
What makes UNI-LOC Tripods and Monopods so special?
If you are and OUTDOOR PHOTOGRAPHER OR VIDEOGRAPHER and your tripod is wobbly or takes forever to set-up on uneven ground, you will love our fast set-up line of solid tripods. UNI-LOC tripods utilize a single bent-bolt locking system; this system locks the legs and center post in position with a quick twist. This bent-bolt system provides outstanding stability and balance that other tripods can’t.
Our lower leg segments are fully sealed with spiked feet (toe-point) and can be immersed in mud, sand and water.There are two tripod series, the Standard Series, which are constructed from 1-1/4” (30mm) outer tubes and 1” (25mm) inner tubes and the heavy-duty Major Series, which are made from 1-3/8” (35mm) outer tubes and 1-1/8” (28mm) inner tubes. The center column of both the Standard Series and the Major Series are one-piece, “System” tripod center columns have a swivel (hinge) for additional flexibility.
FOR United Kingdom and European Orders and Pricing
UNI-LOC Products,
Cottingham Farm,
Flaunden Lane,
Bovingdon,
Herts HP3 OPD
UK
ring: +44 (0) 1525 372030 or email
envoyuniloc@gmail.comFOR U.S., Canada and Mexico Orders and Pricing
UNI-LOC North America
6708 90th Street E.
Bradenton, FL 34202
phone: 1 941 928 0006 or email
UNILOCNA@GMAIL.COMFOR U.S. & North American UNI-LOC Tripod Pricing,
FOR U.S. & North American UNI-LOC Ball and Pan Head Pricing,
FOR UNI-LOC TRIPOD PARTS LIST.
phone: 1 941 928 0006 or email
UNILOCNA@GMAIL.COMYou want the largest possible one:
Major 2300: Max height 239.1 centimeters / 94"
Folded: 104.0 cm / 41" (the lower of the two legs is 99 to 100 cm long, upper leg is contained WITHIN the lower leg, hence ability to use in water - a sealed system - you could likely work in 75 cm deep water and not have water get into the tripod workings)
Weight: 3.9 kg / 8.6 #