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My personal favorite of the week. Just wait until I show Roberta, she is going to be on the warpath when she finds out that her “rival” won.
My personal favorite of the week. Just wait until I show Roberta, she is going to be on the warpath when she finds out that her “rival” won.
Sunset God rays. I was on the way to a barn dance and had to pull over. Within a minute or two and a dozen shots, they had completely disappeared.
Sunset God rays. I was on the way to a barn dance and had to pull over. Within a minute or two and a dozen shots, they had completely disappeared.My normal everyday tripod is a Manfrotto and is pretty heavy. Too heavy to drag more than a couple miles on a hot day.
So, for traveling and long hikes, I have two solutions. The first is a TrekPod II walking stick/monopod. The bottom 18″ (45cm) splay outward to form a tripod. This is pretty lightweight and if there is a good breeze or you are using a heavy kit, not steady. Using a remote trigger or the internal timer can be a big help. There is some height adjustment in the stick but not very much.
For even lighter weight hiking, I use a simple heavy string or cord, ringbolt, and big metal ring tied together. I can shoot with a 70-210m lens fairly comfortably as long as I am just steadying the camera and not going for long exposures. I keep this in my backpack all the time. Screw the ringbolt on one end of the string into your camera and step on the big ring on the other end. Hold the camera so that the string is taut and you are good to go. Remarkably effective with light weight rigs and only cost a couple $$. Here is a picture for you:
In the end, if you really need stability for long shots or heavy gear… drag the tripod along with you. For me, my good photo buddy Gerd usually has no problem playing pack mule and hauling the Manfrotto if I really want it along. But then, he usually makes me buy the first two rounds after a long day of hiking and shooting. You see, there is always a trade off in any solution that you choose. đŸ™‚
My normal everyday tripod is a Manfrotto and is pretty heavy. Too heavy to drag more than a couple miles on a hot day.
So, for traveling and long hikes, I have two solutions. The first is a TrekPod II walking stick/monopod. The bottom 18″ (45cm) splay outward to form a tripod. This is pretty lightweight and if there is a good breeze or you are using a heavy kit, not steady. Using a remote trigger or the internal timer can be a big help. There is some height adjustment in the stick but not very much.
For even lighter weight hiking, I use a simple heavy string or cord, ringbolt, and big metal ring tied together. I can shoot with a 70-210m lens fairly comfortably as long as I am just steadying the camera and not going for long exposures. I keep this in my backpack all the time. Screw the ringbolt on one end of the string into your camera and step on the big ring on the other end. Hold the camera so that the string is taut and you are good to go. Remarkably effective with light weight rigs and only cost a couple $$. Here is a picture for you:
In the end, if you really need stability for long shots or heavy gear… drag the tripod along with you. For me, my good photo buddy Gerd usually has no problem playing pack mule and hauling the Manfrotto if I really want it along. But then, he usually makes me buy the first two rounds after a long day of hiking and shooting. You see, there is always a trade off in any solution that you choose. đŸ™‚
Congratulations Mike! Keep up your willingness to experiment and grow. We can all see your effort paying off in dividends.
Congratulations Mike! Keep up your willingness to experiment and grow. We can all see your effort paying off in dividends.
I think I am going to back out of the room quietly…
I think I am going to back out of the room quietly…
Cooper (I know his tag says Jackie) has been keeping an eye out for Tom’s return. That way, he can warn the other cats to scatter fast.
