how do you carry your tripod?

[pinkarmy]

i am going to Mainland China to pay a visit to a school (rebuild after the Mingcheng earthquake) next month.
i will take my newly bought light-weight ("made in China") tripod because i will use only available light source.

just want to know:
how do you carry your tripod other than its original ugly bag?
i use a Domke F3 bag so it cannot fit inside.
any trick to fix the tripod to the bag?

 

[ChrisN]

In the field? I have a strap attached at either end of the collapsed tripod and can hang it from my shoulder, or run the strap diagonally so the tripod is either across my back or across my chest, whichever feels better at the time and depending on what else I'm carrying.

 

[shimokita]

If I am movimg any distance (normally by train or subway) it's in a tripod bag. When taking photos I just carry it in my hand (no strap).

Casey

 

[froyd]

In a pinch I've slid the lock handle of a compact tripod though one of my belt loops and carried it that way. ...not a good long term solution, of course.

Can you think of any way to strap the tripod to the outside of your bag?

 

[Chriscrawfordphoto]

I just carry it in my hand.

 

[Matus]

I have a lightweight tripod (about 1.4 kg) which I mostly carry on a separate strap over my shoulder. I only strap it to a backpack if I carry one for longer time. If I move within locations the tripod is light enough to just hold it in a hand.

I do wish somebody would come up with a carbon tripod that would be REALLY light (e.i. design to carry less than 8kg of stuff) for cameras like Leica, Mamiya 6, TLR or such. I would not mind if the tripod would be shorter, but would really appreciate the weight under 1kg.

 

[pinkarmy]

...Can you think of any way to strap the tripod to the outside of your bag?

that's excatly what i want to be inspired...how to be practical AND looking good at the same time 😀...

 

[Sejanus.Aelianus]

I have a belt clipped to the mount points on my Unilock (Benbo copy) tripod. I've yet to find a solution for its big brother (an original standard Benbo) so that has to be perched on my shoulder.

 

[sevo]

Swearing and grumbling, regardless whether in its original bag or with a shoulder strap attached to the tripod itself! Seriously, the more useful tripods inevitably are bigger than the camera kit - regardless how you carry them they are inconvenient...

I have had a few tiny ones which fit camera bags, but these inevitably are a compromise either in size or stability. Best among mine are a pod height Giottos (will support a RB67, but is little more than knee high) and a Slik Sprint Mini (full height, but rather wobbly even with Leica size cameras, needs a cable or wireless release).

If you intend to be mobile, a monopod might be another option - some of these are very tiny when collapsed, others double as a walking stick.

 

[rlouzan]

I carry mine upside down on a sling.

 

[dufffader]

Sorry can't be too helpful. When I go out with a tripod, I use a backpack. I've tried all sorts of way to carry a tripod when I have a shoulder/sling bag but I just can't get over the swinging tripod thing, especially when in China where I rent bicycles everywhere I go. It's not fun to go around with a tripod just moving around all the time. Besides, if I need to stabilize I use a tree, a person, or some structure.

 

[pinkarmy]

...If you intend to be mobile, a monopod might be another option...

ah you did remind me i have a beaten Gitzo monopod somewhere:angel:...but it has one session that is a bit too sticky to extend, can i somehow re-lube it?

 

[peter_n]

I travel with a Domke F-2 bag and have used two long Oregon Research straps (available from outdoors retailers like REI) to strap the tripod bag to the bottom of the Domke.

Now when traveling by plane I take the ballhead off the tripod and pack the tripod legs in my checked luggage. When out and about I carry it bandolier style in its bag.

 

[peter_n]

...but it has one session that is a bit too sticky to extend, can i somehow re-lube it?

Yes clean out the section very thoroughly first: wash the collets & bushings in warm soapy water and dry thoroughly and do the same with the threads. Get some white lithium grease (from an auto supply shop) and apply a small amount to the beginning of the male thread. Screw the lock on and turn back and forth to work the grease into the threads.

 

[ray*j*gun]

I carry mine in its original ugly bag which is light and has a strap that I can sling across my chest. I use the extra room in the ugly bag to carry other items which means sometimes I don't even need a camera bag.

 

[pinkarmy]

Y...wash the collets & bushings in warm soapy water...

does it mean i can shower the monopod in whole😱? or do i have disassembly the leg?

 

[robert blu]

Usually I have my tripod in my car and try not to park too far from where I have to take photos. And the if I have to walk I'll keep it in my hands, I do not feel comfortable with a tripod hanging from my shoulder.
robert
PS; thanks peter n for the comment about traveling by plane, I just considering how to do it!

 

[peter_n]

does it mean i can shower the monopod in whole😱? or do i have disassembly the leg?

You do have to disassemble the leg sections to clean & lubricate. It's an easy job just keep track of all the parts. Below is a composite example from a tripod leg. The pic in the top left corner is where you sparingly put the lithium grease. Everything else including the leg surface does not need lubrication and should be kept clean and dry.

... thanks peter n for the comment about traveling by plane, I just considering how to do it!

Yes a long time ago I once took a tripod into a plane cabin with spikes on it. 😱 Those days are long gone...

 

[pinkarmy]

...😱 Those days are long gone...

so true.

and thanks for the pictures! i will dug up the Gitzo and try it later today.🙂

 

[hausen]

I have been carrying a manfrotto table top tripod everywhere I go. I poke it into the side pocket of my Crumpler 5 million. Is a superb compromise. I have been shooting a lot from ground level but it can go anywhere and perfect for my M9. Xpan or Rolleicord.