Tripod Feet

[seany65]

I've got a couple of Centon Tripods which have the traditional spiky feet that have 3 plastic non-spiky feet things that can be screwed out to protect carpets etc., but the quick release heads have both become annoyingly sticky and I've been looking for replacement tripods, but I note that they all seem to have either rubber/plastic feet that are on ball joints or they have straight legs with rubber/plastic coverings on the end.

Are there any advantages or disadvantages to these types of feet when the tripod is outside, on different types of ground, such as muddy and uneven etc.?

Any help would be much appreciated.

 

[tbhv55]

straight legs with rubber/plastic coverings on the end.

Are there any advantages or disadvantages to these types of feet when the tripod is outside, on different types of ground, such as muddy and uneven etc.?

Any help would be much appreciated.

The only problems I have encountered with the plastic end-caps have been when they become slightly loose, and then develop the 'falling-off habit'. It's very easy for this to go unnoticed, when packing one's gear away after shooting. 🙁

To be fair, though, my tripod is now at least 12 years old (and has seen plenty of use), so I guess I can't be too unhappy about such problems.

 

[retinax]

You're aware that the heads on tripods can usually be exchanged? So if the problem is just the head, you could get a new one or even just take it off to clean. Sorry, know nothing about feet.

 

[css9450]

My main tripod has the hard rubber feet, but it came with the optional metal spikes in the tool bag which can be used instead. I am fine with the rubber feet and have never taken them off. I use my tripod constantly and the feet have held up; no complaints here.

 

[oftheherd]

I have always liked Velbon tripods which allow the rubber on the feet which can be screwed further in or out, to allow the pointed feet to grip or the rubber feet to grip. Plenty of use and no problems yet.

 

[shimokita]

Both my tripods (Manfrotto & Slik) have rubber feet... rubber cups (no ball joint movement) on carbon fiber and aluminum (respective). I have used in all kids of conditions with no problems. I considered tripod snow shoes for winter shooting (also for use on loose sand), but turns out I have never needed the "shoes".

 

[seany65]

Thanks to everyone for the replies.

Retinax, I'm not sure my Centon pv23 tripods do have heads that can be swapped, at least not without someone who knows what they are doing and it would probably cost more than a new tripod anyway.

 

[Hari]

Get the original Tilt-all, made in America, not the knock offs or the ones
Leica made. It's got rubber feet with retractable spikes.

 

[rumbliegeos]

I really prefer to have tripod feet that have the capacity to use either spikes or rubber feet. My main tripods are a Manfrotto for which I bought replacement retractable spike feet, and an old Gitzo that I was able to adapt to the Manfrotto kit of retractable spikes. I found the original Gitzo plastic caps would slip under certain conditions outdoors, and I would not want to have permanent spikes on a tripod because I also use them indoors

 

[seany65]

Hari: I've never heard of Tilltall tripods, so I've just done a quick G**gle, but I'll have a proper look later.

rumbliegeos: I'm with you on the preference for both spiky andrubber feet options on a tripod, but I was hoping that such feet don't really matter "in the field" (though I always suspect they do matter), so that I wouldn't have to spend a huge amount on a tripod.

 

[peter_n]

Many tripods have sockets in the bottom leg section that are threaded 3/8"-16 which is a standard for the use of various kinds of feet. I have feet that can be used in soft sand and snow (very big and round), feet for shiny hard floors (also circular with rubber ridged circles on the flat base) and so on. Mostly though I use just regular rubber feet, spikes and rock claws (used on hard uneven surfaces like rocks). I'm not familiar with Centon tripods but if they have 3/8"-16 threaded sockets you're all set.

 

[seany65]

Thanks for the info peter. Without looking, I'm fairly sure my tripods are so cheap that they don't have sockets to attach other feet to. It is something that I'll have to consider if I decide to replace the tripods I do have.