tripod-in-stream question

[Richard Lane]

..When your standingin a fast stream that's about knee-high, what should you do to


minimize the pulse or vibration of the water on your tripod when


taking pictures with a long shutter speed? The one Bogen tripod I


have is aluminium and am trying to drive the little spikes in the bed


(kinda rocky though). Thought about maybe sandbags to help deaden


it, but it's a long hike for thatand the rocks that are there are kinda


bigger than what I need to put in a bag....I hate the


head I have (mine included), and might actually bolt the 7D right on


the tripod to eliminate issues with that, although, would that make


vibrations worse? ...

Hey Greg (anib),





I have shot some Surfers in the surf with very fast shutter speeds, so it's not exactly the same thing, but here are some pointers:


Carbon tripods have better dampening than aluminum ones.


Heavier tripods dampen vibrations better.


Shorter tripods are more stable than taller ones.


Three legged sections are more stable than 4 legged sections.


Center columns cause more vibrations, than no center column.


Twist locks are more hydrodynamic than clamp locks.


A Ball Head will dampen vibrations better than a direct connection to the tripod.


When you set up the tripod, point one leg upstream and two legs downstream, the flow of the water downstream will help stabilize the 2 legs that are pointed downstream.


If you have enough clearance, then hang some weight as stated above.


Some Video Tripods are more stable and have spreaders up near the top of the legs.





This won't help you with your dilemma, but I thought it might be interesting for others that shoot in and around the water:


http://www.rjwiley.smugmug.com/gallery/6552437_qX76L#467276442_rB79d


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y_ilIV7v5jE


https://store.birdsasart.com/shop/item.aspx?itemid=87





If it's really rough.., don't risk your equipment...





Happy Shooting,


Rich

[andnowimbroke]

Thanks for the reply and linksRich.

A Ball Head will dampen vibrations better than a direct connection to the tripod

Crap! Maybe I'll get a better ball head for christmas.. that doesn't creep.