Large tripod - How do you move yours around?

BiGT- · 10 Dec 2016 at 15:10

So I purchased a Manfrotto 055 and the XPRO-3 Head, but they're so huge and heavy that they don't fit together in my tripod bag which is 80cm long, the legs fit but not with the head attached.

I tried to find a bag with a tripod holder, but I only carry an SLR and 2 lenses so it doesn't require a huge bag, so I bought a small shoulder bag and want a tripod bag - I know there are some manfrotto bags but the padded ones are too expensive!

So I was interested to know how people with similar heavy/large tripods take them around for shoots?

Raymond Lin · 10 Dec 2016 at 15:18

I put it in the footwell in the passenger seat.

xaldub · 10 Dec 2016 at 19:56

Usually just carry it by hand, or I use a shoulder strap/sling if I'm hiking longer distances.
I find a bag just adds to the bulk, and slows down my ability to set up the rig.

Gungnir · 10 Dec 2016 at 20:18

Fishing rod quivers work well if walking long way else just carry it over shoulder.

D.P. · 11 Dec 2016 at 12:45

With lens attached I rest the lens across back of neck and shoulders, with the legs partly collapsed and forwards over body. The weight of the tripod and the lens balance each out.and it feels relatively weightless for flattish hiked up to 10-12 miles. The advantage is if you see something you can the camera setup in an instant.

I have a bag for driving and flying but would never use out in the field.

BiGT- · 11 Dec 2016 at 19:18

hmm, interesting, maybe a strap system with the bare tripod seems the most efficient, but are tripods and heads usually weather proof? do you think rain would harm it?

xaldub · 11 Dec 2016 at 20:09

BiGT- said:
hmm, interesting, maybe a strap system with the bare tripod seems the most efficient, but are tripods and heads usually weather proof? do you think rain would harm it?

Tripods & ballheads are pretty durable. Just clean off any sand, grit or mud at the end of the day and you'll be fine. A heavily used tripod/ballhead can last years, even decades, with some maintenance.

BiGT- · 11 Dec 2016 at 20:33

xaldub said:
Tripods & ballheads are pretty durable. Just clean off any sand, grit or mud at the end of the day and you'll be fine. A heavily used tripod/ballhead can last years, even decades, with some maintenance.

Brill! Thanks for that, tripod strap it is!

Raymond Lin · 11 Dec 2016 at 22:08

I have a manfrotto bag which the 055pro with a pan and tilt head fits into easily, along with 2 shoot through umbrellas!

Toxophilus · 11 Dec 2016 at 23:26

I just use a strap to carry mine if its a fair distance I need to go, otherwise I get as close as I can in the car.

BiGT- · 15 Dec 2016 at 00:15

Raymond Lin said:
I have a manfrotto bag which the 055pro with a pan and tilt head fits into easily, along with 2 shoot through umbrellas!

Yh the Manfrotto bags look nice but the padded ones are quite prices.

Toxophilus said:
I just use a strap to carry mine if its a fair distance I need to go, otherwise I get as close as I can in the car.

Haha this is what I'm going to have to do now!

Raymond Lin · 15 Dec 2016 at 00:22

I have had the non padded one for 15 years...it's fine tbh. More than fine.

BiGT- · 15 Dec 2016 at 21:30

hmm, may just get one in the christmas sales then, thanks

And · 15 Dec 2016 at 21:52

Short walks - lens on gimbal, legs of tripod open, shoulder underneath centre so everything is level (and make sure it's all locked down), walk. Otherwise remove lens, close up tripod legs, one item each hand for a longer walk.

If I'm out on the hills, big lens/camera in bag (all fits with hood reversed but body on lens) and handheld/improvise with bag.

Usually have a shoulder bag with me for bins/tcs/camo/groundsheet.

If I'm out for scenery just a backpack for camera/WA lens/filters etc and take a smaller tripod with ballhead attached in hand.