Tripod lightening

[Sundodger]

Is anyone taking mid to taller tripods and removing leg extensions, neck extensions, etc. to drop weight, length, and bulk?

If so what tripods can easily do this? and what are the results of these improvements?

The reason I ask is I am in the market for a new tripod (my SLIK 960 just gave up the ghost) and so not only do I need a new tripod, but I like to have my cake and eat it too. The idea of owning one tripod that I use for standing glassing in complete form and then remove pieces to make it a bit more packable for use far from the truck is very appealing to me.

Thanks!

 

[R Miller]

I have removed leg bottom sections from a Slik 624 CF Pro that I hunt with. I also have a Gitzo 3530LS and a Gitzo 2531, neither of which I use for hunting but the bottom leg sections would be removable if desired. I think most twist lock tripods will allow for removing legs. Best of luck

 

[Solitude]

Great concept. Steve.....can't remember if this idea was floated in your "build a better tripod" post.

 

[Hardstalk]

My tripod is a carbon sunpak. Not overly high quality by any means. But it came with rubber, adjustable feet. That also were threaded for level adjustments. I pulled those and put white plastic caps on the bases. The threaded adjustments were a solid pound once I had all 3 on the scale. Also cut the factory padding off. Just for chits and giggles.

 

[Rizzy]

This is my Outdoorsmans small tripod that has some modifications. I have not removed any legs to make it lighter, but I have done a few things to it.

I replaced the center post with a longer and lighter one. I had an old aluminum shower curtain rod in my shed that was the right diameter. I cut to desired length and rattle canned it. An aluminum shaft from variuos weed wackers will fit also.

I didn't like the rubber feet either, it would allow it vibrate. So I took them off and rigged up some feet using aluminum tent pegs. I like it so far and might try to come up with something more permanent. There is really no weight savings there just more stability.

The handle on the promaster head is steel. I am now working on replacing it with aluminum to shave a couple ounces off the setup.

I have also been contemplating making my own tripod using thinner walled aluminum, but I don't know how much weight it will really save

 

[Hardstalk]

I have also been contemplating making my own tripod using thinner walled aluminum, but I don't know how much weight it will really save

Ive seen carbon fiber square and round stock available for purchase in different wall thickness. Just another option for ya.

 

[Hardstalk]

http://dragonplate.com/ecart/categories.asp?cID=52

 

[Rizzy]

Awesome, thanks for the link, carbon fiber might be a better option

 

[Hardstalk]

I have contemplated building one as well. But it would come completely apart and double as trekking poles and tarp supports. Im all about multiple uses for one piece of gear.

 

[Sundodger]

Thanks guys, keep them coming.

My gut tells me to keep with an aluminum tripod. While I never have owned a composite tripod, I have worked a fair amount with composites, and I am not a fan of their impact toughness. Being two days deep in the wilderness on a hunt, incidentally smacking a leg on a rock, and breaking my tripod is a fear of mine.

It sounds like I need to come up with a list of tripods that have twist lock legs, around 2 lbs, and can go to about 66" tall.

 

[Stinky Coyote]

Search my posts, silk carbon 634 remove neck ext. And bottom legs and lighter than 624 now...624 comes as sitting height, 634 does standing height but modded does sitting height and lighter due to one less set of collars. My post has the specs,and yes...very easy to do, just spin the stuff off.