Jump to content

raising center column of tripod - ok?


Recommended Posts

Hi, I use a manfrotto tripod - model 055 xprob with center column. I had a manfrotto 490 ballhead and switched to arca swiss monoball z1 sp. The manfrotto ballhead , is much taller , though having lower load capacity.

 

While shooting photos, I sometimes find the manfrotto tripod to be little short , with the arca swiss ballhead.

I am raising the center column of the tripod. Is this a good idea?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

If you don't raise the center column more than a few inches, it shouldn't be a problem. But, the higher you raise it, the more possibility for instability. You should also be sure that the tripod itself is firmly planted on the ground. Where you would find the most problems with extending the center column is when shooting with slower shutter speeds and/or longer lenses (like 300mm or higher). Take your gear out and do some test shots to see what the limits are. Edited by William Kahn
  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

I have an older version of your tripod, and have successfully used it with the center column raised 6" or so with a heavy 80-200 f/2.8 Tokina zoom. Try it with your heaviest camera/lens combination and see if it works for you.
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Ancient trick that works -- hang a weight from the bottom of the center column. Loaded camera bag, an empty cloth bag that can be filled with "whatever" in the wild, even a "sling" that you can press down with your foot. Expanding plug and a hook for the end of the bottom tube, simple hardware, and a stitched up leg from a pair of jeans -- even secured with a zip tie.
  • Like 2
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Additional to all the good suggestions above, it somewhat depends on the balance (weight distribution) of the camera / lens on the top of the head: so for example when using (physically) longer lenses a tripod lens mount is worthwhile

 

Another point to note is: some of the wobble (hence camera shake blur) is likely to come from your hand on the camera, so a remote release would assist - as would using "Mirror Up" technique if your camera supports that function.

 

Having state all of that: I have one of those Tripods and a variety of Heads. I have found that there are not many (if any?) instances when I have had to raise the centre column to make any shot - preferring to bend my back, instead. But I have never been keen on raising a Tripod centre column, preferring to find a suitable workaround instead.

 

WW

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

thanks a lot. I am having the problem when I try to take photos of the moon. The manfrotto has more height and I do not have the problem with it. The arca swiss being smaller in size, requires me to increase the height of the center column. I am thinking of maybe disposing of the manfrotto ballhead, but wanted to be sure before doing it.

 

I thought raising the center column of the tripod is not a good practice and maybe meant to be avoided

Link to comment
Share on other sites

. . . but may make it easier for the OP to see through the viewfinder or use Live View if only fixed screen model.

 

I concur - that's what I read as the key issue: but I would seek another solution other than around extending the centre column - that like bending my back or sitting on a milk crate; or shortening the tripod to no extensions and mounting the tripod on a solid (higher than me) ledge etc. Angle finder maybe a solution. etc.

 

WW

Link to comment
Share on other sites

+ 1 to Chazfenn's suggestion of an angle finder. Cheaper by far than a new tripod, and less neck-wrenching than staring up at an over-raised camera.

 

You don't have to have the angle-finder pointing straight up BTW. It can be positioned in any direction that's comfortable.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I compare this to backyard sighting with binoculars. A sitting position is often the answer. One needs to be comfortable whilst waiting for clouds to pass. Now I have several tripods with center columns. I figure that a center column that raises is there to be raised. Moderately. But for astro work, one needs the sturdiest double leg models somethimes just to give some stability to the image. But then it does indeed depend on what gear you are placing on top. Test it out yourself and take exposures at the customary speed. I think the moon is not a big problem. It is bright enough. Incidentally, for stability of viewing I bought a binocular parallel mount which could be easily adapted to a camera....sort of what they call a small crane in the movie business.
Link to comment
Share on other sites

The manfrotto has more height and I do not have the problem with it. The arca swiss being smaller in size, requires me to increase the height of the center column.

 

If I understand you correctly, you are not experiencing instability with the Manfrotto head with no raising of the center column but you are with the A-S head with column raised to offset the height difference. I am surprised at this. First, the difference in height between the two ball heads is only about one-and-a-half inches (about 4 cm.) So you would only have to raise the center column by 4 cm. with the A-S head. Raising the column by such a small amount should not make a difference. Second, raising the camera by means of a taller ball head or the center column should have the same effect.

 

I am having the problem when I try to take photos of the moon.

 

Since the moon is an object in sunlight, your shutter speed should be sufficient with a good tripod, the Xprob, and an excellent ball head in the A-S Z1. Unless I do something wrong, I get satisfactory moon shots with the same exact tripod and ball head.

 

My advice is to check that everything is tightened down and, as Chazfenn and Rodeo Joe have suggested, use a right angle viewer.

Edited by Hector Javkin
Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 3 weeks later...

Hi,

thanks for the replies. The problem is not with the photos taken. The problem is with viewing the image through the viewfinder. I have to manually focus the image. With the manfrotto ballhead (its taller), the view finder is at a more comfortable angle. In case of the arca swiss ballhead, I have to raise the lens (400 mm) further up. As a result, I need to bend my knees or bend my neck. It feels very uncomfortable, doing it for a long time. My body hurts after 5 to 10 minutes.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 4 weeks later...
The problem is not with the photos taken. The problem is with viewing the image through the viewfinder. I have to manually focus the image.

I do not understand. Why do you have to focus on the moon? Infinity is the proper focus setting. You omitted which camera you were using. Aligning the moon's image is all you need to do in the viewfinder if you are working with film.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Sitting on a small light stool as mentioned will always help prevent what is called astronomer's neck. Especially when objects are close to the zenith and the moon is often clearer of clouds at higher altitude settings than lower down. I still think you need look at the Manfrotto double leg models, not that costly. Solid is my aim and experience for the solar system even if it be aluminum and heavy or used and dirty but solid. You might even want to shoot the constellations some day, right?.. Get a head that locks solid and is easy to move in azimuth as well. I like the pan models and even the cinema model. With long arm to move the camera.
Link to comment
Share on other sites

thanks a lot. I am having the problem when I try to take photos of the moon. The manfrotto has more height and I do not have the problem with it. The arca swiss being smaller in size, requires me to increase the height of the center column. I am thinking of maybe disposing of the manfrotto ballhead, but wanted to be sure before doing it.

 

I thought raising the center column of the tripod is not a good practice and maybe meant to be avoided

 

The moon is bright, unless clouds or smog are obscuring it. Just shoot hand held. Start with ISO 800, 1/800-sec and f/8, take a test shot and adjust from there.

 

I have an Arca-Swiss Z1/Induro combinations, with a raising center post. When I raise my center post, it increases the vertical angle, because it moves the lens away from the legs. The possible range of the A-S is unchanged.

 

When shooting the moon, do focus. Infinity is not infinity these days, like in the old days, when it was marked on the lens and actually meant something.

 

Anyway, try hand holding. The moon is easy-peasy.

33061794552_eb72ec17a8_b.jpgMoon With 5D MkIV (Explored) by David Stephens, on Flickr

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

If you think about it for a moment you should be able to use the same exposure that you'd use for a sunny day right here on earth.

There's no atmosphere, or clouds so its always sunny on the lit side.

The sun is effectively the same distance from the moon & the Earth percentage wise.

Its way, way brighter than the surrounding night sky, but that's not what you're photographing is it?

The sunny sixteen rule should work fine!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
×
×
  • Create New...