Any heavy duty tripod for 36 inches slider ?

<p>I'm looking for a heavy duty tripod for my 36 inches slider for video. I added the slider to my Manfrotto (9 series) tripod but it was up and down when sliding my heavy camera (Nikon D3s and 24-70 zoom) from edge to edge despite I have locked the ball head tightly. <br>

I tried to have two stands on both ends of slider but it drove me crazy to level the height if I need to change the height frequently. Just wondering if it's possible to use one heavy duty tripod to secure 36 inches slider with heavy camera and lens on or it's a MUST to have two stands ? If one tripod is OK, please suggest brand name and model. <br>

Thanks. </p>

<p>A surveyor's tripod should work well although some modification might be required. They are widely available at various price points even at some home improvement centers. </p>

<p>Tripod stability is a factor; another contributor is the imbalance created as the payload travels from edge to edge which might require a very rigid center-mount, or modified to have a dynamic counterweight as the payload travels (with some pulleys and weight on a string). </p>

<p>Another thought:</p>

<p>With your existing Manfrotto tripod, tying the ends of the slider back to the tripod legs (or anchored to the ground) might prove to be adequate in preventing load shift. Try steel wires (guitar strings, for example). </p>

<p>Every making-of video/still photo I've seen of photographers/videographers using sliders showed a two-point support system: either a pair of stands or using a tripod at one end and the ground or other solid support at the other. A tripod heavy enough to prevent wobble and rocking for a 36" slider would be too heavy to be practical.</p>

<p>As Mike suggested, guy wires, bungee cords or other methods might help stabilize a slider with a single main support. There might be some clever damping systems, such as a hydraulic or air cushioned damper or shock absorber rigged to one tripod leg and extended to support the slider at the free end.</p>

<p>Are you having trouble with the tripod or just the head? If it's just the ball head tilting from the shifting weight then the Manfrotto 405 geared head will prevent that from occurring (gears can't slip).</p>