Tripods with upside down legs?

[ted_c]

I am exploring tripods that would work in the sand where the bottom legs are the largest rather than the slimmest and therefore don't feed

into the upper legs. That way I would avoid sand getting into the tripod - in theory. I see Manfrotto sells the 458 legs like this. Are there other

tripods like this?

[User_3804048]

<p>Benbo and, if still available, Uni-Loc tripods are built this way.</p>

[andrew_gale]

<p>If you wanted to save a bit of money and had some room in your bag, you could get three tennis balls and cut crosses into them, then push them onto the legs.</p>

[ted_c]

<p>Thanks for the suggestions. The idea of tennis balls may not work so great if I were to get saltwater on the legs along with the sand - shooting surf/beach shots for example. Other than cost (the 458 is notably more expensive than other Manfrotto legs like the 055 or 190), is there any other downside to the 458 or upside down leg design in general? Are they less stable this way?</p>

[danny_wong2]

<p>Why not just slip the bags that you get at car wash for the rear wiper over the tripod legs? It worked well for me for over 30 yrs.</p>

[bjscharp]

<p>Gitzo make <a href="http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/193845-REG/Gitzo_G1410_130B_G1410_130_All_Terrain_Shoe.html">these</a> for all their serious tripods and monopods.</p>

 

<p>Putting the legs upside down would only help sand and salt water getting into the legs (gravity goes down, so it'd pull the water INTO the joints.</p>