Comments on: Tripod Stability Tests, Part II

By: Arno

Arno — Sat, 16 Apr 2011 19:18:37 +0000

Thank you for all the effort, makes me feel better about my $1000+ investment in Gitzo and RRS (before I saw your tests), having a remote release, etc.

About using the center column (indeed a convenient tool), it would be interesting to see how a weight hung on the hook at its end would change the results.

I think one can conclude from your tests as they are that the hung weight, without the column up, would not change much, unless maybe on a crappy tripod, or on a windy day, or a day with vibrations coming from the ground (truck, trampling, tremblor (funny, they all start with a t)…

By: Daniel Chichester

Daniel Chichester — Wed, 13 Apr 2011 14:27:37 +0000

Thank you so much for conducting these tests. Your critical examination makes the tests all the more believable and appreciated. Thank you again.

By: Guy

Guy — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 19:39:14 +0000

That wasn’t a prime that you linked to, although a super cool lens to have especially if 1) you are going on a safari, and 2) you have a porter.

Maybe something more humble like an old 105mm Micro-Nikkor would do instead.

By: Larry Fasnacht

Larry Fasnacht — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 21:20:58 +0000

Jeffrey,

Very nice. I have been trying to research to pieces of information that I have heard in several places. 1.) hang a weight from the center post for more stability. 1a) don’t hang a weight from the center post for more stability. 2.) Do not extend the tripod leg sections all the way.

What do you think?

Larry Fasnacht
Omaha, NE

Generally speaking, I would think that shorter legs and heavier weight are more stable than longer legs and lighter weight. —Jeffrey

By: Andrew S

Andrew S — Wed, 26 Sep 2007 03:44:09 +0000

This reminds me of a high school science fair experiment (in a good way!)

By: Alexander Kiel

Alexander Kiel — Thu, 20 Sep 2007 08:58:20 +0000

First: Thank you for this big test. I can imagine how long it takes to get all this things done. But as you want critique on this – here is mine:

Shutter Speed If you have the time, please test at the most sensible shutter speed.

Test Target I don’t like your test target. I don’t like the idea to use a laptop screen. It is a highly unusual target in praxis terms. It has unusual contrast and some sort of blowing highlights. I understand that it is the most simple way to get a test target, but I don’t think it is the best. And you are testing here one of the best possible tripods of the world. So I think you should by some test target or even print something.

To drive a conclusion how much a good tripod contributes to sharpness, it would be good to do some outside tests in a windy environment. I think that than the cheap tripod won’t look so good even with the best technique.

Multiple Shots As you said it yourself. I think this is a must. Taking multiple samples is one basic principle of doing tests.

By: Michael Menichetti

Michael Menichetti — Wed, 19 Sep 2007 06:30:15 +0000

Although tripod stability not on the top of my list for bedtime reading, it’s really nice to you always seem to be able to spend time on things you enjoy. I wish I could find more time for fun projects…