When I need a quick height adjustment in the field ( especially using the Drypod sleeves ) I simply use the slide locks on the tripod and spread the legs out and just like that I'm down where I need to go. Very often I'll just move one leg out for a small adjust, all three for a large adjustment. Now if I'm going to camp out for awhile at one spot I'll sometimes adjust to legs to keep the head level for panning, but for a quick shot or working in water with the Drypods I always use the slide locks. I've been told It's dangerous to support a camera weight on a fully open tripod and should not be done. Your thoughts please.
Hi Rod With the legs fully extended I've had trouble spreading Lots of leverage on the joint. I have lots two Gitzo both 1325 Legs came out of the socket. In one case it was fixed but the other I was told it could not.
btw the reason for not being able to be fixed was abuse to the tripod. I don't think I did anything unusual just use at the beach. Was told it had all kinds of damage ... sun, corrosion, sand, salt water, impact etc Robert O'Toole had the same exact thing happen to him. Don't know about the leg spreading. Drypods will prevent these proglems.
When I'm photographing I like putting pressure on the camera (down) for taking out play which will not help matters at all.
Interesting to see what others do btw one of the other reasons I don't spread the legs to lower is scaring the birds as you move forward, not a good thing
Slide Locks Vs Leg locks
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