Nikonians FAQs - What tripod (6)

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What tripod ACCESSORIES

by J. Ramón Palacios
Both Manfrotto and Gitzo offer a series of interesting accessories.
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Do I really need one?

What not to buy

What to look for

Nikonians brand
choices

Manfrotto

Gitzo
Manfrotto 166 (Bogen 3146) tripod apron
» Accessories
Tripod technique
The above shown 3-compartment apron is useful to temporarily place stuff while
shooting in the field (filters, lenses, hoods, etc.). But I found it even more useful as a
way to add stability to the tripod when loaded with rocks. Gitzo offers a similar product,
the G088S small and G088L large canvas aprons.

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Nikonians FAQs - What tripod (6)

Manfrotto tripods come with

rubber caps, but offers a set of
retractable spiked feet with
Cat. No: 055SPK (Bogen
3256) for most aluminum
units.

There are also versions

available for the Carbon One
tripods of this brand.

But the most popular Gitzo carbon fiber tripods do

not have an OEM spikes option.

And that's why Markins has designed these lifetime-

durable Titanium spikes shown at right.

Another interesting accessory is the compact leveling

head base Manfrotto 438 (Bogen 3502), allowing for
fast leveling in uneven terrain; it fits between the
tripod base and the tripod head and adjusts 10°.

Leg protectors or wraps not only protect the legs

and insulate your hands when using an aluminum
tripod in cold or too hot weather, but they also
cushion it for comfortable carry over the shoulder.

They have a zipper system so they can be easily

fitted and will not slip down in use while offering
good grip. Or you can opt for the great looking
Nikonians OP/TECH wraps as shown at right.

Of course you can save with a less elegant but

practical solution: pipe insulation foam tubing,
fastened with plastic ties or tennis racket tape.

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Nikonians FAQs - What tripod (6)

Bags are tempting, however most

Nikonians I've met seldom use them.
When traveling, tripods go inside
luggage; in the field they go on the
backpack, over the shoulder or in a
sling strap. I have one bag gathering
dust somewhere that I should use for
storage.

THE MOST IMPORTANT ACCESSORY

All the money spent on a good tripod goes down the drain if you don't top it with a good
head. You may choose a three-way pan-tilt or a ballhead, but get the best you can and
make it a pro one. Avoid the small or medium sized ballheads. Photophil for example,
like many European pros, loved the big and heavy Novoflex Universal MagicBall. But
now he, my partner Bo Stahlbrandt, Marsel van Oosten and Bob Johnson, like many
other Nikonians now, are happy Markins converts.

More...»

see also

Tripods, Heads & Camera Support Forum

Markins Ballheads
Terms of use

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