Question re: Using Your Tripod

[annnewjerz]

So, this is going to sound like a completely stupid question and I apologize in advance, but....

Is there anything special I need to do when using my tripod in the sand or snow? I would hate for the aluminum to corrode after getting wet repeatedly or for sand to get stuck in the leg locks. What do you all do...anything/nothing??

I'm making my first real trip that is specifically photography related this weekend. I'll be leaving the house at 4:30 to drive to the shore and take some pictures of the Barnegat lighthouse at sunrise, as well as the deserted Ocean City boardwalk in the dead of winter and just want to make sure I do everything I can to ensure the trip is worth it.

Thanks!!
Ann

 

[jann1033]

it surprised me but last week i was using my tripod in deep snow( up to my knees at least, some parts higher) that hadn't been walked on( the vacant lake beach) and it kept sinking i thought i hadn't tightened the leg enough (one has a tendency to loosen up) and I kept retightening it thinking that was the problem) but when i got home a lot of the photos showed motion blur and they were the first couple photos after i moved the tripod every time. i know they sell pads for snow and sand for my tripod( wide flat circles that fit over the normal ball type bottom of the leg that covers the pointed part on the bottom of the leg) and now i know why i've never had the problem with normal beach sand but if it's really loose it could probably do the same thing. i think in the above case it had to do to air pockets in the snow( like an idiot i kept seeing "holes" under the snow crust but duh never thought that was why my tripod kept moving)
as far as sand i probably wouldn't lay the tripod down in it but unless it's blowing a lot or your hands are covered with it i don't think it would be a problem( at least i haven't had a problem with it) if you take reasonable care to keep it off the tripod. i think my locks are made to help keep sand out though so it might depend on the locks.
i'd make sure and wipe off any salt water and probably would make sure not to get spray on the camera as well.

 

[wenrob]

I'm making my first real trip that is specifically photography related this weekend. I'll be leaving the house at 4:30 to drive to the shore and take some pictures of the Barnegat lighthouse at sunrise, as well as the deserted Ocean City boardwalk in the dead of winter and just want to make sure I do everything I can to ensure the trip is worth it.

Thanks!!
Ann

I don't have an answer to your question, I just want to know: Can I go with you? Please make sure to post your pics!

 

[boBQuincy]

Duct taping some old CDs to the legs may help in soft snow and sand. Snow may not be a problem with aluminum, just wipe it off and dry the rest. Sand could lead to corrosion, there is probably no way to get all the moisture out other than rinsing it well with clean water.

I would get the cheapest tripod available and consider it a throwaway for use near salt water.

Have fun at Barnegat! I used to go there a lot when I lived near Philly (seems like 100 years ago...)

 

[jann1033]

that bob q..always coming up with a good cheap solution to an otherwise confounding situation wonder if i should use my backup discs ( just kidding)

 

[JR6ooo4]

CDs will slide quite easily. In winter we have a problem at work with legs sinking. the sun hits the legs and warms them enough to cause the point to melt into the frozen ground. OF course that is with a 20 pound survey transit atop the legs.

You want something wide with a rough surface to grip whatever ground/ice that you put it on. For snow it is best to kick away all that is around each leg.

For corrosion you could use a plastic bag or better yet a mailing bag that is used for keeping rolled papers dry. they come in 36 inch lengths. just slide one over each leg when in harsh conditions.

Mikeeee

 

[annnewjerz]

Thanks for all of the suggestions everyone, I think I'll try to CD thing Bob recommended as well as putting down a towel or something to keep as much of the sand out of the legs as possible.

Wen - TRUST ME, you don't want to go with me. Heck, I don't even want to go with me at 4:30 in the morning!! It'll be cold and early, but hopefully I'll get some good shots. This will be my first "non-daylight" shoot...so we'll see.

 

[jann1033]

you might have already thought of this but i kept wondering why i was late for the whole hr of good light when i went out to take sunrise photos...the actual "blue hour" starts at what is called civil twilight. last time i went out for dawn photos i got there a little before then( about 1/2 an hr pre sunrise time) so i could set up etc. this place shows you the actual time for whereever you are for whatever day you are there http://aa.usno.navy.mil/data/docs/RS_OneDay.php

 

[annnewjerz]

you might have already thought of this but i kept wondering why i was late for the whole hr of good light when i went out to take sunrise photos...the actual "blue hour" starts at what is called civil twilight. last time i went out for dawn photos i got there a little before then( about 1/2 an hr pre sunrise time) so i could set up etc. this place shows you the actual time for whereever you are for whatever day you are there http://aa.usno.navy.mil/data/docs/RS_OneDay.php

Thanks for the info. Wasn't sure what this was actually called, but that's the time of day I was going for. I originally saw sunrise was at 7:00ish and planned to be there around 6:30, but after peeking out the window this morning I decided I would like to be set up and shooting by more like 6:15, so I'm going to try to arrive at 6:00. With an hour and a half drive, if I have to get there any earlier than that, I may as well just stay up through the night.

 

[spinetnglr]

cant wait to see some pics. I cant get out to do any shooting this weekend so I will be cruising the boards and other sites just looking at pictures.