Reflections
While I like the idea of ultra-lightweight tripods, when the chips are
down, the wind is blowing, and I have a fully tricked-out camera rig
on a light tripod, they are just too unsteady to warrant their use. The
Gitzo GT3531s is a little heavier and a little more expensive but I
always feel the stability it provides when I am out shooting. I would
never go back to the lighter tripods just to save money or a pound
or so.
Carrying Tripods
I am no longer a long-distance hiker so I don’t carry a tripod in a
backpack. I carry a tripod with ball-head and DSLR attached firmly
over my shoulder. I usually stay within a mile of where I am parked
so, although it gets heavy as time passes, it is not problem. Those
of you who hike great distances may prefer to compromise the
weight and style of the tripod you carry.
As mentioned, I carry my rig in my hands or with the DSLR
protruding over my right shoulder and behind my back. I have done
this for many years and never had an accident, never had the
DSLR become detached or hit anything. I also have my lens cover
in my pocket as I walk, not on the camera. I do tend to use a clear
or UV filter over the lens.
Using Tripods
The tripods I use have quick-lock legs, so extending them and
retracting them is easy and by now quite automatic. I hold the rig
against my body or by one hand and open or close each leg
section. Sometimes I will place the longest extended leg on the
ground while I adjust the other legs. Opening, closing, and
adjusting tripod logs I consider good exercise.
Of course I make use of the fact that the legs not only can be
adjusted by sections but that each leg can be spread out to 24, 55,
and 90-degrees from vertical so that many strange places can be
accommodated.
As a general rule I try not to have the legs open any longer that I
have to in order to maximize stability. In other words, if I have the
legs splayed to say the 90-degree position I try not to have the leg
sections also extended any more than necessary.