Single-segment tripod?

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Wade Abadie

Wade Abadie

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Does anyone make a tripod with single-segment legs? By "single-segment"....I'm referring to a tripod with legs that do not adjust, but are instead one solid piece.

Let me offer some context....

A couple months ago I spent several mornings on the beach taking sunrise photos. This was my first time using a tripod on the beach, and I was AMAZED at how much salt and sand found its way into the legs and locks, even though I was only there for maybe an hour each morning and never had any mishaps (like drops, spray from waves, etc...) This resulted in a thorough cleaning of all the leg segments, which is simply a pain in the butt!

I'm curious if any tripod manufacturers make a small/medium sized tripod with legs that are one simple piece and have no adjustment, thereby eliminating the deep cleaning session mentioned above. The closest thing I've found so far is this:


However, that is too small for what I'm looking for. This would be a dedicated "beach" tripod. I find for these types of landscape shots, I usually have the camera around 12-30" off the ground....rarely any higher, so it would not need to be very tall. I realize this is a very specialized niche, so I wouldn't be surprised if there's nothing on the market for it.

If nobody makes something like this, then perhaps the solution is to just buy a cheap tripod to use exclusively on the beach that I don't care much about getting abused.
 
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I've been looking for something similar, and have decided to take an old tripod (Bogen from the 1970s) and remove the lower leg segments. I will also shorten the center column so that it is just long enough to secure on the tripod. To top it off, I'll get plastic or rubber endcaps to fit the ends of the tripod legs. I'll have a camera support that should go as low as about 3-4-inches, up to about 18-inches.

After that contraption is set up, I'll have to figure out how to best keep that same sand and salt out of and off of the camera. One of the techniques I've used before is to put the camera into a clear plastic trash bag with the bag opening taped around the lens hood. (Shoot using the rear LCD.) After using it, I'd carefully remove the tape and plastic bag from the camera. I'd still end up with some sand and salt on the front end of the lens, but since I'd have a clear lens filter over the front element, I could rinse the element off. I'd also take a 5-inch natural bristle paint brush to the camera and lens once the bag was removed, followed by a light wipe-down with a lightly dampened cloth.

BTW, look at your car after it's parked at the beach, and you'll be amazed at the amount of salt and sand it's collected, as well as all of the nooks and crannies where it's collected it. You can't be too carefull with your camera gear around the beach. Especially on a windy day!
 
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Wade Abadie said:
A couple months ago I spent several mornings on the beach taking sunrise photos. This was my first time using a tripod on the beach, and I was AMAZED at how much salt and sand found its way into the legs and locks, even though I was only there for maybe an hour each morning and never had any mishaps (like drops, spray from waves, etc...) This resulted in a thorough cleaning of all the leg segments, which is simply a pain in the butt!
Click to expand...
I don't know of many single piece modern tripods but these leg 'waders' are designed for just the kind of situations you're describing:

photographyblinds.com

Avocet Tripod Waders

Water - especially salt water - and tripods don't mix! Protect your tripod investment from water, silt, and mud with Avocet Tripod Waders. The waders extend to standing height with most tripods and can be bunched up to work near water/ground level with your tripod at its shortest configuration...
photographyblinds.com photographyblinds.com
 
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DRwyoming said:
I don't know of many single piece modern tripods but these leg 'waders' are designed for just the kind of situations you're describing:

photographyblinds.com

Avocet Tripod Waders

Water - especially salt water - and tripods don't mix! Protect your tripod investment from water, silt, and mud with Avocet Tripod Waders. The waders extend to standing height with most tripods and can be bunched up to work near water/ground level with your tripod at its shortest configuration...
photographyblinds.com photographyblinds.com
Click to expand...
That looks great! I knew I could count on the BCG crew to have some solid recommendations!
 
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I have never taken apart and cleaned my tripods and I take those things everywhere. I submerge them in rivers, lakes, the ocean. Expose them to rain, and desert dust, everything. Never have I done anything more than rinse it off in fresh water. Now I'm kind of curious how dirty they would be to take apart. The twist locks work great and don't feel gritty at all, maybe the seals have done there job and kept everything out, or maybe unfathomable grossness is growing inside. I think I'll be taking them apart this weekend to find out now.
 
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I use my first ever tripod purchased 30-40 years ago for beach, sand and water stuff. It is a Bogen 3221 (black) tripod made of aluminum. The legs are easy to disassemble and clean. Buy one used. I believe the Bogen 3021 aluminum has the same functionality, but its legs look like bright aluminum. You can find either model on ebay and other sites.

It may also be called Manfroto 3021 or 3221 Pro tripod.

Way back then some used tripods with wooden legs to avoid the salt and sand and rust issues.
 
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Wade Abadie said:
Does anyone make a tripod with single-segment legs? By "single-segment"....I'm referring to a tripod with legs that do not adjust, but are instead one solid piece.

Let me offer some context....

A couple months ago I spent several mornings on the beach taking sunrise photos. This was my first time using a tripod on the beach, and I was AMAZED at how much salt and sand found its way into the legs and locks, even though I was only there for maybe an hour each morning and never had any mishaps (like drops, spray from waves, etc...) This resulted in a thorough cleaning of all the leg segments, which is simply a pain in the butt!

I'm curious if any tripod manufacturers make a small/medium sized tripod with legs that are one simple piece and have no adjustment, thereby eliminating the deep cleaning session mentioned above. The closest thing I've found so far is this:


However, that is too small for what I'm looking for. This would be a dedicated "beach" tripod. I find for these types of landscape shots, I usually have the camera around 12-30" off the ground....rarely any higher, so it would not need to be very tall. I realize this is a very specialized niche, so I wouldn't be surprised if there's nothing on the market for it.

If nobody makes something like this, then perhaps the solution is to just buy a cheap tripod to use exclusively on the beach that I don't care much about getting abused.
Click to expand...
Hi Wade.

There are some specialized tripods of single section, mostly for astro photography.

If your only concern is sand & water, your best option is tripod sleeves.

I have done the research and designed my own tripod sleeves which work well to a certain degree, send me your tripod leg brand & model, I will let you try the tripod sleeves.

Kind regards.

Oliver

ps:
TripodSleeves.png
 
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If youre willing to buy a new tripod that isnt adjustable, why not just buy one that is and silicone everything to make it sealed and non adjustable at the exact height you want?
 
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