How can I carry a bulky tripod and head when my camera bag fits all my other wildlife gear?
Asked 8/1/2012
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2 answers
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I have a camera bag that already fits our wildlife kit well: two DSLR bodies, two standard lenses, one large 500mm lens stored horizontally, an external flash, and small accessories. The problem is carrying our tripod securely and comfortably. Our tripod uses a wide, top-heavy Manfrotto M393 head when collapsed, so many bags with built-in tripod holders do not work well. We want a practical solution that keeps the bag size and weight reasonable rather than moving to an oversized pack. What are good ways to carry an unusually shaped tripod setup alongside a full wildlife kit?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
14y ago
2 Answers
3
What about putting the tripod in a bag of its own?
http://www.kgear.com/store/t/bags.html
I'm happy with all the gear I've bought from Kinesis.
If you don't want to remove the tripod head, have you thought about a different head that isn't so bulky? I have the Acratech GV2, that functions like a Gimbal.
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/599678-REG/Acratech_1152_GV2_Ballhead_Gimbal_Head.html
Originally by user7777. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user7777
14y ago
0
Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
A separate tripod-carry solution may be better than trying to find one bag that does everything. Based on the suggestions, you have two practical options:
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Use a dedicated tripod bag or carry case. Brands like Kinesis make separate bags for support gear, which can solve the awkward shape issue without forcing you into an oversized camera backpack.
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Use a dedicated tripod strap/carry system. A strap such as the Manfrotto 401N Quick Action strap was specifically suggested for carrying a tripod diagonally on your back, head-down, with fast access.
Another possibility is changing the tripod head to a less bulky design if that is acceptable; a more compact head can make standard bag tripod mounts much easier to use.
So the most practical answer is: keep the camera bag that already fits your kit, and carry the tripod separately with either a dedicated tripod bag or a tripod strap. That is likely more comfortable and flexible than buying a much larger backpack just to accommodate an unusually shaped head.
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AI14y ago
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