What tripod do you use?

[gismo]

I'm sure many members on lpf.com own an accessory which is without a doubt an important part of their laser hobby equipment: a tripod.

I'm aware of the fact, there have been many tips, recommendations, setups and ultimately depictions of various tripods on lpf.com.

My goal is to create an independent thread in which the following information would be gathered and hopefully shared among all members who show interest:

1) Brief description of your tripod: brand, dimensions, material/properties etc.
2) Link to the online shop (if available), where potentially other members could benefit from.
3) Picture(s) of your tripod(s).

I believe pictures are worth more than anything in this thread, so everyone is welcome to post his own unique tripod.

Allow me to introduce my tripods:

SilverCrest Tripod "Spider"
Height: cca. 27cm
Max. load with legs straight: 1.5kg
Thread size: 1/4inch (6.35mm)
Material/Properties: plastic locking ball head & removable quick-release plate, foam covered flexible legs (ideal set-up on uneven ground), non/slip feet for stability
Shop: local Lidl shop (Ireland), bought for €7

Optus Table Tripod
Height: cca. 30cm
Max. load: estimated 3kg
Thread size: 1/4inch (6.35mm)
Material/Properties: Mostly aluminum made, feels and looks sturdy. Legs are mounted by 3 pairs of stainless steel screws, feet are fully plastic with non-slip finish. Tripod head with fixing screw in the middle measures cca. 2.5x1.5cm. Panhandle (hard plastic grip) with locking function is designed for left-right & up-down movements.
Shop: Tripod was a part of a Spotting Scope with 20-60x60 Zoom, whole package bought for €25 at local Aldi shop (Ireland)

Giottos QE2310 E.Pod Mini Table Multi Purpose Camera Tripod Blue

Height: Max. 123mm (folded length 196mm)
Max. load: 800g
Thread size: 1/4inch (6.35mm)
Material/Properties: 2-way tilt head, quick release shoe for easy and comfortable operation, strap for convenient carrying, the body is made of high strength ABS plastic and the legs of an aluminum alloy.
Shop: ebay (international shipping available)
link: Giottos QE2310 E POD Mini Table Multi Purpose Camera Tripod IN Blue 4715412028028 | eBay

Mini 360°Adjustable Tripod Stand with bracket Holder
Height: max. 185mm
Max. load: cca. 160g (could accept more, but risk is yours)
Bracket holder diameter up to 25mm
Material/Properties: Lightweight tripod (95g) with sturdy combined black plastic/ground aluminium finish. Very handy feature of extendable legs (2 extension levels) makes this tripod highly adjustable. 360 degrees adjustable bracket holder instead of an expected 1/4inch thread serves as a "flexible clamp" feature.
Shop: ebay (international shipping available)
link: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Mini-360-Ad...p-/190687500099?ssPageName=ADME:X:RTQ:US:1123

Important notice: the super clamp used with the first 2 tripods posted was bought separately. Although I've posted the link already and surely other members were using it already before me, hope it's OK if I attach it here again:

super clamp in Tripods & Supports | eBay

A few pictures of the super clamp I use:

Thanks for reading & watching

 

[Trevor]

For a moment I thought you were asking about camera tripod setups.

This might be a good addition: http://laserpointerforums.com/f52/very-cool-tripod-setup-83352.html

Trevor

 

[gismo]

For a moment I thought you were asking about camera tripod setups.

This might be a good addition: http://laserpointerforums.com/f52/very-cool-tripod-setup-83352.html

Trevor

Actually wannaburnstuff's thread you're pointing to inspired me to create a thread in which if possible, whoever is interested, can contribute with his personal tripod depiction and product/price link

 

[Speedy78]

I see my superclamp has made it around LPF haha

 

[Marco Polo]

I don't use a tripod. I find them to be too clunky and cumbersome, and most annoyingly, they (usually?) only hold one laser.

This is what I use, an ordinary chemistry lab stand and clamps:

It allows for *very* precise control over beam placement, and lets me do neat stuff like this:

And this:

 

[BowtieGuy]

That is a great idea!
A nice alternative to multiple tripods.
BTW-Cool pics!

 

[EpicHam]

I don't use a tripod. I find them to be too clunky and cumbersome, and most annoyingly, they (usually?) only hold one laser.

THIS is what I use, an ordinary chemistry lab stand and clamps:

It allows for *very* precise control over beam placement, and lets me do neat stuff like this:

And this:

That's a LOOOOT of Sky lasers

 

[Marco Polo]

That's a LOOOOT of Sky lasers

It sure is. Offroadfreak, hallowed be thy name! :beer:

 

[Livinloud]

I just use a bunch of GorillaPods with microphone clamps (both normal and butterfly style). Will post pictures tomorrow but wanted to sub for the time being and serve as a reminder :beer:

 

[csshih]

I've been using an old school carbon fiber Gitzo G1228LVL, paired with an Acratech GP Ballhead. For holding lights and lasers I use a Manfrotto 035RL Super Clamp - the original to the copies posted above

 

[scumbagatheist]

Thanks for this thread! It's a great idea.
I had this familiar piece of crap tripod from a vendor we all know. It's just too light and weak to hold anything heavier than a Kryton.

So, I had to step it up when I got my MS-SSW. After Isaac's great review thread, I jumped on the Pedco Ultrapod II and paired it with the Smallrig Super Clamp.
Here's a comparison shot:

I love the Ultrapod II because it allows me to do things like this; The World's First Laser Guided Rubber Mallet:

And, one last pic to show off:

All that being said, I do believe I will be looking for a chem-lab stand setup like Marco Polo's!

 

[EpicHam]

Still ... nothing beats the trusty old lab stand .


KUDOS to Marco Polo... never knew he was into lasers.

Unless you requires height up to 1.3m , I don't see any other reason for not using the lab stand lol

 

[gismo]

Thanks for all the comments, guys

Marco Polo's set-up deserves a rep from me, like the out of the box idea of multiple laser holder usage!
Cheers for the thread support, SBA!

Everyone is welcome to present their personal tripod (or similar) set-up for holding/standing laser(s), ideally pictures would be great!

P.S. This is my last post for the next 2 weeks, it's time for me to enjoy the holiday summer time.
Laser beam off, sunny vacation on:beer:

 

[brucemir]

Here are the different tripods I use while doing my photography of lasers:

I use two different models available from Laserbtb -

PL 405nm 350-500 if you look at this page you can find the tripod

(there is no separate page for the tripods so you have to go to pen lasers to see the pen laser model and go to the PL seroies to see there bigger tripod fro the PL and HL series

This model is for pen lasers. The best thing about this tripod is if the laser does not have a "click" on/off switch, it has a plastic screw that can be used to keep the laser on without having to hold the button





I also use their tripods for their PL series lasers





The tripod comes with an adaptor that allows you to use it with their HL series lasers

I also use this cheap tripod (don't know the manufacturer but I bought it at Best Buy a few years ago). Using it with this clamp :
USD $ 4.29 - Universal Clamp Mount for Tripods (Holds up to 3.8cm Thick Objects), Free Shipping On All Gadgets!

it serves me well



But for my photographic endeavors, I built three of these. They use the Mimi In the Box clamp and I used alligator clips to hold my diffraction gratings. For my purposes these are the best because I can attach gratings and other lenses for my photographic needs








When I don't need to use optics, I can turn the clamp around and avoid the alligator clip.

In action -





I have four extra clips and plan on building a custom stand that can hold 4 lasers with optics.

I have to say that Marco Polo's set up is totally awesome!! I am going to have to look around for that type of lab equipment.

 

[Speedy78]

Its neat seeing your set up for photos. I like the laser and grating holders.

 

[icecruncher]

Anyone tried this one?

Adjustable Metal Tripod Desktop Table Mic Microphone Clamp Clip Holder Stand New | eBay