Tripod feet - spikes or rubber feet
Posted 03/10/2019 - 22:26 - Helpful Comment
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I think you have answered your own question Gareth. Slippery, uneven banked grass and the spikes are going to win. General use inside and out the rubber feet are more convenient.
I solved the issue a few years ago by buying spikes that have big solid rubber caps. So no more swapping feet, just pull the stoppers off if I want spikes.
I solved the issue a few years ago by buying spikes that have big solid rubber caps. So no more swapping feet, just pull the stoppers off if I want spikes.
Peter
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Posted 03/10/2019 - 22:34 - Helpful Comment
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Manfrotto had spikes with rubber feet combo that you could spin the rubber foot to expose or hide the spikes.
Sacthler tripods and many others have slip on shoes with rubber retaining tabs...
given how many options there are, I say buy a tripod that has both, use whatever works for the job at hand. Having said that... I’ve seldom needed to use spikes. A couple times in mountains and streams for nature hikes and once to convince a would be mugger to depart without my wallet and valuables while doing some night photography in the city...
Sacthler tripods and many others have slip on shoes with rubber retaining tabs...
given how many options there are, I say buy a tripod that has both, use whatever works for the job at hand. Having said that... I’ve seldom needed to use spikes. A couple times in mountains and streams for nature hikes and once to convince a would be mugger to depart without my wallet and valuables while doing some night photography in the city...
Fired many shots. Didn't kill anything.
Posted 04/10/2019 - 14:57 - Helpful Comment
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Gareth, personally on my main Gitzo tripod I use the screw in spikes (2.5") always, keeps everything solidly steady.
Regards
Tom
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Tom
K-1ii,K-3iii's.
SMC PENTAX-DA FISH-EYE 1:3.5-4.5 10-17mm ED [IF], SMC PENTAX-DA* 1:2.8 16-50mm ED AL [IF] SDM,
SMC PENTAX-DA 1:4 15mm ED AL Limited, SMC PENTAX-DA 1:3.2 21mm AL Limited,
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SMC PENTAX-FA* 1:4 600mm IF & ED,
HD PENTAX -DA 1.4x AW AF REAR CONVERTER,
PENTAX AF160FC Auto Macro Ring Flash.
https://pentaxphotogallery.com/artist-gallery/?artist_id=20168301
Posted 04/10/2019 - 15:50 - Helpful Comment
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I'm a spike user, for me noticed a big improvement in image quality when out in the field in challenging conditions. Being able to jab the tripod into the ground really improves the stability in my usage at least. Tomorrow however i'm off to B'ham, for some urban/architecture stuff, so will swap to rubbers for that as likely to be on pavements and whatnots.
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Posted 04/10/2019 - 17:30 - Helpful Comment
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I noted that Thomas Heaton (a vlogger) often puts CDs under the feet of his tripod if set up on sand, etc.
Posted 04/10/2019 - 22:49
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Thanks all
Yes, I subscribe to his channel and saw, which added further doubt to the spikes, his use of CD's on rubber feet.
I'll give the metal spikes a go and see how I get on with them!
JohnX wrote:
I noted that Thomas Heaton (a vlogger) often puts CDs under the feet of his tripod if set up on sand, etc.
I noted that Thomas Heaton (a vlogger) often puts CDs under the feet of his tripod if set up on sand, etc.
Yes, I subscribe to his channel and saw, which added further doubt to the spikes, his use of CD's on rubber feet.
I'll give the metal spikes a go and see how I get on with them!
Gareth Williams ARPS
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My outfit: K1ii - Pentax D FA 24-70mm f2.8 - Pentax DA* 300mm f4 - Pentax modified DA* 60-250mm f4 - Irix 15mm Firefly - Pentax FA 35mm - FA 50mm f1.4 - Tamron SP 90mm macro - Pentax AF 540 FGZ II
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Posted 06/10/2019 - 13:27
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I once tried putting tennis balls on the feet when using a tripod on sand, it worked well stopping it sinking in
Nobody is perfect, but being Scottish is a start
Posted 06/10/2019 - 14:31
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Does it depend on the style of rubber foot. One tripod I have came with one set Spike an two rubber,
Barrie - Too Old To Die Young
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Posted 06/10/2019 - 14:57
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My favourite tripods for many years have been made by the Susis German Company. Sadly long since gone. Their only weak point was that the heads weren't changeable, but the supplied one's still made the tripod faster to use than anything else. The legs were stronger than they looked, Susis had used a special 4 sided tubing.
The top end tripods came with fast fold back and forth spike or rubber. Even the rubber was well thought out because it adjusted the angle automatically to that of the ground. The bracing was so strong it locked the tripod up and for weddings etc you could really move your kit around quickly.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Susis-270-Dreibeinstativ/123015743696?hash=item1ca44f...
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The top end tripods came with fast fold back and forth spike or rubber. Even the rubber was well thought out because it adjusted the angle automatically to that of the ground. The bracing was so strong it locked the tripod up and for weddings etc you could really move your kit around quickly.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Susis-270-Dreibeinstativ/123015743696?hash=item1ca44f...
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3403 posts
8 years
Barrybados
Does anyone use the spiked feet over the rubber feet? I read on grass, steep banks etc they're better but I've had no issues up to date with the rubber ones so are they really that much better?
My outfit: K1ii - Pentax D FA 24-70mm f2.8 - Pentax DA* 300mm f4 - Pentax modified DA* 60-250mm f4 - Irix 15mm Firefly - Pentax FA 35mm - FA 50mm f1.4 - Tamron SP 90mm macro - Pentax AF 540 FGZ II
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