expensive tripods... and sand

[ReF]

does anyone have any experience with the better tripods (gitzo, manfrotto/bogen) being used in sandy conditions? the reason i ask is because i often find my self on various beaches and sand constantly gets between the lower tubes of my current "regular/normal/low cost" tripod. the legs get badly scratched when i extend or retract them. i was just wondering if this happens to the better stuff. i just don't want to put down some good money only to find that the tripod looks torn up within a week or two.

[Rhys]

does anyone have any experience with the better tripods (gitzo, manfrotto/bogen) being used in sandy conditions? the reason i ask is because i often find my self on various beaches and sand constantly gets between the lower tubes of my current "regular/normal/low cost" tripod. the legs get badly scratched when i extend or retract them. i was just wondering if this happens to the better stuff. i just don't want to put down some good money only to find that the tripod looks torn up within a week or two.

As long as a tripod functions, does it really matter how battered it looks? Personally, I'd rather a tripod that looked used as it'd be less attractive for thieves.

Finally, have a look at Benbo tripods. They have inverted legs so that nothing can get inside the legs.

[Nick]

I don't care too much how my tripod looks - I've used my Bogen/Manfrotto 3001BD on sandy beaches and desert dunes and found the same thing happening as you described. I've also lugged it many a mile through North American forests and boondocks so needless to say mine exhibits all sort of scratch varieties. If you're that worried about how your tripod looks - buy two and keep one at home and for those 'official' event occasions.

I'm fond of my scratches - I consider them battle scars; signs of an active photographer :D

[ReF]

thanks for the replies. actually, where there is sand, the legs also get kinda tight feeling when retracting/extending - a little annoying.
i'll take a look at the benbo tripods.

[TheObiJuan]

I had 2 of my tripod's legs in 2 feet of pond water, the other in the sand. I cleaned it up afterwards by running it through the pond water to get as much of the sand out as possible. When I got home I took a hose to it. Later I got a towel and cleaned down the legs and sprayed some wd40 to keep them lubed.
I have had no wear marks or problems since then.
I paid 70 for my little tank btw.

[gary_hendricks]

As long as a tripod functions, does it really matter how battered it looks? Personally, I'd rather a tripod that looked used as it'd be less attractive for thieves.

Finally, have a look at Benbo tripods. They have inverted legs so that nothing can get inside the legs.

I've a good Benbo Trekker Mk 2 tripod too. Check them out:

http://gallery.greatestjournal.com/albums/up4/873/891873/normal_trekker.jpg

[Rhys]

I've a good Benbo Trekker Mk 2 tripod too. Check them out:

http://gallery.greatestjournal.com/albums/up4/873/891873/normal_trekker.jpg

I found Benbos were good but terribly heavy. I had the Mk 2 Benbo. I sold it ages ago because it was just too much to lug around. These days I'm happier with a very lightweight kit. I have a lightweight tripod from Target that seems sturdy enough. If I want extra stability then I'll get some elastic rope, tie it to the head and put my foot on the other end to hold the tripod down.