HOW TO: Photographers Comfort
Handling a tripod with metal legs that are close to a cold outside air temperature has always been a challenge for me. In the winter, setting up the tripod and then composing shots is difficult because my hands get cold.
When it is warm outside, carrying a metal tripod on my shoulder is not the most comfortable thing to do either. One way to alleviate the discomfort of tripod tubing on a shoulder or cold feel of the metal legs, is to cover them with some kind of padding.
My wife gave me a set of tripod leg wraps from OP/TECH USA this year. The wraps, or covers as they are sometimes called by other manufacturers, insulate the cold legs from bare hands, and help cushion the tripod when carrying it on your shoulder.
Covers, pads or wraps also help protect the tripod from dents and scratches. They are easy to install, lightweight, very durable and can be washed with damp cloth if they get dirty.
With padding on the legs of my tripod, my hands no longer become numb from the cold metal. And in the summer, it will be way more comfortable carrying the tripod when trekking about the countryside.
Great idea, David. I might check them out. I don’t have to worry about the cold metal, but the legs can sure make my bony shoulders uncomfortable. 🙂
Thanks Bob, the padding really does help…a lot!
I have used insulated pipe covers that are available at the hardware store – they are used for covering hot water pipes! they might not fit on all tripods, you can cut them to any length you need, or want; there is no fancy logo or name, but it seems to work just fine!
Excellent idea…inexpensive but effective. That’s what I liked about the covers from OPTECH…no logos and they are not expensive. Some brands are downright outrageous!
This is wonderful… I will check too, but to be honest I don’t have any experience yet in such a hard winter days with my camera… Thank you dear David, I’ll note this in my mind. With my love, nia
They really do help if you have to carry your tripod long distances!
Great advice David! Cold metal+bare skin=not much fun! Stay warm!!
You’re darn right! My fingers get cold/numb really quickly so anything I can do to deter that, helps. Heated gloves are next in the budget!
Great idea! Thanks for sharing.
You’re welcome Jennifer, padding is a good thing!
Sounds like a great product for several reasons. Thanks for posting!
Yepper, hands and shoulders really appreciate them too!!!
I don’t have any tripod, hehe. But these sound comfortable and great! Thanks for sharing this, David! 🙂
Nanadini, you don’t have a tripod?? You better go shopping for one even if it is a super lightweight travel variety. Or even a monopod which are less expensive. The really do help in composition and help do away with fuzzy photos. Yes they are super comfortable!
Leg warmers for a tripod – cool!
I never thought of them as leg warmers but am going to call them that from now on!!! Love it!!!
Leg warmers for a tripod – ha ha! These are a great idea, David – thanks for mentioning this. I wish you warm hands and happy photographing!
I’m going to call them leg warmers from now on, thanks to you and Teri. My hands and shoulders are already best friends with the tripod now!
Good tip on the leg warmers! I just got a carbon fiber tripod which I love. Needed as lightweight as possible due to neck and back issues. I also got a great sling camera bag designed to carry a tripod on the side of the bag. These have helped a lot.
I love this leg warmer thing! Carbon fiber would be a great thing but budget constraints are saying not yet. I use a sling bag also and really like the way it works!
Your wife is very thoughtful 🙂 Nice padding, I never owe a tripod 🙂 I have a very small one, but never used it, I should try some time to se the difference 🙂
She is a keeper for sure!!! You should try the tripod sometime…they make a big difference. Or even a monopod. I like the monopod because of the mobility it offers. You can also use them as a walking staff.
http://photographyofnia.com/2012/01/18/10-questions-answers/
Thanks for thinking of me Nia! I will have to look into this!