Tripod legs weight rating? at DVinfo.net

Philip Thangsombat · December 3rd, 2007, 11:26 PM

I am in the market for a tripod. I wanted to know how important it is to follow the maximum load rating for the legs are. I am looking to purchase a set of legs that's maximum weight load is roughly 5-7 lbs shy of the weight I plan on putting on it. Money is an issue and do you think that these legs combined with maybe sandbags to hold it down will be sufficient for the weight I plan on putting on them?

legs I am looking at: Bogen / Manfrotto 351MVB2K
legs that I would like if I had more money: Bogen / Manfrotto 525MVB

Michael Wisniewski · December 4th, 2007, 02:38 AM

I think you will regret spending money on something that doesn't do what you need. Wait and get the right equipment for your rig. [EDIT] Or rent for the time being.

Tim Le · December 4th, 2007, 02:57 AM

Sounds like you want to put about 25 lbs on the 351MVB2K? I'd also recommend against it. Although the legs probably have a safety factor beyond the weight rating, by exceeding it you're risking breaking the legs (somewhat likely) and/or having the leg locks slip (more likely). With that much weight on it, if one of the leg locks give way quickly, the entire tripod will probably fall over very fast and your camera will likely suffer heavy damage.

25 lbs is a lot of mass and inertia. I'd recommend a tripod that is rated for double if not more of that weight.

Brian Drysdale · December 4th, 2007, 04:32 AM

For a 25lb camera you'd really need 100mm (or 150mm) bowl head intended for the larger cameras. Sachtler Video 15 at least, if not a Video 18 or the Vinten, Cartoni, O'Connor equivalents. Lightweight tripods and the heavier cameras don't mix that well.

If it's just a short shoot, it's best to rent one.

Matt Irwin · December 4th, 2007, 11:50 AM

I'd recommend the Miller Solo 100mm legs. It's a great tripod to own because they are compact, lightweight, and have a great height range (ditch the hi-hat and the 8-step ladder). 65 lb payload and are practically nuke-proof. Add any head you want.

I recently bought these sticks after using a heavy OConnor tripod and could not be happier. They will last me for years of heavy use in most conditions, and if I need something heavier for a jib or whatnot, renting a tripod is cheap!

My 2¢...

(But as Brian said, if it's for a short, renting is not a bad idea....)

December 3rd, 2007, 11:26 PM	#1
Philip Thangsombat New Boot Join Date: Jan 2006 Posts: 7	Tripod legs weight rating? I am in the market for a tripod. I wanted to know how important it is to follow the maximum load rating for the legs are. I am looking to purchase a set of legs that's maximum weight load is roughly 5-7 lbs shy of the weight I plan on putting on it. Money is an issue and do you think that these legs combined with maybe sandbags to hold it down will be sufficient for the weight I plan on putting on them? legs I am looking at: Bogen / Manfrotto 351MVB2K legs that I would like if I had more money: Bogen / Manfrotto 525MVB

December 4th, 2007, 02:38 AM	#2
Michael Wisniewski Wrangler Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Makati, Metro Manila Posts: 2,706 Images: 32	I think you will regret spending money on something that doesn't do what you need. Wait and get the right equipment for your rig. [EDIT] Or rent for the time being. __________________ "Ultimately, the most extraordinary thing, in a frame, is a human being." - Martin Scorsese

December 4th, 2007, 11:50 AM	#5
Matt Irwin Major Player Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Los Angeles, CA Posts: 327	I'd recommend the Miller Solo 100mm legs. It's a great tripod to own because they are compact, lightweight, and have a great height range (ditch the hi-hat and the 8-step ladder). 65 lb payload and are practically nuke-proof. Add any head you want. I recently bought these sticks after using a heavy OConnor tripod and could not be happier. They will last me for years of heavy use in most conditions, and if I need something heavier for a jib or whatnot, renting a tripod is cheap! My 2¢... (But as Brian said, if it's for a short, renting is not a bad idea....) __________________ Matt Irwin DP / matt.irwincine.com

December 4th, 2007, 02:57 AM	#3
Tim Le Major Player Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Los Angeles, CA Posts: 350	Sounds like you want to put about 25 lbs on the 351MVB2K? I'd also recommend against it. Although the legs probably have a safety factor beyond the weight rating, by exceeding it you're risking breaking the legs (somewhat likely) and/or having the leg locks slip (more likely). With that much weight on it, if one of the leg locks give way quickly, the entire tripod will probably fall over very fast and your camera will likely suffer heavy damage. 25 lbs is a lot of mass and inertia. I'd recommend a tripod that is rated for double if not more of that weight.

December 4th, 2007, 04:32 AM	#4
Brian Drysdale Inner Circle Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Belfast, UK Posts: 6,152	For a 25lb camera you'd really need 100mm (or 150mm) bowl head intended for the larger cameras. Sachtler Video 15 at least, if not a Video 18 or the Vinten, Cartoni, O'Connor equivalents. Lightweight tripods and the heavier cameras don't mix that well. If it's just a short shoot, it's best to rent one.