Tripod shown in Oct 21st Bulletin

[FTRinTexas]

Can anyone identify the tripod that is shown in the Oct 21st Daily Bulletin with the Pentax spotting scope? Looking for a good tripod for the chrono that won't blow over in winds.

 

[Forum Boss]

That is a Davidson STAR-D tripod. It is excellent -- all metal with milled aluminum handles, and collet-style low-profile lockers on the legs. This is no longer in production, but it was also produced as the Litz Tiltall (in black finish). You can find these on eBay for $30.00 and up. (But be wary, most of the Davidsons on eBay are the older version -- you want the newer one with the double-hinged head, like the Litz Tiltall).

Once nice feature is that the fittings (event the bolts!) are all machined aluminum so there's almost nothing to rust. This is NOT a super-heavy tripod, but it is still more stable than most portable tripods on the market. The tilt/pan handles also store INSIDE the center tube.

http://bulletin.accurateshooter.com/2007/04/star-d-pro-tripods-on-ebay/

The Davidson Star-D tripod is a solid, all-metal rig that is sturdy enough to be used for movie cameras. Star-Ds feature convenient rotary cam (collet) leg height adjustments and all-metal tilt and pan controls that lock solidly. The center post is clamped with a big locking ring that adjusts for tension. The rugged, machined-aluminum Star-D tripods are no longer in production but you can find good “previously-owned” models for sale on eBay. This tripod is ideal for use with a chronograph or spotting scope (for viewing in sitting or standing positions). You can often pick them up for under $25.00. Look for the latest versions, as shown in the picture.

Litz Tilt-all Tripod on eBay: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-Uniphot-Tiltall-Tripod-Monopod-72-Tall-Heavy-Duty-Professional-Model-/350624125551?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item51a2d3926f

Another Tiltall: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Classic-Tiltall-Tripod-Mfg-by-Marchioni-/221144173219?pt=US_Tripods&hash=item337d384aa3

 

[ryanjay11]

If you want to keep your current tripod from blowing over, attach a weight to the bottom of the center support. Zip ties or paracord should hold a 5-10lb weight. If you use enough weight, it would take a pretty good gust to blow it over.

I use a Manfrotto for photography and it doubles for my chronograph support. Many of the higher end tripods used for photography and video work have hooks to attach weight in the center column.

 

[Eagle Six]

If you want to keep your current tripod from blowing over, attach a weight to the bottom of the center support. Zip ties or paracord should hold a 5-10lb weight. If you use enough weight, it would take a pretty good gust to blow it over.

I use a Manfrotto for photography and it doubles for my chronograph support. Many of the higher end tripods used for photography and video work have hooks to attach weight in the center column.

+1 ^^^^

I use one of these on top of the head or often replacing the tripod head to make the whole thing more compact and get rid of all the adjusting levers. It's a Manfrotto 3265 joy stick head. Fast to adjust and solid. I have used it in the wind for my Chrony when the wind was so strong it was destroying the sunshades and I had to tape them together!

Best Regards......Eagle Six