Part 2. Gitzo 1410 Tripod Use in the Field

In the field the 1410 is a very effective instrument to use, if you don't mind its size and weight. Here are some tips for field use. The first part of this article gives a detailed description of the Gitzo 1410 tripod.

Transporting the Tripod

	Figure 7. Gitzo 1410 Folded for Travel

Carrying the 1410 on top of your shoulder will soon become tiresome, as it is heavy and large enough to want to slip off. Using a padded shoulder strap, like the one Gitzo sells, will put considerable pressure on your shoulder, like a big laptop PC in a shoulder bag. I would not recommend this except for short periods of time, like maybe 13 seconds. The best arrangement I have found is to carry it horizontally by hand with a tight strap that runs along a leg. I rigged up such a strap for under $15. It consists of two Velcro straps, at either end of the leg wrap, and a 1" nylon strap looped between the two Velcro straps (Figure 7). Of course, this is a matter of personal preference. Some people can tolerate heavy weight on one shoulder better than I.

If I remove the ball head while I am transporting the tripod, I screw the rubber protective cap onto the tripod platform's stud.

For short distances the temptation is sometimes overwhelming to carry the fully extended tripod on top of the shoulder, with ball head and camera body intact and locked down. This should be avoided, since too many things can go wrong and equipment can get dinged up.

Setting Up the Tripod

The fastest way I have found to set up the tripod is to turn it upside down. Extend one leg at a time. First extend the lowest section all the way and lock it. Then extend the middle section. Be gentle when tightening the leg lock collars: it is not necessary to tighten them hard to hold the weight securely, and over-tightening can damage the leg locks in the long run. Turn the leg lock collars with only modest pressure. Experiment to find out how much tightening is sufficient for a heavy load. You might be surprised at how little tightening is really necessary.

Next, flip it right-side up and orient the tripod with left and right legs pointing towards you and a centered leg pointing away from you. This way you should avoid what can be excruciating contact with the unyielding tripod in a moment of lost concentration. Now you can adjust the middle section lengths to suit your shooting needs.

Figure 8. Precarious Position

Adjusting Leg Angle

The normal leg angle of 24 degrees is ideal for most situations, and I rarely need any other. But I have had no problem with any angle used. Just be sure the tripod is not over-weighted on one side and likely to tip. The weight of the camera and tripod should be evenly supported by all three legs. If one leg is carrying a lighter load, it will be easier for it to come off the ground and the entire tripod can tip over. Aside from this disaster potential, the tripod is sturdiest when the weight is even. It's amazing how easy it is to inadvertently create an unbalanced situation with a tripod - this has nothing to do with the 1410. Once leg lengths and angles are set, rock the tripod to see if it's solid and not inclined to tip. Figure 8 shows a precarious position.

Breaking the Tripod Down

If applicable, remove and pack the ball head and replace the rubber cap that protects the tripod's stud. Then gather the legs in close to each other, turn the tripod upside down, and break down the legs one at a time. Wipe any dust, snow, water, etc., off each leg part before pushing it into the next section.

If you would rather leave the ball head mounted, I recommend loosening the Main Control and Housing Rotation Knobs so the clamp and platform can move around if it is bumped to absorb some of the shock.

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