Tripods in water

[Griggs]

I watched a show and the guy was taking photos "in" the lake. The tripod legs were almost completely under water. I have a Velbon carbon fiber tripod. I feel like that would wreck my tripod, but I really do like that low angle. Is there anything I should be worried about here?

[pafindr]

I've used my tripod in the water (fresh water) and haven't had any problems with it and it's going on to 10 years old.
When I get home I usually rinse it off so any thing that got on it comes off.
It's not an expensive tripod so I'm not to worried about destroying it.

[mjs1973]

I use my tripod in water regularly, without any problems. A friend of mine did tell me a story about a time he used his tripod in water. When he went to retract the legs, there was a loud pop and the rubber cap on the end of one of the legs went flying. Water had gotten into the leg, and when he retracted it, the pressure built up and shot the cap off. He has since drilled a hole in the end caps.

[photonaturalist]

The only thing I'd worry about with using a tripod in water, is camera shake.. unless the water is completely still (rare), the water flow is likely to shake the tripod.. not sure if I'd ever want my legs completely under water--that might cause so much shake to make the tripod pointless. this would especially be amplified with a carbon fiber tripod, which has less weight to hold it down.

I regularly put my legs 4-6 inches into water though with no problem (it's the only way to photograph waterfalls, heh).

I purposely bought a tripod that's built like a tank--so I can treat it like one

Steve

[AgingEyes]

I think Canon_Bob would be able to help re tripod in water, or even photographer in the water

[mjs1973]

I think Canon_Bob would be able to help re tripod in water, or even photographer in the water

I was thinking the same thing. I bet Bobs tripod spends more time in the water than on land.

Something to watch out for when in the water is sand. If the water is carrying a lot of sand it can get into the legs and make them difficult to extend/retract. You don't have to be in the water for that to happen though. A rinse in the shower usually takes care of it though.

[Dylan8i]

i just have a cheap tripod, and it hasn't been very deep in water, but the bottom parts have been in water alot (salt water, mostly fresh, plus sand, mud etc). and after wards i don't wash it off. the screws (that the rubber feet attach to, so you can even them out) have rusted. but other than that the rest of it is fine.

[Griggs]

Ok, thanks for the info. Anyone have any problems with the head getting wet?

[blackgold]

I think it's a bad idea to put the tripod in the water...
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[Frog]

I think it's a bad idea to put the tripod in the water...
[img]http://**************/img/3302/n09x0302vnsn/clear.gif[/img]

Welcome to these forums.
Why is it a bad idea?

[Loupey]

Don't worry about it. Most tripods are made out of aluminum (or carbon fiber) with screws being stainless steel.

Trash aluminum cans last for years in the water.

[Singletracklovr]

It's only gear. If you can see the shot in your mind, I'd say go for it.