National Geographic travel photo tripod (or rod tripod!)

[Steve Arnold]

I was in Cahors town centre this morning and as I passed a kitchenware shop I spotted a camera tripod at sale price. Well, it stood out (of place!) and I had a look. Absolute bargain at 34 euros and seemed good quality so I parted with the cash.

When I got home it checked out very well, of course I spotted the other possibility for use as a rod rest.

A few minutes work in the garage and I had unscrewed the gimble adaptor and threaded a buzz bar to fit the tripod screw. I was lucky to have a Korum tripod buzz bar with a square plastic fitting, I just drilled the plastic the thread root size and carefully screwed it on. It cut enough of a thread in the plastic to grip well.

I have attached a video review I found on YouTube. Mine is a slightly different version with clips to extend the legs and a slightly different ball head. Either would do well for their designed use or as a handy rod tripod.

When I get to use it fishing I will add photos and my opinion.

 

[@Clive]

You will find it invaluable on those rocky swims and on the wooden landing stages Steve.

I have a Benbo Trekker tripod that a friend adapted to take buzz bars. It is a handy option to have.

 

[mikench]

Camera tripods can be useful. I adapted a velbon mini to accommodate either a rod rest or a buzzer using a Korum adapter.

The height and splay of the legs can be changed to suit the terrain.

 

[Steve Arnold]

Camera tripods can be useful. I adapted a velbon mini to accommodate either a rod rest or a buzzer using a Korum adapter.
View attachment 31441
The height and splay of the legs can be changed to suit the terrain.

Thanks Mike, I have a Korum adaptor......somewhere?

 

[mikench]

Steve i found the screw thread on the korum , with a little help was like a self tapper.

 

[Steve Arnold]

Steve i found the screw thread on the korum , with a little help was like a self tapper.

I have found one advantage of the NG type of tripod is that the legs can be moved, and locked, at different angles to each other. Unlike the standard camera tripod there is no central connection between the legs.

On a sloping bank that is the drawback of the tripod type in your photo. When I next go to the river I will take a few photos, the river banks have been rock hard for weeks now so I am sure it will get used soon.

 

[@Clive]

I have found one advantage of the NG type of tripod is that the legs can be moved, and locked, at different angles to each other. Unlike the standard camera tripod there is no central connection between the legs.

On a sloping bank that is the drawback of the tripod type in your photo. When I next go to the river I will take a few photos, the river banks have been rock hard for weeks now so I am sure it will get used soon.

That is the advantage of the Benbo Trekker and similar models such as yours. If you hold the neck like you were holding a dead chicken, loosen the central lock nut and the legs drop into the perfect position no matter how complex the terrain is. Also on a flat surface the legs can be spread much wider creating a lower centre of gravity and larger foot print, both creating better stability. This is the sort of height you can get a camera down to.....

The conventional tripods as used by the French carpistes are OK for their waist height rod pods, but even then they can be easily pulled or knocked over.

 

[Steve Arnold]

This tripod is proving very useful....

Very stable and adaptable. Compact in bag to carry

 

[Ray Roberts]

I have the Korum delux tripod. Possibly a little more stable but bloody bulky to lug about if you want to be on the move. That one seems ideal.

 

[Steve Arnold]

I have the Korum delux tripod. Possibly a little more stable but bloody bulky to lug about if you want to be on the move. That one seems ideal.

I have the Korum also. This little unit is much easier to carry and still pretty solid!