Approaching the Scene 208: My Custom Tripod Updates + How To Build Your Own

[@macmcmillen6282]

Lol...when I first saw the close-up of the hands wrapping the tripod I thought to myself, "Gee, I never noticed before how beautiful Hudson's hands are."

[@iamionscat9035]

How can this only have 682 likes??? That's unreasonable. Please hit the like button

[@goranculibrk4392]

Thanks!

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

Thank you so much Goran! 🙏

[@markbe2412]

I just ordered from your store due to how helpful your videos have been. I love my new tripod and the claws are the best! Also, I'm a cyclist and finding out the cork handlebar tape is what you use made me so happy! So cool!

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

Thanks for that feedback Mark!

[@antonoat]

I honestly think you, your colleagues and your wife may have created the ultimate travel tripods, great job Hudson, thanks for sharing the quality info 👏😀👍

[@craigozancin]

I just recently purchased this tripod and leveling base. I am very impressed. I currently have three heads. I bought their quick link system. I placed one on the base and one on the leveling base. This is amazing. I can change heads quickly.

[@peterknight2876]

I've installed stainless steel and rubber washers between tripod legs and the spikes or rock feet. This also acts as a vibration damper same principle as rubber washers used in washing machines... It may not be much.. But every little helps in getting a sharper image.. Also the other side improves the waterproofing between spikes / rock feet and the base of the tripod legs..

[@peterknight9873]

I also own a Leofoto tripod LM-324CL it’s a great tripod. In regards to wrapping the legs I also have a thin strip of reflective tape on each leg at the top… This helps finding the tripod late at night especially on steep hills…

[@MDanceInc]

I absolutely love my custom tripod.....Thanks for your service and dedication to the photographic community

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

I so appreciate that Mark!

[@NikCan66]

Another excellent video and always a highlight of the week

[@mikebreazeale2563]

I have both of these and love them Hudson...well done and thanks for your time and videos. Great videos every time...

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

👍 Thanks Mike!

[@rcgrant9310]

Hudson, Remarkable workmanship on the custom-built larger tripod. Such great quality! If you're photographing with Z9 and a long lens such as the 800 f/6.3, do you generally have the Kirk LRP-3 adjustable nodal rail mounted? Thanks...

[@ddunnum]

I love these tripods. I did purchase the long leg version. I have not been disappointed.

[@joryvgphoto]

I am in love with my rig... thank you Hudson

[@mohamedduwisan6580]

Amazing Thanks Hudson ⚘️

[@TeddyCavachon]

This was very helpful in deciding on a tripod for my new R6mkII and timely because the legs and fluid head were both on sale at B&H.

[@peterfaris3398]

I've ordered the parts to build the 284CEX. I bought the legs on sale and the leofoto pan and tilt head is on its way as well as handlebar tape etc. My first real tripod...I'm very stoked. I have locations and projects in mind...

[@zZola_Photography]

I wish that scilicone tape had a reflective option. I've been thinking about switch the gaffers tape on my tripod for a high reflective tape so when I'm walking out to my tripod at night I can find it in the wild much easier with just just a flash of my headlamp (for when I need to head back and forth to my jeep etc)

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

Easy to just run a strip nearly anywhere you want around any or all of the legs. :) I have a bright yellow bit of thin gaffer tape with my name and number in sharpie around the silicone tape on my personal tripod. It helps distinguish it from other twelve in the sprinter on workshops... 😂

[@dmac5x1]

First-rate !

[@JasonEdelman66]

Heat shrink might be a better (durable) long term solution than the silicon tape, top shrink would need to be slid on before doing wrap. Like your style! Glad I found your channel. Cheers

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

It's been insanely durable for me so far. There's gaffer tape beneath backing it up too. Thanks man.

[@jean-baptistegrenouille4726]

Just a little note. I used handle bar cork wrap for over 20 years, and shrink tubing to tie up the ends.

[@jaydigshistory36]

I got both! I put the SmallRig compact fluid head on the smaller one. It’s excellent for what I do. Now I’m shooting some film too, the larger fluid head is awesome for my 4x5 and the smaller is great for my 6x9 Voigtlander Bergheil. Hope you’re well Hudson.

[@joshuafrench8441]

I couldn't help noticing that shiny silver knob on your fluid head. It sure looks a lot easier to grab than the tiny black knob that comes with this fluid head. I am interested in picking one of these up for my fluid head. Where might one buy this handy little ergonomic upgrade? BTW: Thanks so much for recommending this fluid head. It meets both my landscape and wildlife photography needs wonderfully in a lightweight package.

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

They come from Kirk with the replacement arca bridge assembly I put on all my custom builds. It's all at my links under Fluid heads and support. www.hudsonhenry.com/atslinks

[@denwag1]

Hey have you looked into the bubba blade grip tape ? i used this on my tripod and its amazingly comfy, light and grippable on another level I then used ..ETek go heat shrink to capture the ends of the grip tape wrap, makes for a very simple and strong clean installation and looks great as well. hope this helps.

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

The reasons I would avoid that are twofold. First is weight. The cork roadbike tape I use is literally weightless (roadbikers count grams) and the second is the adhesive. The cork tape peels of easily with no adhesive residue on the carbon and the silicone tape I use to secure it stretches tight and secures only to itself. You have to slice it off the cork beneath to remove, but the carbon never touches any harsh adhesives and the weight of it all is measured in a few grams, not ounces. :) cork has a fabulous feel and grip too.

[@K9malinois_dog_love]

I want to order the LS-255cex Doe it comes with what you mentioned on this video. ?

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

We sell it either bare or complely custom built. All the details are here. Www.hudsonhenry.com/tripods

[@K9malinois_dog_love]

@@HudsonHenryPhoto would you recommend the LS-255cex for landscape photography and video with the 500 Manfroto fluid head? Or a bigger tripod I’m afraid the head would be too big.

[@beastatwork]

Hey Hudson, great video as always 😃 wonder if you’ve tried the Acratech leveling base compared to the LB-75. Would love to hear about that comparison.

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

I prefer the lb75. More tilt, easier operation for two handed leveling with the little winglets you can hit with your pinky, 50lb capacity, and super simple triple set screws to lock your head down tight. All that is worth the extra 4oz to me, especially at half the price.

[@TheMiniD3]

Much appreciated Hudson My friend is in the market for a carbon fibre tripod The LM324CL looks the answer ............. especially the custom made one :) But I'm sure he would not need the head Have passed on this vid and the "links" website ................ Gary ....................AU

[@anthonymrbs]

I find myself using my Leofoto 284CEX that I bought on your recommendation more than my Gitzo Mountaineer here lately. While I agree the default leg angles could be just a little wider I just open mi ne up and rest them on the notches for a wider stance. But honestly not sure it makes much difference stability wise . And I feel the same way with center columns. Have never noticed a difference using proper technique. The main downside is how low you can go.

[@jonzmoviebar7580]

hi there, any recommendation on what type/brand of black tape I should be looking for? I just want to make sure I use the proper tapes that doesn't leave residues or damage my expensive tripod with glue contact intrusions :) I don't want to take lose chances on this one as Amazon and such could sell tons of crap. Thanks !

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

I use these kits in my store and keep the included gaffe tape only on the legs and wrap... You'll see the latest build and those kits here: www.hudsonhenry.com/tripods for the finishing stage I cover the gaffe tape and overlap the carbon with this silicone tape that stretches and only sticks to itself. amzn.to/3YRfrgR

[@jonzmoviebar7580]

@@HudsonHenryPhoto So much appreciated. Thanks man :)

[@davidfukuda1492]

Great videos and tutorials on Fluid Heads. I mostly do Landscapes but recently got into wildlife and BIF and Bought the Sony 200-600, was thinking of going the gimbal way like most people but your videos swayed me to the fluid head for its all around use. My question is will the head have enough counter balance so I don’t get the lens flop when I let go? Thanks.

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

It does. It's helpful to use an Arca foot on the Kirk bridge and balance the camera fore and aft. The camera will still flop very slowly against the fluid if left at an angle out of balance. I have no problem with my 100-400 or 800PF on it. I'd also advise using a bit of weight in the included stone bag when you use it with a big lens. It roots the pod and makes movements more precise while also protecting the entire system from blowing down or being knocked over. The latest builds we do are at www.hudsonhenry.com/tripods

[@davidfukuda1492]

@@HudsonHenryPhoto Thank you for you response, it will definitely help me make the decision towards the fluid head which I was not sure of before and will also get the arca foot from Kirk. I have already bought a few things from them from watching your videos.🤙

[@robgerety]

Its funny, I used that same silicone tape on my two tripods and it really does work much better than bare gaffer tape.

[@matthewguthrie7675]

How low do it put the hockey tape bump from the top of the tripod? 4 to 6 inches?

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

Longer and multiple wraps of it pinched together. It'll take a bit of trial and error to get it right.

[@larryrudnick1519]

Thanks for sharing so much info on this and your channel in general - much appreciated. Just curious if you ever consider some of the leg wraps either commercially or I've seen pipe insulation used also. (For cushioning on your shoulder as you hike with the tripod leaning on your shoulder.)

[@tschopp23]

Hi Hudson, love your videos. For the lightweight setup I am curious why you selected the arcatech instead of using the manfroto fluid head? Is the lightweight more for photos and the heavy more for video?

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

Thanks Steve. The ultralight setup is for situations where every ounce counts. Think multiday winter expedition with everything on your back. I prefer the fluid head if I can carry it, but the Acratech is a one-pound, very compact pan and tilt that's an engineering marvel. It's so well made. I'm working on Acratech to build an ultralight, small fluid head. Until they do that the two-pound 500AH remains the best option for my larger rig and the panorama head for the ultralight setup. But, yes... I miss the fluid despite it being such an incredible head. :)

[@tschopp23]

@@HudsonHenryPhoto that makes sense. So if I’m not averse to the weight I could mix a slightly lager set of legs like the 324cex with the 500 and get a system somewhere between your two sets of tripods.

[@tschopp23]

Do you like any of the Leofoto fluid heads like the Bv-10 or be-15?

[@rsuminsby]

Have you found a source for replacement rubber feet for the TFS spikes? I lost one, and haven't found any way to replace just the rubber foot.

[@electricsheep1963]

Hi Hudson, hope you are well - Any thoughts on using the Leofoto VH-30 / VH30R as an alternative to the Arcatech Panoramic Head for the light weight setup ?

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

It's really tough to use. I tried it out. Both sides of it are rough friction brakes. The acratech has this smooth very fine tunable tension control on one side that allows you to set the tilt tension to the weight of your body and lens to allow composition adjustments without flop. The other side's larger knob is an on/off lock. The acratech is not cheap, but once you use it you'll see why. No one is engineering heads nearly as nice. They're not in the same league.

[@electricsheep1963]

@@HudsonHenryPhoto Thanks for the really quick response, I suspected that may have been the case. I will just have to save my pennies 🙂

[@drwho353]

Happy to see the family business doing well!! I own the previously highly-recommended Robus RC-5570 tripod which I love. I bought the upgraded Haoge 75mm bowl. Will the LB-75 fit? It appears it will but thought I would ask. Or I can be a guinea pig and let you know how that goes. Great video - as always! -- Looking a little more, looks like I would need to replace the bowl with the original plate (which I have) -- and screw the leveling adapter into it...

[@nicholaspoleschukjr8565]

I also own the Robus RC-5570 and have attached the Leofoto LB-75S. It fits perfectly with the bonus that the safety pull latch engages. The latch does not engage on my Haoge TBA-75.

[@drwho353]

@@nicholaspoleschukjr8565 thanks for the reply !!!

[@drwho353]

@@nicholaspoleschukjr8565 Just arrived today. Takes away some weight of the original solution but this is pretty slick! And you are right - the safety latch actually engages with this vs. the Hauge TBA 75 bowl which would not engage with the lock. Slick!

[@dylansue3519]

Whats the name of the ballhead u used in the small tripod ?

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

Www.hudsonhenry.com/tripods not sure which of the two I build you mean, but you can find it there.

[@sebastianh.8212]

Inspiring video as always - thank you Hudson 🙏! What would your settings be like if you would use your Z6II? Not all of us call a Z9 their own 😉

[@keithhartman1219]

The bag that came with my 324CL legs don't fit the legs with the head still on. Which bag do you include with your set?

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

I have them custom spec longer bags with all the tripods I sell whether built or bare of my site that do fit with the 500AH head and LB75S leveler. We have some extras in stock too if your need to get one. Email me about it as I often miss KZbin replies when traveling.

[@GMS444]

Hey, What grease are you using for the legs

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

It's in my links under the tripods. Www.hudsonhenry.com/atslinks :)

[@GMS444]

@@HudsonHenryPhoto Good Ole Superlube, Thank you.

[@MusikPiratCH]

What about the Leofoto BV-1R Head is it any good? Could it replace the Manfrotto 500AH Fluid Head?

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

I've tried it. It's not terrible, but heavier and not as nice. Certainly not on part with the 500AH and Kirk aftermarket Bridge. I honestly have a real problem with leofoto arca clamps like the one integrated in that head too. I keep asking them to redesign their clamps. 🤞

[@DarrenLloydPDX]

I see that Leica...

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

;)

[@richardellishk]

is that a Leica on your computer desk??

[@KarenVaisman1]

Hi Hudson! I am interested in your tripods. I'm wondering if I want a lightweight system that can also do a little video with (with the handle and fluid head) can the manfrotto head be put on to the lighter weight tripod system? (switch heads) or is it too heavy? I would be using the Z9 and probably biggest lens 100- 400mm Z I am also 5"4" so I don't know if the lightweight one is tall enough for me. Thanks for clarifying!

[@beastatwork]

Hey Karen, you can definitely put the Manfrotto MVH500AH on the Leofoto LS-284CEX lighter tripod. I own both the MVH500AH fluid head and the Acratech Panoramic Head. I use both on the same tripod legs. The Leofoto LS-284CEX has a max height of 58.07 inches plus you can add about 4-6 inches for the head. I am 5' 11'' and those tripod legs bring the camera to close to eye level.

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

It's true, but you'll be far happier with the solidity of the Z9 with the 100-400 on the 324CL. The extra height really has nothing to do with your personal height and everything to with setting up on a steep hillside or shooting over low brush standing on a rock, or dropping a leg deep into a steam or tide pool. Versatility. I only choose the 284cex when weight is my primary consideration and I always miss the 324 when I do. Backcountry ski touring or long backpacking expeditions are the reasons I do it. If at all possible I prefer the 324CL. I would not choose to mount the 500AH on a 284cex personally, but it can be done. Be sure to load the heck out of that stone bag if you do. :)

[@KarenVaisman1]

@@HudsonHenryPhoto thanks Hudson. Well I don’t hike far due to carrying too much weight and my age. So I’m looking for lighter weight that I can do shorte videos with more clips so wondering if this would be the right solution. Thanks for your feedback.

[@KarenVaisman1]

@@beastatwork I appreciate your feedback!

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

Email me if you have any other questions or concerns. :)

[@Slewis71119]

How do I order a tripod from you?

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

shop.hudsonhenry.com/collections/tripods

[@johnhjic2]

Dose look like a gàt tripod

[@djlhobbies2579]

Ummmm "Our Macro Image Office Hours Video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/p4XaXouadqZ-oNU" took me to z9 video.

[@dmac5x1]

First-rate!