Tripod Bag/Case

[Runmonty]

I have finally taken the plunge and invested in a good tripod. (I didn't realise how bad my old hand-me-down aluminium tripod was until I took delivery of my new one).

My question is - Does anyone have any advice as to bags or cases to carry the tripod? I have some ideas in mind, but would appreciate any suggestions from the members of the forum.

Also a shout out to Marko for his excellent podcast on choosing a tripod. I found the advice valuable and relevant.

[JAS_Photo]

When my old tripod bag died on me, there were not too many choices available but I did find one of these and it is a good case.

http://www.thinktankphoto.com/documents/265/Bazooka_Instructions.pdf

[Runmonty]

Thanks JAS. That is the type of thing i was thinking about. I like that it can attach to the backpack.

[Andrew]

TRIPOD BAG PADDED 90CM MB MBAG90PN - Carrying Solutions For Tripods | Manfrotto (http://www.manfrotto.com/tripod-bag-padded-90cm)

Comes in various sizes.

[Runmonty]

Thanks Andrew. This bag is available at my preferred online store, so I will have a good look at it. I appreciate you taking the time to respond.

[Marko]

Thanks for the compliment Rm!
I'll chime in here -
I despise tripod bags!!!! It wastes precious time when you want to set up and then you have to deal with what do with it once the tripod is set up.

I have been using a tripod strap for the past 2 years or so, and although I don't love the strap (because I feel it could be a bit better designed), I love it way better than any tripod bag.
here's a pic in case it helps.

[Runmonty]

Thanks Marko,

That's very useful information, and the reason I was looking for input from the knowledgeable people here at the forum. Experience is so important for these types of things.

Before purchasing anything I have decided in the shorter term to play with the straps on my back pack, and see how user friendly it is to carry it that way, as I often have my backpack on the same days I would use the tripod.

[Marko]

My pleasure. I should say that in my case, I do not carry my backpack 85% of the time anymore.(Tripod strap would not work well with backpack imo....)
1 lens on the camera, 2 on my hip and the tripod and strap. That's it for me and my back is loving it.

[missyinmuskoka]

I agree with Marko on the strap. I have the same, and although I also don't love the design how it goes around the leg, I think it is handy. Depending on the type of photography you do, I would also suggest getting a pod pad. I use this much more as I can have my tripod expanded and carry it with ease over my shoulder. Here is an image of the one I use and love.
17443

[Marko]

Love to see a link to this product Missy!

[missyinmuskoka]

I bought mine here Marko.
Pod Pad for Tripods - Shoulder Protection when Carrying Heavy Gear - The NatureScapes.Net Store (http://www.naturescapes.net/store/pod_pad-for-tripods-shoulder_protection-when-carrying-heavy-gear.html)

[Runmonty]

Thanks Missy - that is great advice.

I must confess my thinking on this has changed since I first posed the question (which is exactly the reason I asked).

Thanks to all

In my recent research I came across the following which may be of interest to others that may be following this thread.

The Fine Art of Carrying a Tripod - Photo Tips @ Earthbound Light (http://www.earthboundlight.com/phototips/carrying-tripod.html)

Untitled Page (http://store.birdsasart.com/shop/item.aspx?itemid=24)

Tripods « Nick Carver Photography – Fine Art Landscape Photography, Online Photography Courses, Private Photography Lessons and Photography Classes | Blog (http://www.nickcarverphotography.com/blog/?tag=tripods) -------------------scroll down for DIY tripod leg pads