The subject of tripods and boredom came up in the Leica S images thread...
I have more tripods than camera bags (not actually true). That would be fine, but I don't use them. Once upon a time, I took a workshop with Guy and Jack, borrowed a Cambo/IQ160/SK43 kit, and used a Gitzo 3-series tripod. It was wonderful, as were the other workshops where I used a variety of tech cam gear and ... tripods.
Unfortunately, left to my own devices, I don't get up before dawn, go to scenic locations, set up the tripod, and wait for beautiful light. I walk around and look for subjects and beautiful light. This does not lend itself to tripod use. Now that image stabilization is so advanced, I can get away with an astonishing range of sensor size and lens variety and STILL not use a tripod. Only long exposures would get me to take one along, but despite having the filters, I just haven't gotten around to it.
Did I mention lazy? I'm lazy. I also got weight conscious due to an illness and tripods got even less appealing.
I don't need a tripod. So, of course, I have the Peak Design, a Feisol, RRS TFC-14, Novoflex Triobal, Triopod, Pro-75 (7 lbs!), and a half dozen sets of interchangeable legs, and the aforementioned Gitzo 3-series. Don't ask about tripod heads. Why so many? Because I like them. Just like I used to like cameras before I started taking pictures with them in earnest.
The RRS TFC-14 punches way above its weight, and would probably be sufficient for anything I might decide to do in the way of long exposures. Maybe all I needed were some light tripods. My plan was (is?) to sell all the Novoflex gear and get the RRS 2-series. Probably the short TFC-24. Less than 4 pounds with a light head.
What did I do? Here's where boredom comes in. The Gitzo 4553 is absolutely ridiculous. Thick, short, 5 leg sections, and 5 lbs. But there're mods! As mentioned above, one can replace the spider, replace the feet, and get the weight down to 4lbs. 2oz. (I just weighed it). Heavier and less convenient than the RRS 24, but it was fun to do. The Markins replacement spider is out of stock in the usual places, so I ordered it direct from Korea. It came today, and the surgery is complete. ANOTHER tripod I probably won't use. I still plan to sell the Novy set. I wasn't using it, you see. :ROTFL:
Matt (pictures to come)