I searched this site on this topic. The returns I received were 2-years old. I am thinking enough water has passed under the bridge to ask this question again.
I have a couple of Seco bipods. But I would like something a little more substantial for GPS/GNSS traverses. When it is windy or there is a question of ground stability, I breakout a wooden tripod/tribrach setup. So I am looking for something more substantial than the light weight secos I have but less substantial than a wooden tripod.
A three legged pod is better than two legged for stability.
For the long haul, I've found that a good aluminum tripod and tribrach with a mini pole (0.3ft to 4ft) makes for a better setup and will out perform and outlast any pod on the market.
0.02
I am a Leica shop, they build their own bipods and pole tripods for their poles, orders of magnitude better than anything else I have used as far as maintenance free and just work. I have a SECO bipod I should just throw away, but keep it in the spares pile. If you aren't using leica poles, then probably need to look elsewhere, if you are then look no further than the leica OEM accessories.
SHG
I never (well okay almost never) use bi-pods for control work of any type.?ÿ Mainly because you are relying on a bubble on a rod that gets handled roughly in the course of a normal day.?ÿ Second, as you not, bi-pods are tough to keep up in adverse conditions.?ÿ The use of weights can alleviate this under some conditions.?ÿ Sand bags filled with gravel work great.?ÿ For control I stick to the old trusty tripod / tribrach and save the bi-pod for monuments and such.?ÿ It just works better for my work flow and product.?ÿ That being said, I'm trying to come up with a better way to mount a bi-pod to my rod.?ÿ Something with a little less clutter so I can get closer to fences and such.
My Seco bipod is okay, but the feature I most wish it had is micro-adjusters.?ÿ I spend too much time chasing the bubble around using the push buttons.
Use two bi-pods for GPS work!
4' wooden bi pods, I carry them in the lath bag for GPS locations.
