In the woods working alone is one thing, if I am in the street or some other hazardous environment I will loosen up my standards as long as the measurement is up to snuff.
Using those big plate tripods is also a bummer if you use the Leica measure up tape, you need to plan the tripod placement in order to have a clear path for the tape.
i have had the same experience with both Leica and DH. I’ll admit of only used DH for about 10 years, but all indications are they’re on par.
Wow - thanks everyone for the responses.?ÿ I didn't expect all this.?ÿ The reason I asked is because I have an absolute stockpile of tripods of all different manufacturers, and I really only need 2 or 3.?ÿ (I had been using the Seco fixed-height, until I discovered how horrific it is at keeping the bubble adjusted)
So anyway, I'm going back to the traditional tribrach-tripod setup.?ÿ I agree that the Dutch Hill (Tri-Max is the same?) double locking tripod is a beast, and my favorite for robotic work because it's extremely stable, but I sometimes have to hike in with it over difficult terrain and that thing's too heavy.?ÿ
My preference is to have one go-to tripod that's as good as possible for many situations, while being as light as possible.?ÿ I have Sokkias, Tri-Maxes, a ton of Wilds, etc., etc.?ÿ I have one Leica in there I'll have to see if it's the GTS20 and see what all the hype is about!
I think the only difference between the GTS20 & GTS120 is the self locking feet. The GTS20s uses a strap.
As for the stability. I think it has more to do with the head design and leg material. My problem with the Tri-Max, which are different than the Dutch Hills, is that fiberglass tends to be more susceptible to differential expansion. If I set up with one in the morning within an hour I can be out 10 or 15 seconds with my MS50. Not so much the same results with the Leica legs. As a bonus they are also a lot lighter, you just need to care for the would and the last for ever, I have several still in use that I purchased when I set up shop 22 years ago.
I'm confused by some of these comments...?ÿ The Tri max that I used is solid wood and heavier than a regular "leica" tripod I've used.?ÿ ?ÿI carried that Tri max all over swamp and golf course, it's not lightweight in any sense.?ÿ?ÿ
Dutch Hills that I used in Alaska were very light in comparison, but the design was solid.
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andy?ÿ?ÿ
All of the Trimble Tri-Maxs we have are hollow fiberglass. The fiberglass is very thick, and they are not light. They are pretty good tripods, though. I just prefer the Dutch Hill because they seem to be manufactured with 3x or 4x more care/finish.
I've had a few pair of the GTS20s since the late 90s and they are still being used when needed, but people don't rush to grab them if the lighter DHs are available.
The Tri-max's I have are a fiberglass based composite material. The leg material is hollow, but not flimsy by any means. They are rather heavy. Trimax's are quite good. I just like the GST20's better.?ÿ?ÿ
I had a "Dutch Hill" tripod back in the early 90's. Completely different from what is being discussed here. It had round fiberglass leg components. It was supposed to be great for not swelling up and binding when it got wet. Instead it just bound up all the time wet or dry.?ÿ And when a moderate wind blew the whole assembly would vibrate to the point of emitting a low moaning sound. By touching it at various points along its length you could vary the pitch of the moaning.?ÿ It quickly became the spare tripod, used only on occasions when the other tripods had gotten wet and swollen and need a few days indoors to dry. Eventually the fiberglass broke, suddenly and without warning, where the leg attached to the head and dropped the instrument on the pavement.?ÿ
?ÿLooks like they still make them. You couldn't get me to take one as a gift.
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More mass = more inertia = more stability??ÿ
Just a quick update for whoever's still here - I found one Leica tripod and it's not the GST20 or GST120. I don't recall the model number but the manufacture date was 1997.?ÿ The paint is scratched but not chipping at all, unlike other old tripods. It seems like a sturdy, yet lightweight tripod.
I do, however, have a pile of Wild tripods that say GST20 on them.?ÿ I wonder if those are rebranded Leica GST20's?
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@adamw Good to know! Looks like I can enjoy the GST20 goodness after all.?ÿ I've been using those lately and they're a good balance of lightweight and sturdy.?ÿ The paint job on the Wild version isn't nearly as good as Leica's though.
It's funny how experiences differ. That is my favorite tripod hands down. But around here there ain't much wind.
Perhaps they have addressed the problems in the intervening 25 years. Probably a slight increase in the material thickness or a change in composition would do it. And there are many details to the leg breaking story which I haven't related here.
The Leica may another model.?ÿ They do make a lighter weight pine version with a central screw clam that has a PVC coating (GST05).
I found 3 of those in my office yesterday when I got back from the field. They are feather light. Didn't need them this week, already have line laths set on the preliminary line. I move those to the true line from my calculations then we know where the boundary is located. We finished 5-1/2 miles of chopping and painting boundary hacks.
Starting a new project on Monday, start with traversing.
We used Leica tripods day in and day out for years. Pricey, but a very good value in the long run.
The only superior evidence is that which you haven't yet found.