The best tripod for Leica robotic total station

IMHO a double lock tripod is a must for a RTS.

Been using that model of Dutch Hill for over 25 yrs. and have no complaints. Of those the last 10 or so with a Leica 1200 robot. The single SS strap clamp is very quick and secure without a lot of moving parts to adjust. My only advise is not to be overzealous when tightening the SS band. If its too tight you may snap off the plastic toggle. A bit pricey, but a very good all-around tripod.

(on sale at Hayes this week also)

"Best" is a subjective term. Those Dutch Hills are very good. Trimax's are also fine. But I prefer the Leica GST120-9?ÿ overall.?ÿ Very stable and relatively small size and light weight for stowing and packing.?ÿ Not surprisingly, Leica's White Paper on Tripod Stability also prefers them. But if durability is your prime criteria then the composite tripods are the best for you.?ÿ

@norman-oklahoma

Thanks Norman.

The world "best" in this case for me is combination of the following: stability (most important for working with RTS), easy to work with (so not sure about Leica GST120-9 side clamps), not loosing quality working on adverse weather conditions, light enough because one person carries  all equipment in case of one-man crew.

I am currently utilizing Trimax but found it to be to bulky and heavy even I do like it over roll.   

Just got the sitepro salamander series tripod. I think they make 3 models. I got there most stable model which im sure is the heaviest. It seems if you want good stability double lock etc. you got to deal with the bulk and weight.

I have not used trimax or dutch hill tripods before but the sitepro seems like a solid competitor. For the price of the sitepro it just cant be beat. (Around &120 i think)

Because of that i was a bit skeptic so I only ordered 1 just to check it out.?ÿ Its only been in the truck for a little over a week so time will tell.

First impressions are that it is a very stable solid?ÿ bulky heavy tripod. But 3 for the price of 1 of the competitors. Seems to be a killer deal.

https://www.engineersupply.com/SitePro-Salamander-Hi-Viz-Dual-Clamp-Robotic-Composite-Tripod-01-RHIVIZ20-B.aspx

My opinion, use the Leica wood tripods.?ÿ I have used the Dutch hill composite, Trimax...always fall back to the woodies for stability.

@gregkogan

I'm not sure that you will find the Dutch Hill to be any different than the Trimax in terms of heft and bulk.

The clamps of the GTS120-9 work just fine. You do have to bend over a bit more to reach them. But you don't ever have to adjust them because you do that every time you use them. I've used these things over a long period (20 years +) and found them to be perfectly reliable for robotic work. Treated with even average care they last a long time.

I've also used the Trimax plenty. They are fine, but bulky.

I had a couple examples of the early model Dutch Hill c.1990. Similar material to the modern ones, but different design. Those things vibrated so bad in a moderate wind that they would actually start to make a low noise of their own, like a violin. Naturally, that played havoc with instrument levelling. These modern ones have long since fixed that.        

@mag-eye

I've never seen one of these in the flesh. The price is very low compared to the Trimax and the Leicas I am most familiar with. I'm noticing that all the photographs on all the website advertising them carefully avoid allowing you a good close up view of the clamps and the tripod head.   We will look forward to your report after using it for a month or 2.  

@norman-oklahoma

https://secure.fltgeosystems.com/tripods-bipods/sitepro-salamander-robotic-rhivz20-b-tripod-dw01-rhiviz20-b/

?v=1572310460

Site pro is chineese garbage.

@ken

Thanks Ken.

I actually just bought it. 

I appreciate everyone advice.

@beartow

10-4. Only been using mine for 20 years. Had to replaced velcro straps and one plastic thumb toggle. On my third Robot though.

@hooks

With the prices I assumed they were Chinese. As for the garbage part, I'll have to take your word for it. Little things mean a lot with these things. It's a short boat ride from best to unusable junk.

@mark-mayer

I tested the waters with a rover pole, it’s not for me. SitePro gear is not an option for us again.