Tripod

http://www.fig.net/pub/fig2009/papers/ts08c/ts08c_eichhorn_etal_3208.pdf

The Leica CTP101 is the best bang for the buck but it is made in China if that matter to you.

The Tri-max doesn't score well and isn't recommended for Robots

TriMax are my favorite. If you're using a robot you'll want the ones with both the lever clamp and the screw clamp. Regular total station you'll be happy with the lever clamp.

We use Tri-Max with quick clamp with our S6's- rock steady-

The Trimax is good. Popular in the Pacific NW where work is done in the rain. Personally I like a certain sort of Leica wooden tripod that has a fitting that hold the legs closed in storage. I can't seem to find a picture of the particular model on the internet right now.

I find that crews tend to over tighten screws, which shortens the life of the tripod. A little tougher for them to do that with clamps. But the clamps have to be adjusted from time to time to retain gripping power. The same crew that would over tighten a screw clamp would fail to make those lever clamp adjustments until the leg slipped - perhaps with catastrophic results. As far as ease of use there is no big difference. Either can be worked with mittens on.

I have two Tri-Max tripods with the quick levers. I absolutely love them. They are the best tripods I have ever used. They are rock steady, the handle and shoulder carry strap make it a breeze to carry around. I also like the strap that keeps the legs from spreading out on slicker surfaces.

If I could afford it, I would have ONLY Tri-Maxs in the truck.

I have nothing but TriMax. As stated, here in the NWet they are the preferred tripod. I have never noticed any noticeable error that can be attributed to the TriMax. It should be noted that I keep them well adjusted and my TCRP1201 is not 30lbs.

I like using the NEDO tripods.

I'll throw my hat in on the TriMax, too. I love it. I was used to the screw and was hesitant on the quick lever, so I bought one with BOTH. I honestly don't think I've used the screws once! Never had a problem using it with the robot and the straps are great for throwing it on the shoulder.

I got a NEDO when I bought my robot and I'm pretty impressed with it. It has the quick clamps, which I had never had before this tripod, and I won't go back. I will probably buy some more NEDO tripods soon, too. Of course, the Tri Max is a very good tripod, too.

Leica GST-120-9 Self Closing Tripods, Dutch Hill Robotics Tripod, Trimax QL Robotics Tripod - all very good.

37°01'58" N
117°18'44" W

I'm using the Tir-max with screw clamps. My last lever clamp tripod self-unlocked a lever with the before mentioned catastrophic result. Robot brains on the pavement.
The only gripe I have about the Tri-max is that often, even with the screws backed all the way out, it's a bear to adjust the legs up and down.

Trimax is a good tripod, I find them to be very stable. I have 5 of them. My older preSECO trimax adjusts easier (legs slip better) but the new ones aren't too bad.

They are heavy.

I have a Dutch Hill for a lightweight tripod and it is just as stable.

We are using S6 total stations which are lightweight and vibration free so a very heavy tripod is not really necessary.

For weight, stability, ease of setup and durability we have come to the conclusion that Dutch Hill has shined above the rest. In Alaska Dutch Hill is a very popular tripod. All the wood tripods I have used swell up and then become a pain in the butt. We have used trimax (heavy and wow$) and other versions of fiber tripods but they just don’t compare to Dutch Hill. On remote surveys we have left tripods in trees for days, weeks so we don’t have to carry them out of the field with no problems. All hardware is stainless. I don’t know how they would hold up to sunshine as we never have that problem.
They are made in USA

Dutch Hill

I've had one Dutch Hill for almost twenty-five years (I'm pretty sure I got it '89). It is still a very serviceable and great performing tripod. I've noticed the guys don't like to use it much anymore, probably due to its weight.

I don't know the numbers, but it is the heaviest of all the "better than two dozen" tripods I have hiding in trucks, closets, attics and garages.

Dutch Hill

Had them all

Dutch Hill expand and shake in sun wind the absolute worst in stability = Krap

Crane heavy and they work = so so Krap yes still plastic of some type

Nedo the best but I will say they have to solve the wood expansion issue

IN summary I would go Nedo but be prepared to take them indoors every
day in a west coast rain belt inviroemnt.

That's why I have to two sets of nedo day in day out
and I curse myself for my laziness for not drying them out at night
so that's why I have two I guess

So in the truck/site trailer 1 long set crane quick clamps
and two sets nedo WOOD in a nice warm site trailer.

Pick your ppp

Dutch Hill

We have a Dutch Hill that we used for several years prior to the advent of Crain's. However, I got sick and tired of having to replace the stainless steel clamp straps when they broke. But basically it was a good tripod except for that.

Dutch Hill

I use a Dutch Hill. It is light, durable and easy to adjust and mend if needed.

I have a Nedo. Never used it so it is still like new. It is heavy and stout. I guess because of the German lineage.