Lowepro flipside design flaw?

Jack2013 · Apr 18, 2014

Hi all,

I've noticed a possible design flaw and wondered whether it was indeed a flaw or if there is a 'workaround'.

When attaching a tripod to the 400AW (the bag I own but perhaps the same for other flipsides) the tripod extends below the bottom of the bag. This wouldn't be a problem if space wasn't an issue but on public transport space often is! With the tripod extended below the bottom of the bag the bag often has it's full weight on the tripod (with the bag stood upright).

This causes a bit of an issue as most tripods have a load rating..

Anyone have/had this problem and found a workaround?

Cheers

Jack

Designer · Apr 18, 2014

I wouldn't worry about overloading the tripod in that position. The load rating is usually at the head with the legs extended.

Scatterbrained · Apr 18, 2014

Jack2013 said:
..........

Anyone have/had this problem and found a workaround?

Cheers

Jack

Yeah, get a car.

Seriously though, it shouldn't be an issue. I'm curious though, doesn't it have a pocket that holds the tripod feet? I don't have a flipside but I have two other LowePro bags and there is normally a pouch that either attaches or flips out and holds two of the tripod feet. I take the third leg and swing it out, then lean the whole set up over so it stands on it's own.

tecboy · Apr 18, 2014

It is normal for Lowepro. I don't have problem with that.

Gavjenks · Apr 18, 2014

Load ratings are for how much they can hold STABLE like... for photographing. Not how much they can hold without snapping in half.

I'm sure I could easily sit on most cheap tripods if I had an appropriate seat attached, at 200 lbs. The ball head would definitely slide, but the tripod wouldn't break.

Scatterbrained · Apr 18, 2014

Gavjenks said:
Load ratings are for how much they can hold STABLE like... for photographing. Not how much they can hold without snapping in half.

I'm sure I could easily sit on most cheap tripods if I had an appropriate seat attached, at 200 lbs. The ball head would definitely slide, but the tripod wouldn't break.

That depends on how cheap the tripod is. :lol:

The guys at DigitalRev did a cheap tripod video where they folded up the legs of a table on one end and used a tripod instead; then sat on the table. IIRC some tripods slipped, and some disintegrated. :shock:

Jack2013 · Apr 21, 2014

Thanks for the replies guys!

I'm using a Manfrotto 190XB Pro.

Scatter-brained, that's a fantastic idea with the third leg!

Gavjenks, noted thanks, makes sense!