Mid-level vs. Ground level Tripod spreaders

[tylerdlugolecki]

Hello,

I'm getting ready to pull the trigger on the Libec RS250 and have read in many reviews that while the head is of decent quality, the same cannot be said about the sticks. I will most likely be upgrading the sticks sometime in the future but for the time being I will be stuck with the stock legs.

The biggest complaint seems to be the stability. Would I be better off getting the ground level spreader version of this tripod to combat the stability issue or will it not matter much? I will most likely be traveling with extra weight and it seems that it would be easier to place sandbags on a ground spreader rather than a middle one...

I shoot mostly indoors so I a ground spreader won't get in my way too much. Not sure which way I should go.

Thoughts?

[Inveresk]

I have the Libec 350M which uses the same sticks with mid level spreader. I haven't experienced any stability issues inside or in the field with a AF100 mounted. Spreader is an easy clip in but is plastic so time will tell how robust it is. Leg locks are knobs - my usual preference is for the levers - but these are pretty good and lock with a quick half turn. Only disappointment with the sticks is minimum height with spreader in place which is around 800mm. The head is good, makes balancing easy and the action is smooth. Minor gripe - lacks a light in the bubble.

[Dave ©]

I shoot mostly indoors so I a ground spreader won't get in my way too much. Not sure which way I should go.

Emphasis added by me. The main problem I see with floor-level spreaders are that they limit the terrain upon which you can put the tripod. The floor/surface has to be level. So if you only shoot indoors then maybe floor-level is the way to go. But I wouldn't even do that, personally. You never know when you need to place one leg on a stair to get your shot, just as an example. I have a Libec LS28M(2A) with mid-level spreader and like it. It's very stable.

[morgan_moore]

Changing camera height is the biggest tripod issue to me and treading on a ground spreader is central to that process IMO when trying to raise the camera

Some sticks (satchler) fit both systems so you could pick the right tool for the right day

Overall Id go with ground where possible..

S