Tripod Optics Chair

[Shadowman]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OxZA1Ks522U

[Manfred M]

Another awkward, heavy piece of gear to lug into the great outdoors. I suspect this one is not going to be on the market all that long.

[Shadowman]

Another awkward, heavy piece of gear to lug into the great outdoors. I suspect this one is not going to be on the market all that long.

It does look clunky when collapsed, I'd like to find out about the evolution of the chair, did they test market, etc. Found the link for the device, didn't see an "about us" page.

http://opticstripodchair.co.uk/

[Mike Buckley]

It weighs "only" 19 pounds. It's apparently intended to be stored permanently in a hide.

Anything that I'm going to pay that much money for and anything that I'm going to plan to sit in for such a long time better have a cup holder. This one has no cup holder.

It also fits only Manfrotto heads.

[rpcrowe]

IMO - I don't think that I would select the Tripod Optics Chair for a variety of reasons - weight and price being a couple.

However, I do like this tripod cane/chair especially when shooting low angle shots.



The cane also helps this old guy motivate over rough terrain. Easier than carrying or hanging the chair over my shoulder. It is quite steady to sit in, reasonably comfortable and the handle makes it easy to get up from. If I stop to shoot without using the chair, I simply stand it next to me I can use this with the camera mounted on a tripod, monopod or hand-held. Sitting in this chair with my elbows on my knees is a pretty solid way to hand-hold even a long lens like the 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II

About the longest time I have sat in this chair without getting up is an hour and it seemed just fine. I now weigh below 200 pounds but, have used this seat last year when I weighed about 230. No problems supporting my weight then or now...

A member of my photo club loaned me his tripod chair when we were shooting auto racing trials. I shot the trials using a monopod to support my camera and lens and I decided that I wanted a tripod chair like his.

A camo poncho with a hood could make this into a quick to set up blind; although I have not used it in that fashion...

Also, it can come in handy for outdoor macro shooting since many outdoor macro shots are from a low angle.

I have walked some pretty long distances over uneven terrain carrying a tripod and camera + long lens over my shoulder and steadying myself with the cane. It worked fine...

Price is for this seat is pretty decent also. I paid about twenty-seven USD for mine, including shipping. Ebay has them in a variety of prices and this is the one I selected and I am quite happy with it. I use it for other events besides photography also

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Folding-Port...wAAOxy14VRR5aJ

There are also very light and very inexpensive tripod chairs without the "cane" feature available on eBay. That might be a better bet for some photographers but, this chair cane just fits my needs...

Of course, I only use the chair when I plan to be sitting somewhere waiting for a shot or when I know that I will be shooting various low angle shots.

[chauncey]

nothing beats my 3-wheel electric scooter.

[Manfred M]

nothing beats my 3-wheel electric scooter.

But I expect it was expensive and weighs a lot. It's a good thing it has a motor to make it easier to move around.

[Mike Buckley]

None of that matters, Manfred; the only thing that matters is whether his scooter has a cup holder.

[rpcrowe]

Or a "lens" holder

[Cantab]

None of that matters, Manfred; the only thing that matters is whether his scooter has a cup holder.

Yes, that's an issue. My scooter doesn't have a cup holder (yet).

[chauncey]

I use a closed container for coffee and hang it from the handlebar.

[Ken MT]

nothing beats my 3-wheel electric scooter.

What does a three wheeled scooter look like?

[Cantab]

What does a three wheeled scooter look like?

This is what they look like: http://www.shoprider.com/scooters/sunrunner-3 .

[Ken MT]

So it comes with rear vision mirror, that would be useful for dive-bombing birds approaching from behind

[IzzieK]

When I went to the zoo once I hired one to hold my gears. $25 and everyone kept out of my way and it was a relief for Bill not to be carrying a backpack. It was fun too. I do not think the tripod chair is for me. I hate carrying heavy stuff. Good for younger people. I can still walk for miles looking for something to photograph...

Thanks for the link, John.

[chauncey]

Thought you would never ask...

[DanK]

Re the tripod chair: As someone who suffers from periodic, severe bouts of gear acquisition syndrome, I find it reassuring to see a new piece of gear that I can't imagine owning.