Test Results

  1. Introduction & Specifications
  2. Design & Operation
  3. Test Results
  4. Head Choice
  5. Comparison & Conclusion

 

Yaw Stiffness322 +/- 1 Nm/rad
Yaw Damping0.158 +/- 0.016 Js/rad
Pitch Stiffness1622 +/- 9 Nm/rad
Pitch Damping0.545 +/- 0.055 Js/rad

The stiffness and damping data are the averages of 10 trials for each measurement.  The reported error is the standard error, except in the case of the damping data. I have set the error in the damping at 10% as the standard error metric does not appropriately capture the error in fitting to the data.  All of the reported specifications are measured, with the exception of the weight rating. The tripod is measured at full height, with the center column down.

Recommended Gear Limit

The exact gear limit is highly dependent on the external conditions such as wind, and technique, such as the use of a cable release.  Under perfectly still conditions using perfect technique, sharp images can be obtained using any tripod

Example Test Data

The following data is example raw data from the stiffness and damping measurements.  The relevant information with regards to the tripod performance is entirely contained within the stiffness and damping figures presented above.  The plots below are solely present so that the tested stiffness and damping figures are believed. Each plot and the corresponding Fourier frequency space plot correspond to one of the ten trials done on each axis to obtain the test results.  For a more in depth discussion on the meaning of these graphs, see the methodology section and the understanding the test results page.

Example data for oscillations about the vertical axis of the tripod:

Very clean data here.  Poor damping but good stiffness for the weight.

 

Example data for oscillations about the radial axis of the tripod:

The data here isn’t quite as clean as we are used to, but clearly we are measuring the right line so it isn’t a problem.  The pitch stiffness is around five times the yaw stiffness, which is a symptom of the narrow leg angle.