In article <53tljk$s6j@cello.hpl.hp.com>, jacobson@cello.hpl.hp.com says...
>In article <53t83t$44d@nic.uakom.sk>,
>Milan Marônek wrote:

>>I `d like to buy a new tripod and I`d like to know if there are any
>>useful hints how to evaluate tripod`s stability. Any comments?

>Set the tripod up at the height you will most frequently use it. Grab
>the tripod and try to twist it, fairly hard, about various axes while
>maintaining enough downward force that the legs don't slip on the
>floor. If you can see any motion or you can see the legs flexing, it
>is rather flimsy. You may choose to live with a tiny bit of this, and
>if so, check for damping. When you release the torque, does it just
>come back, or does it seem kind bouncy? Bouncy is bad.
>
>Too see what I'm talking about, compare a Bogen 3021 (good, studry), a
>Bogen 3001 (less sturdy), and a consumer-grade Velbon or Slik (really
>flimsy).
>
>(I see you are from "sk". The Bogen models I'm referring to will be
>Manfrotto, the original maker. Sorry, I don't know the corresponding
>Manfrotto numbers. The 3021 has sturdy tubular aluminum legs between
>2.5 and 3 cm in diameter at the top. The 3001's legs are probably 2
>cm in diamter. Just guessing. The consumer models have extruded
>U-shaped legs.)

Hmmm, maybe of the three tripods named, the Bogan 3021 is the best, but
it is very poor in damping (as are some larger Bogans) when the legs are
fully extended. Tripods that appear poor (loose joints, no cross-bracing,
etc.) can actually have better damping than tripods that look like they
could support a bus. I find that a good test for damping is to lightly
touch the top while lightly tapping a leg - the vibrations you feel
should disappear rapidly, but in many tripods they will continue for
several seconds(!). A way around this is to use the tripod with the legs
not extended. This may be awkward, but it will generally provide better
camera support, short of using a monster tripod.
Hope This Helps