Quickset incorporates over 75 years of experience in the design and manufacture of military tripod support and pan tilt positioning systems with unsurpassed reliability and performance.
When your application relies upon the critical performance of a tripod system, the Gibraltar, Hercules and Samson series provide proven dependability.
As the leader in instrument support and positioning systems, we offer a wide variety of tripods, heads and accessories to meet the challenging demands of our industrial and military users as well as custom solutions to satisfy your unique requirements.
Learn more about Quickset’s Military Grade Tripods
Download the Quickset Tripods Brochure.
Mission Critical Requirements
Military operations often require equipment that can withstand extreme conditions, including tripods used for a variety of purposes such as surveillance, communications, and weapon systems. These tripods are designed to be rugged, durable, and versatile, able to operate in harsh environments ranging from deserts to arctic conditions. Here are some characteristics and examples of tripods that the military might use:
Material: Military-grade tripods are typically made from materials like aluminum, carbon fiber, or advanced composites. These materials provide an optimal balance between durability and weight, essential for rapid deployment and mobility.
Durability: They are built to withstand extreme weather conditions, including high and low temperatures, rain, snow, sand, and dust. Durability also encompasses resistance to rust and corrosion.
Stability: Given their use in critical applications, these tripods offer exceptional stability even on uneven terrain. This is crucial for applications requiring precision, such as long-range photography, surveillance, and targeting.
Versatility: Military tripods often feature modular designs, allowing them to be adapted for different equipment and purposes. This could include mounting cameras, lasers, antennas, or weapons systems.
Ease of Use: Despite their robust construction, these tripods are designed for quick setup and adjustment, even while wearing gloves or under limited visibility conditions.
Portability: They are engineered to be as lightweight as possible without sacrificing strength, and are often collapsible for easy transport in military vehicles or on foot.
Standard Features
- Very high payload capacity (up to 400 lb.)
- Powder coated and anodized parts for resistance to harsh environments
- Adapters and heads for various payload configurations
- Exceptional torsional rigidity provides supreme payload stability
- Payload capacity up to 150 lb.
- Powder coated and anodized parts for resistance to harsh environments
- Adapters and heads for various payload configurations
- Exceptional torsional rigidity provides supreme payload stability
- Ball-and-socket jointed footplates provide exceptional stability
- Payload capacity up to 50 lb.
- Powder coated and anodized parts for resistance to harsh environments
- Adapters and heads for various payload configurations
- Exceptional torsional rigidity provides supreme payload stability
- Models with columns feature rubber feet with spin-to-expose stainless spikes allowing adaptation to varying surfaces
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Fundamentals and FAQs
What makes a tripod best suited for harsh environments?
A tripod best suited for harsh environments is one that is made of durable materials and is weather-resistant. It should also be lightweight and easy to transport, and have features that make it easy to use in difficult conditions.
Some of the factors to consider when choosing a tripod for harsh environments include:
- Materials: The tripod should be made of durable materials that can withstand the elements. Some good options include aluminum, carbon fiber, and magnesium.
- Weather-resistance: The tripod should be weather-resistant to protect it from the elements. Look for a tripod that is water-resistant, dust-proof, and/or freeze-proof.
- Weight: The tripod should be lightweight enough to carry easily, but still sturdy enough to support your camera and lens.
- Features: The tripod should have features that make it easy to use in difficult conditions. Some helpful features include a quick-release plate, a ball head, and a level.
What factors contribute to the strength of a tripod?
There are many factors that contribute to the strength of a tripod, including the materials it is made from, the design of its legs and head, and the quality of its construction. A heavier tripod may be more stable, but it may not be any stronger than a lighter tripod made from stronger materials.
When choosing a tripod, it is important to consider the weight of the tripod, the weight of your camera and lens, and the conditions in which you will be using the tripod. If you need a tripod that is very stable, such as for astrophotography, then a heavier tripod may be a good option. However, if you are looking for a tripod that is lightweight and easy to carry, then a lighter tripod may be a better choice.
Here are some factors to consider when choosing a tripod:
- Materials: The materials used to make a tripod can affect its strength, weight, and durability. Carbon fiber is the lightest and strongest material, but it is also the most expensive. Aluminum is a good compromise between weight and strength, and it is less expensive than carbon fiber. Magnesium is the strongest material, but it is also the heaviest and most expensive.
- Leg design: The design of the tripod’s legs can also affect its strength. Tripods with three legs are generally more stable than tripods with four legs, but they are also more difficult to set up. Tripods with four legs are easier to set up, but they may not be as stable as tripods with three legs.
- Head design: The design of the tripod’s head can also affect its strength. Ball heads are the most common type of head, and they are easy to use. However, they may not be as stable as geared heads or panoramic heads. Geared heads are more stable than ball heads, but they are more difficult to use. Panoramic heads are designed for taking panoramic photos, and they are very stable.
- Construction quality: The quality of construction can also affect the strength of a tripod. Tripods that are well-made will be stronger than tripods that are poorly made. Look for tripods with good welds and tight joints.
What is the max weight load for a tripod?
The Gibraltar Industrial Tripod Series is purpose built for the heaviest and most sensitive payloads. These tripods sustain loads of up to 400 lb. (182 kg). Thick-walled tubing along with cast aluminum components allow years of exceptional performance. Models with the optional rack and pinion driven column have a vertical height variability of 18 in (46 cm).