Modifying a centerpost to get your tripod lower

I used a fairly good, inexpensive aluminum tripod for many years.  It was stable enough under most conditions (especially with the legs not extended... this is common for me as I shoot a lot of closeups).  But as I got better gear, longer lenses, became pickier about sharpness and so forth, I decided it was time to both cut the weight and increase the steadiness.  I had read a lot of good things about carbon fiber tripods.  I did some research, including hands-on visits to the local store, and became convinced it would be a significant upgrade over the old tripod.  I picked the Gitzo 3530 because it had similar size/dimensions to my older tripod, which fit me well.  I was completely underwhelmed when I opened the box because it looked so similar to the old tripod, but I was astounded by the difference in quality.  Night and day really.  When I had my 300mm mounted on the aluminum tripod, legs fully extended, I could tap a leg and watch it wobble in the viewfinder... literally for seconds.  The Gitzo, under the same conditions, didn't budge.  No wobble whatsoever.  You can see vibration from the tap, but it stops immediately.  So I recommend a carbon fiber for anyone, regardless of the size tripod you need.

Gitzo has many models designed for many uses.  I wanted one that would do just about everything, from going to ground level, to fitting me standing up, while supporting my telephoto lenses.  Now, in a properly fitted tripod, when it is fully extended, you should not need the centerpost to look through the viewfinder.  No stooping, no stretching... with a head and camera mounted, it should just work for you.

The only problem is, the centerpost of the 3530 is way too long to get to ground level.  My old tripod had a split centerpost... you could use just a short part of it if you didn't need or want all 18" of it. Gitzo makes a number of models without centerposts, but, as I do a lot of closeups, I find a bit of centerpost adjustment very convenient, much easier than adjusting the legs (In closeup work, a tiny movement is a huge change in composition).  Gitzo's solution is to allow the user to remove the centerpost entirely.  The 3530 has a hook on the bottom of the post, and that can attach directly to the mounting plate.  It works, but it isn't convenient... you either have no vertical adjustment, or you have to take it apart in the field.  Gitzo sells short centerposts... but after spending over $600 (USD), I was reluctant to spend another $100 on another part.

I decided to cut the post to fit.

First, I measured how much centerpost I would actually use in the most extreme of situations, like standing up with the camera aimed skyward.  I found 8" (5" of travel) would do the trick, while still letting me get as close to ground level as I'd done with the old tripod.  Please don't assume my numbers will work for you... anyone who does this will need to make their own measurements. Measure twice, cut once. Obviously, once you make the cut, that's it.  By the way, carbon fiber is very easy to cut.

I didn't want to lose the hook, or lose the ability to remove the centerpost entirely.  There is a mount at the bottom of the centerpost where the hook screws in, and it is firmly epoxied to the interior of the centerpost.  I had to remove the epoxied part that was stuck to the mount by sanding it off the mount, which took some time and patience.  Once done, I simply epoxied the mount into the bottom of the shortened post.  It fits perfectly, and almost looks professional (I can see a hint of the white epoxy I used).  It seems to be just as strong as the original.   I can still remove the centerpost entirely if I want to get lower, I still have the hook, and I have all the centerpost I need.

Some say having a model without a centerpost makes the tripod more stable.  I have not noticed any problems in using the centerpost even at 1:1 magnification, or with a 400mm telephoto. I also have not personally seen any physical evidence that a centerpost, lowered all the way, is any less stable than a flat plate or a leveling base.  If someone learns of such evidence, please point me to it, I'd love to see it.    Gitzo tripods are well-built and the carbon fiber is excellent at absorbing vibrations.  As I write this, I've had the 3530 for over 8 years and it is still solid.