I made this tripod handle to make it easier to carry a camera attached to a tripod. This is my basic macro photography setup. I usually walk around quite a bit when scouting for macro wildlife subjects. I like to be ready to shoot quickly. This handle allows me to carry the setup comfortably. I usually have the legs extended when walking in a subject area. All I have to do is swing the tripod up to vertical and spread the legs for initial setup. If I have to move the tripod a little, I just use the handle to lift and reposition using one hand. The Bogen (Manfrotto) 3001 is the tripod I use the handle on--it is light weight and stiff enough for macro because it is most often used at less than full leg extension. I use the Bogen 3262QR ball head with this setup .
Construction
The handle is made from items I had around the house. The parts include: a standard 3/8" by 3 1/2" long bolt with nut, a 5 1/2" long by 7/8" outside diameter tube, and a piece of bicycle foam handlebar grip. A 3/8" hole is drilled through the center of the tube and the bolt inserted through the hole. I used a tack weld to fasten the the tube to the bolt. Then I painted it gray with industrial enamel. After the paint dried I cut and slid on the two pieces of foam handlebar grip. This Bogen tripod and others have a 3/8" threaded hole used for mounting the carry strap available as an accessory. Just screw the handle into the hole and secure it in place with the jamb nut. See photo. I have walked many miles over many hours and taken many photos with this setup.
If you have and questions or comments you can email me: mike@ewildlifephotography.com