How to make 10€ DIY camouflage tripod leg covers
(Republished in 11/2022, originally written in 2021)
The ability to make ourselves invisible is by far one of the most important skills, if not the most important skill in wildlife photography. And it doesn't stop with us, we also have to camouflage our gear and everything we need with us. Often, we can make use of natural camouflage like leafs, branches, grass and so on. All that can be found in nature, and we don't have to pay a cent for it. For some pieces of our gear, however, we have to open our wallets to make camouflage work. And everyone who is involved in photography for a while knows, how easy it is to spend a heck lot of money on gear, accessories, etc.
Personally, I don't mind spending a bit of more money on must have products. Especially if they are quality items. But what I don't like, is to spend money on things I can make myself for way less. I don't know if you have been in the market for tripod leg covers before. Without intending to discredit any company selling these products, but those prices are ridiculous. Depending on the tripod you use, you are looking at €40 and up, which I find a lot of money to camouflage your tripod legs. This is where you do it yourself, save the money and use it towards something else.
Sounds good? Yeah. I think so too. Let's save you some money. Here is how you do it.
What you need is the following:
Foam pipe isolation
Camouflage tape (non camouflage should work as well, but the tape should be made out of a non-reflective and “quiet” material; also think of the foliage and the flora in your shooting locations. Use darker colours for darker foliage and so on.
Some stronger tape (ideally in a subtle colour and for outdoor use)
A sharp knife or blade
10 mins of time
All products can be picked up at Amazon or any hardware store. Simply measure the size of the top part of your tripod legs and multiply by three. That's the minimum amount of pipe isolation you should get. I suggest you buy more, in case you need or want to redo the camouflage. When it comes to tape, you should make sure it is made for outdoor use.
Step #1: Measure the top part of your tripod leg and subtract roughly three to four centimetres. You need three pieces of the same length.
Step #2: Round off the edges. This is necessary for the tape to stick properly.
Step #3: Slice open the foam with a knife or blade. Usually that product comes with a pre-cut notch. You just have to carefully open it further.
Step #4: Attach the pipe isolation to your tripod legs. Make sure you have some space at the top as well as at the bottom of the foam. This is necessary for the tape to stick to your tripod leg and nothing else.
Step #5: Tape the foam onto the leg, using your camouflage tape. Wrap it tightly around the foam and start at the bottom going upwards. Wrap until you can't see the foam any more.
Step #6: Make sure that you have achieved a tight fit and no excess of tape is hanging loosely.
Step #7: Take the stronger tape and tighten the top part of your DIY leg cover solution. This ensures that the camouflage tape is sitting tight, and the foam won't move unnecessarily when using your tripod.
Done.
You now have a cheap DIY camouflage tripod leg cover.
If you have bought enough material, you can redo this process whenever you want or whenever it becomes necessary.
I hope this cheaper DIY solution of a usually costly product will work for you as much as it works for me. If you prefer watching the steps above in a video, you can do so here.
Let me know if you have any questions.
Until next time,
Cheers
Patrick