Sunwayfoto sent me their new T4030CSI-L, one of their first Inverted Leg Tripods. Traditionally, telescoping leg tripods were attached at the hinge at the thickest and widest leg segment, telescoping out to the thinest section. Inverted leg tripods are hinged to the head at their thinest diameter section.
Having the widest diameter part of the leg infers two advantages. The heaviest part of the leg is at the bottom, lowering the tripods center of gravity. Moreover, the largest diameter part of the leg also offers a wider contact point with the ground. One of the advantages I thought it would have would be the higher position of the locking rings but this did not prove to be substantially better ergonomics than standard tripods.
The T4030CSI-L is one of Sunwayfotos tall (L=long) and heavy duty models. It has a rated load capacity of 66lbs but it was easily able to hold up my weight of ~165lbs. In use I found it to be sturdy and stable shooting platform, soaking up recoil from my 5.56 AR-15. Moving forward I think I would prefer having all of my tripods follow this inverted design. But then I always tended to be a bit of a heterodox.
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