I almost had what I've been trying to get for the past 2 years...perfect CG (Cloud to Ground) Lightning shots. Working nights, its hard to get out when theres a good storm rolling in. Soooo many different variable, is the storm heavy enough? Putting down CG Bolts? Can I get to a good spot for photos? Is my battery charged? (Yes that HAS happened >.< Well, tonight was perfect, I went out to take the garbage out, saw some flashes in the distance, came into check the radar, and had a nice severe warned cell moving through NYC up and into the Long Island Sound. Throw the Camera, my laptop and the tripod into the car, and in the rush, forgot my remote shutter release. Problem number one. Problem number two? I get to the overlook I had chosen, and go to set up the tripod while watching some of the CG bolts in Giddy anticipation. Get the camera on the neck.....and it wont stop wobbling. 3rd problem? Rear leg on the tripod was stripped and would sloooooowly slide back in on itself. So, long story short, here I am in 30-50mph wind gusts, holding the camera on two legs of the tripod like its a bipod, with a shakey neck wobling the camera back and forth, my hands clamped down on the camera to keep it from moving. The final product? Every single gorgeous CG bolt that I captured (and I got a ton) are fucking BLURRY!

WTB New tripod NAO! Any suggestions? I need something sturdy that can withstand wind, dirt, possibly a little rain to.