The Epoch Tripod: Designed for the Imagemaker
The ultimate photographic experience is about much more than snapping a picture with a phone; it involves the tactile joys of using equipment designed with care and purpose for a process that is as fulfilling as the results. Introducing Epoch, a new tripod from ProMaster that takes photography back to its image making roots.
Nostalgic Style and Modern Materials
With its classic looks and contemporary performance, there’s nothing like the Epoch for inspiring image making and achieving professional results. Its 3-section legs provide quick deployment and exceptional stability. The 4-way pan/tilt head offers a level of precision that can only be achieved when each axis has its own controls, isolating the camera’s movement to one direction at a time.
The 3-section Leg Design
The Epoch’s 3 rigid leg sections are made from high-strength, thin-wall aluminum. The light silver finish legs have the appearance of an older stainless steel tripod, without tipping the scales. There are just two locks on each leg and the smallest leg section has a robust 22mm diameter. These features provide far greater stability than a 5-section tripod. Both twist locks can be opened and closed at the same time so that each leg can be fully extended in a matter of seconds. The Epoch’s leg locks are machined from aluminum with a black and silver design that pays homage to the scalloped focusing ring found on some classic camera lenses.
The Collar and Column
Spring-loaded aluminum push buttons on the Epoch’s collar allow for independent adjustment of each leg to one of three possible positions. A ⅜”-16 connection port is found in the side of the collar for attaching accessories. The 2-piece center column can be reversed or shortened for ground-level work. Its height is adjusted by a twist-style collar lock which matches the design of the tripod’s leg locks. Use the metal weight hook on the column to add even more stability.
The Pan/Tilt Head
The Epoch’s head may look old school, but it offers modern capabilities with a Dovetail (arca-type) quick-release system. The 4-way pan/tilt head offers a level of precision that can only be achieved when each axis has its own controls. Camera movement is isolated to one direction at a time. Degree marks are etched into each of the head’s four movements for precise measurement at each axis. Three bubble levels aid in setting the head up properly and in keeping horizon lines correct.
Most heads have a base rotational movement—the Epoch’s head adds a top movement. The additional top movement allows for the camera to rotate above any tilt applied to the controls below it. Consider times when the camera is tilted to a portrait orientation. The top rotation swivels the camera in a vertical motion, which is very different from using the base rotation in a panning motion. Either movement changes the composition in a very different way.
Exceptional Design and Performance
The Epoch tripod blends vintage style with modern materials and precision craftsmanship, ideal for macro, and architectural work. The stable 3-section design of the Epoch works extremely well for landscapes, astrophotography, time lapses, and long exposures in tough weather conditions. It’s an exceptional choice for use with cameras of any size and is also well-suited for spotting scopes and binoculars. You can buy the Epoch online at ProMaster or shop for it in your local camera store.
