Excellent low tripod - advice please!

[Ofer Levy]

Hi all,
I got very nice tripods but both can't go really low. I would like to buy a good short tripod which can lay flat on the ground - any input would be appreciated!
Thanks,
Ofer

[Russell Johnson]

Ofer

Just use a Skimmer Pod. If you need to raise it slightly, you can use a riser block or a bean bag. Works perfectly well for me.

I use one all the time in Africa, as it can also be used to shoot from a vehicle with the right bean bag.

Here is good video demo

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WxOPYKFx8s4

[Ofer Levy]

Ofer

Just use a Skimmer Pod. If you need to raise it slightly, you can use a riser block or a bean bag. Works perfectly well for me.

I use one all the time in Africa, as it can also be used to shoot from a vehicle with the right bean bag.

Here is good video demo

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WxOPYKFx8s4
Thanks Russell,
I have tried a skimmer pod and didn't like it. I am interested in a proper low tripod.
Anyone?

[Ofer Levy]

How about this one? Looks very nice to me:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/611064-REG/Gitzo_GT3320BS_GT3320BS_2_Section_Aluminum_Tripod. html

[Derek Willcox]

how about this one ofer
http://reallyrightstuff.com/ProductDesc.aspx?code=TP-243&type=0&eq=&desc=TP-243-Ground-Level-Tripod&key=it

[Ofer Levy]

how about this one ofer
http://reallyrightstuff.com/ProductDesc.aspx?code=TP-243&type=0&eq=&desc=TP-243-Ground-Level-Tripod&key=it
Thanks Derek!
Looks very interesting - have you used it? Similar price to the Gitzo so it has to be better in function in order for me to prefer it over the Gitzo.
Just saw this one is nearly 3Kg heavier than the Gitzo - a deal breaker for sure...

[Derek Willcox]

no haven't used one but been eyeing off for months to me i wanted some thing small to carry around and get low at Olympic park wetlands and pughs lagoon

[Roger Clark]

Thanks Derek!
Looks very interesting - have you used it? Similar price to the Gitzo so it has to be better in function in order for me to prefer it over the Gitzo.
Just saw this one is nearly 3Kg heavier than the Gitzo - a deal breaker for sure...


Hi Ofer,
The most stable design for any tripod, regardless of material, is round tubes for the legs. Square, rectangular or a split like the above tripod will be less stable for the same weight. As the above tripod is really small, stability (legs twisting/flexing) may not be much of an issue. But given the choice between a tripod with tubular legs versus any other design, I would always go for the tubes.

As for material, carbon fiber has the best damping as I'm sure you probably already know.

The gitzos without a center column go very low to the ground as the legs go out almost horizontal. Probably other tripods too. Does one of those standard gitzo CF get low enough?

Roger

[Ofer Levy]

Thanks for your input guys!
Roger, maybe it's a better idea to pay a bit more and get a standard Gitzo that can go flat rather than such a tiny tripod - will have to think about it.

[Chris Ober]

For really low and also just about any other angle, I went with the Benro version of one like this. Macro and low is my kind of thing...
http://www.outdoorphotogear.com/store/vanguard-alta-pro-263-at-aluminum-alloy-tripod.html (http://www.outdoorphotogear.com/store/vanguard-alta-pro-263-at-aluminum-alloy-tripod.html)

You do have to be careful with the balance as stability suffers the further off axis the camera is from the leg set. If you're low, you'll have the legs spread out more anyway or if you can keep a leg under the gear, it helps a lot.

[Ofer Levy]

For really low and also just about any other angle, I went with the Benro version of one like this. Macro and low is my kind of thing...
http://www.outdoorphotogear.com/store/vanguard-alta-pro-263-at-aluminum-alloy-tripod.html (http://www.outdoorphotogear.com/store/vanguard-alta-pro-263-at-aluminum-alloy-tripod.html)

You do have to be careful with the balance as stability suffers the further off axis the camera is from the leg set. If you're low, you'll have the legs spread out more anyway or if you can keep a leg under the gear, it helps a lot.

Thanks Chris! My Mark IV+Canon 800 f5.6 is a bit heavy for this tripod as far as I understand.

[Chris Ober]

Correct. There was no mention of that in the OP so had no idea of equipment being used or subject matter.

[James Prudente]

http://www.kirkphoto.com/Mighty-Low-Boy.html

[Charles Glatzer]

Really Right Stuff TP-243 Ground-Level Tripod. A bit pricey but it may fit the bill.
Minimum height is only 1.9” (48mm).

http://reallyrightstuff.com/ProductDesc.aspx?code=TP-243&type=0&eq=&desc=TP-243-Ground-Level-Tripod&key=it

[Ofer Levy]

Thanks guys!
I have already ordered this Gitzo which I think will be great for my needs. It is also very light which is excellent.
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/611064-REG/Gitzo_GT3320BS_GT3320BS_2_Section_Aluminum_Tripod. html