Groundpod - Low angle and body stabilizer - my latest contraption
May 22, 2016 19:32:50 #
Somewhere in my near/distant past I saw something similar to this - maybe you have also - So today I decided to get off my duff and actually make one.
This is mostly for shooting low angle shots with larger lenses - like birds on the beach - where you want a soft blurry backround and not have to hold the camera - like getting down on your belly and elbows.
I went to my local GoodWill looking for a large aluminum frypan and I figured I would have to remove the handle. Instead, I found this 12 inch diameter aluminum pan of some sort with NO handle - so I scarfed it up for $3. Next I drilled a 3/8 hole in the center and used a 3/8 bolt to mount the Manfro #222 grip action ballhead. This set-up puts the lens center 11 inches off the ground. If you have a camera with an articulating LCD and still able to focus fairly quickly - like the Sony A77II, shooting with this is relatively easy.
You can also use the pan against your chest for added stability at eye level - better used with smaller/lighter lenses. For heavier lenses, my bodypod works better
This is mostly for shooting low angle shots with larger lenses - like birds on the beach - where you want a soft blurry backround and not have to hold the camera - like getting down on your belly and elbows.
I went to my local GoodWill looking for a large aluminum frypan and I figured I would have to remove the handle. Instead, I found this 12 inch diameter aluminum pan of some sort with NO handle - so I scarfed it up for $3. Next I drilled a 3/8 hole in the center and used a 3/8 bolt to mount the Manfro #222 grip action ballhead. This set-up puts the lens center 11 inches off the ground. If you have a camera with an articulating LCD and still able to focus fairly quickly - like the Sony A77II, shooting with this is relatively easy.
You can also use the pan against your chest for added stability at eye level - better used with smaller/lighter lenses. For heavier lenses, my bodypod works better
May 22, 2016 19:36:22 #
imagemeister wrote:
Somewhere in my near/distant past I saw something ... (show quote)
This is best used from a kneeling position - still better than lying on your belly in the mud !
May 22, 2016 19:40:51 #
I've seen something similar to this too, but your DIY looks really good. Great idea. Thanks, for sharing! 👍🏼
May 22, 2016 20:15:08 #
May 22, 2016 22:39:20 #
Forest wrote:
I've seen something similar to this too, but your DIY looks really good. Great idea. Thanks, for sharing! 👍🏼
Thank you Forest for your visit and nice comment !
May 22, 2016 22:40:42 #
plessner wrote:
BRILLIANT
I have a new project in mind for my husband!
I have a new project in mind for my husband!
And I am sure he will love you for it.
May 22, 2016 22:41:06 #
plessner wrote:
BRILLIANT
I have a new project in mind for my husband!
I have a new project in mind for my husband!
Thank you Katherine !
May 23, 2016 05:30:56 #
Kudos imagemeister ... gadgets make the world go round, in this case close to the ground.
May 23, 2016 05:39:06 #
imagemeister wrote:
Somewhere in my near/distant past I saw something ... (show quote)
imagemeister, Very good. It looks great and for sure would help individuals who can no longer get on their knees (me for one). You come up with a whole lot of DIY fixes for everyday use to make it easier and I thank you.
Greg
May 23, 2016 05:52:54 #
May 23, 2016 06:38:02 #
May 23, 2016 07:22:19 #
May 23, 2016 08:48:29 #
Nice job!
The only thing I can think of that would make it better is two strips of bacon and an egg in the pan, in case you get hungry while crawling around.
The only thing I can think of that would make it better is two strips of bacon and an egg in the pan, in case you get hungry while crawling around.
May 23, 2016 08:51:39 #
Neat idea, but I wonder if it might be even more stable if the pan was flipped the other way so that on uneven ground it might get even better stability? As showns, I think even a small rock in the grass or soil, would act as a fulcrum for 'tipsiness"?
May 23, 2016 08:51:42 #
AZNikon
Loc: Mesa, AZ
I'm not too handy with tools so I will just have to continue getting down for the shot and then waiting for some good Samaritan to help me up! :>)
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