Tripod Suggestions for Scooter Use
Aug 21, 2012 19:52:56 #
I have an odd situation I'd appreciate some suggestions for. I'm just entering the world of photography and am gathering my tools slowly. I am now looking towards a tripod. I would like to keep my cost to $150 or under if possible. My situation is I use an electric scooter to get around as I can't walk long distances. I love to take pictures of just about anything but the times I need a tripod can be difficult since the front legs that will be on the ground, need to be taller than the rear leg that will sit on the floor of my scooter. I believe that with practice I can figure out how to set that up but my question is two fold. First, is there a type/brand of tripod that may make this configuration a bit simpler and still be in my price range? And second, since the legs will be on different levels, any suggestions to keep them from slipping/sliding?
Thanks for reading and any suggestions you may have.
Thanks for reading and any suggestions you may have.
Aug 21, 2012 20:22:09 #
There are several good tripod makers out there, Manfrotto being one of them. They have just introduced a budget line, that should fall right into your price range. All have independent leg angle adjustment, that allows then to remain level, with one leg three steps up the stairs. :)
Check out B&H Photo, and see if you can find your tripod there. They are a reputable company, and will have as good a price as any. And they don't sell gray shade stuff made by who knows who, like E-Bay.
Check out B&H Photo, and see if you can find your tripod there. They are a reputable company, and will have as good a price as any. And they don't sell gray shade stuff made by who knows who, like E-Bay.
Aug 21, 2012 22:13:26 #
Thank you Steve40. I've heard of Manfrotto so I will look into them. I love B&H! My husband says I should buy stock in them for all I spend there but they are the best I have found for all around cost and customer service. I appreciate the suggestions.
Aug 21, 2012 23:40:16 #
You may want to consider a monopod. There are also camera support rigs (intended for tabletop use etc.) that could clamp to the arm or elsewhere on your scooter.
Aug 22, 2012 00:08:59 #
Hi Grammy!
I use a device made by Manfrotto every day, it's called a Magic Arm. They make a couple variations you may want to look at. I put one of their clamps on one end and a camera mount on the other end. It will swivel around at will to an infinate variety of positions. Check it out through this link:
http://www.manfrotto.us/photo-arms-brackets-bars-arms
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/search?Ntt=manfrotto+magic+arm&N=0&InitialSearch=yes&sts=ma
I use a device made by Manfrotto every day, it's called a Magic Arm. They make a couple variations you may want to look at. I put one of their clamps on one end and a camera mount on the other end. It will swivel around at will to an infinate variety of positions. Check it out through this link:
http://www.manfrotto.us/photo-arms-brackets-bars-arms
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/search?Ntt=manfrotto+magic+arm&N=0&InitialSearch=yes&sts=ma
Aug 22, 2012 00:15:45 #
Almost any tripod will have independently adjustable legs. I decided to go with Manfrotto because after comparison to others they seemed more solid than others in my (your) price range. I now own a Manfrotto tripod and monopod and ball head and three-way tilt head. One caution though, from my experience and many other reviews I've read. ALL FOUR of my Manfrotto purchases have come out of the box with some of the hardware (screws, set screws, etc.) not properly tightened at the factory. Maybe they're pushing their production lines too hard? I still like Manfrotto, just be sure to check it over very carefully before putting it to work.
Aug 22, 2012 00:25:13 #
Grammyratzi wrote:
I have an odd situation I'd appreciate some sugges... (show quote)
Almost any tripod will allow independent leg lengths. What ever tripod you get make sure you always use the same leg on the scooter; use the leg that gives you easiest access to collar controls. Get help setting the tripod evenly and mark the scooter leg length and standard scooter leg location with something you can see in low light; I suggest Wite-Out or Liquid Paper. To keep the scooter leg from sliding, find a PVC end cap slightly larger than the tripod foot and screw or glue to the scooter floor (bore 2-3 holes near the bottom for drainage). You might want to find a tripod with a horizontal arm mount so you can keep the camera closer to you.
Aug 22, 2012 00:26:06 #
Aug 22, 2012 00:42:44 #
Grammyratzi wrote:
I agree with Danilo - you do NOT want to have to monkey around with tripod legs and your scooter.My situation is I use an electric scooter to get around as I can't walk long distances. I love to take pictures of just about anything but the times I need a tripod can be difficult since the front legs that will be on the ground, need to be taller than the rear leg that will sit on the floor of my scooter.
Use the Scooter as your platform and mount a sturdy camera support (with quick release) TO the scooter !
Aug 22, 2012 01:48:57 #
Thanks Charles. I've considered a monopod but I think that I need the stability of a tripod as I'm pretty shaky and with the scooter as well to worry about. I do like the idea of not having to worry about the constant setup that a monopod will bring though. I may see if I can borrow my FIL and see how it works for me.
Aug 22, 2012 01:50:33 #
Thank you for the links Danilo! I will give them a good look over in the morning. It sounds like this will be something that might be a possibility for me. I sure do appreciate all the suggestions everyone is giving.
Aug 22, 2012 01:52:33 #
Thank you OldJobber. I will have my husband check all the connections however I decide to go. He will love to "check" it out for me. He loves extra pieces LOL. Scares me to death. I like the idea of using a familiar name, but you are right we need to check everything and not just depend on the name.
Aug 22, 2012 01:55:37 #
Thank you Mogul and Merlin1300! I never would have thought to mount something to the base of the scooter for the leg of the tripod. That really is a great idea. I love the idea of marking the correct lengths the legs should be so I don't have to be monkeying around each time I need to set it up.
Aug 22, 2012 01:56:36 #
Just want to take a minute to thank every one that has been so kind to offer suggestions. You have all given me lots to think about and items to research. I knew I could depend on the kind folks here to help me out.
Aug 22, 2012 01:56:36 #
Just want to take a minute to thank every one that has been so kind to offer suggestions. You have all given me lots to think about and items to research. I knew I could depend on the kind folks here to help me out.
If you want to reply, then register here. Registration is free and your account is created instantly, so you can post right away.