I am looking for a good tripod that the legs adjust independently with no center post. I also would like it to lay flat on the ground. Any suggestions would be great. I cannot spent a fortune.
No center post? Sounds like you want three sticks! Only Kidding!
I have a Bogen 3236 by Manfrotto, a little pricey but the legs do move independently of each other. I can put 2 on the ground with one horizontal against a wall. It does have a center post so it won't go completely flat, about a foot above the ground, but you can also attach your ball head/camera on the bottom of the post so the camera would be at ground level.
steve40
Loc: Asheville/Canton, NC, USA
The Manfrotto 190XPROB or 055XPROB, can both go flat to the ground. The legs are separately adjustable, they both do have a center coulomb, but is adjustable so the tripod can still lay flat on the ground.
The big difference in the two is weight, and price.
The 055xprob is the one I have. Both have a center column that allows you to lay it horizontal. Works excellent. I should add, you would need to spend $ on a tripod head as well. I think my combination of the two ran me at least $400+, but it is quality, and has been my workhorse for years now.
steve40 wrote:
The Manfrotto 190XPROB or 055XPROB, can both go flat to the ground. The legs are separately adjustable, they both do have a center coulomb, but is adjustable so the tripod can still lay flat on the ground.
The big difference in the two is weight, and price.
skidooman wrote:
The 055xprob is the one I have. Both have a center column that allows you to lay it horizontal. Works excellent. I should add, you would need to spend $ on a tripod head as well. I think my combination of the two ran me at least $400+, but it is quality, and has been my workhorse for years now.
steve40 wrote:
The Manfrotto 190XPROB or 055XPROB, can both go flat to the ground. The legs are separately adjustable, they both do have a center coulomb, but is adjustable so the tripod can still lay flat on the ground.
The big difference in the two is weight, and price.
The 055xprob is the one I have. Both have a center... (
show quote)
take a look at the promaster taskmaster ut25, no center post and very versatile, about $200 including ball head
http://www.promaster.com/InstructionBooks/7998_Taskmaster_UT25_instructions.pdf
I have a SLIK Pro 780 DX that I got on Amazon for less than $150. The center post comes in two sections. I unscrewed the lower half, so I can get to within a foot of the ground. You may also want to check out the article "Beyond the Table Top" in the December 2011 issue of Outdoor Photographer. It deals ith smaller tripods that go low. You may be able top view it on line.
Chip wrote:
I am looking for a good tripod that the legs adjust independently with no center post. I also would like it to lay flat on the ground. Any suggestions would be great. I cannot spent a fortune.
I'm using the Bogen 190CXPro4 with a 488RC4 ball head. I think this tripod will do what you want. You mentioned that you couldn't spend a fortune. My suggestion to you is don't buy cheap stuff, it will only cost you more in the long run.
190CXPro4 info here:
http://www.manfrotto.us/product/0/190CXPRO4/_/190_Carbon_Fiber_Tripod_with_Q90_-_4_Section
Chip wrote:
I am looking for a good tripod that the legs adjust independently with no center post. I also would like it to lay flat on the ground. Any suggestions would be great. I cannot spent a fortune.
I have a Gitzo. The center post is removable which is a really nice feature.
Here's some good info on buying tripods.
http://bythom.com/support.htm
I recently bought a Ravelli tripod (Amazon -- about $35) with a ball head. I'm sure it's a Sion, not a Lexus. I'v never used a Manfroto and don't know what I'm missing. But the legs operate indipendently, it's sturdy, and affordable.
It's also heavy, so not good if you have to carry it a long way, but I use it mainly at home.
I use it with a Nikon D3100 and 55-200 lens and it holds rock solid.
If you know you're shooting at ground level a miniature tri pod, sturdy enough to hold your equipment should work well.
steve40
Loc: Asheville/Canton, NC, USA
The 055 and the 190XPROB don't just go to within a foot of the ground, they lay flat out, flat on the ground. 0 feet/inches.
If you want to reply, then
register here. Registration is free and your account is created instantly, so you can post right away.