Low tripod for DSLR: I'm looking around for a short tripod for a DSLR. When I say tripod I mean more like a foot or cradle (off-the-shelf or improvised) to control the orientation of...

Alphabravo2020

I'm looking around for a short tripod for a DSLR. When I say tripod I mean more like a foot or cradle (off-the-shelf or improvised) to control the orientation of the camera when shooting from ground level.

My pocket tripod is too weak for the weight of the camera and off-center balance of the lens and is actually set too high anyway.

TIA

PixelStan77 Loc: Vermont/Chicago

Alphabravo2020 wrote:

I'm looking around for a short tripod for a DSLR. When I say tripod I mean more like a foot or cradle (off-the-shelf or improvised) to control the orientation of the camera when shooting from ground level.

My pocket tripod is too weak for the weight of the camera and off-center balance of the lens and is actually set too high anyway.

TIA

What camera and lens do you want to use on this short tripod.Please define short.Thanks

Alphabravo2020

I have a D850 and D7100. The lenses are mostly vintage manual focus 105mm or less.

PixelStan77 Loc: Vermont/Chicago

Alphabravo2020 wrote:

I have a D850 and D7100. The lenses are mostly vintage manual focus 105mm or less.

Will this work for you?

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1533148-REG/nikon_16749_compact_outdoor_tripod.html

16 inches off ground and support 5 lbs

Quixdraw Loc: x

Many good tripods have reversible center columns for low shots - all of mine do. Dolica has a Traveler that collapses to 12.5" - never used it just the Specs.

sippyjug104 Loc: Missouri

If I were in the market for one I would get one WITHOUT a center post. The center post when 'down' sticks out the bottom and prevents it from laying flat. When the legs lay flat the center post sticks 'up' so the camera is up high.

hjkarten Loc: San Diego, California

See the various "Ground Pods" at B&H, such as the "Skimmer". Or you can make one with an old 10" aluminum frying pan and a 3/8" bolt.
Check out youtube for various DIY versions. I am thinking of making or buying one.
See also Platy Pods.

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

I use a Platypod with an Oben BD-0 Ball head for ground level shots.
(And I have an Angle Finder C for my Canon.)

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1261878-REG/platypod_pro_1009_pro_max_camera_support.html?sts=pi-ps&pim=Y

ahudina Loc: Browns Point, WA

Alphabravo2020 wrote:

I'm looking around for a short tripod for a DSLR. When I say tripod I mean more like a foot or cradle (off-the-shelf or improvised) to control the orientation of the camera when shooting from ground level.

My pocket tripod is too weak for the weight of the camera and off-center balance of the lens and is actually set too high anyway.

TIA

Pro media gear has a very versatile, small, low level tripod. It supports my D 850 and a sigma art 14 to 24 as long as you center the mass a bit. Very well constructed.

bsprague Loc: Lacey, WA, USA

Another cheaper version of the Platypod:

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1350047-REG/platypod_1014_ultra_plate_camera_support.html

hjkarten Loc: San Diego, California

I recently bought a small carbon Benro travel tripod (Tripster FTR19C). I mounted a Wimberley WH200, hoping to get low enough for low angle shots of birds in the marsh. Results were OK, but not great. Small tripod is not really steady enough with A7R4 and 200-600 mm telephoto, and gave medium results. Doesn't really get low enough to the ground. (I notice that I have the same problem! Getting up from the ground gets even more difficult!). Hence I am exploring using a Ground Pod or PlatyPod. Would like to hear about other people's experience with these low angle supports.
The BEnro Tripster is useful for use with my Sigma 105mm Macro lens when shooting insects and small flowers, but not as comfortable when shooting birds.

oregonfrank Loc: Astoria, Oregon

Check out RRS’ TFA-32G. The height ranges from 17.7” to 1.62”

Gene51 Loc: Yonkers, NY, now in LSD (LowerSlowerDelaware)

Alphabravo2020 wrote:

I'm looking around for a short tripod for a DSLR. When I say tripod I mean more like a foot or cradle (off-the-shelf or improvised) to control the orientation of the camera when shooting from ground level.

My pocket tripod is too weak for the weight of the camera and off-center balance of the lens and is actually set too high anyway.

TIA

I have a Feisol CT-3442 which when the legs are fully splayed out - has a minimum height of just over 6"

bleirer

Gene51 wrote:

I have a Feisol CT-3442 which when the legs are fully splayed out - has a minimum height of just over 6"

This the one? https://photographylife.com/reviews/feisol-tournament-tripod-and-cb-50d-ballhead

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

hjkarten wrote:

I recently bought a small carbon Benro travel trip... (show quote)

Luckily, Canon makes an angle finder that works well. I might get dirty knees, but I don't have to lay on the ground and arch my neck. I don't get up from the ground easily anymore either.....