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Low tripod for DSLR
Feb 9, 2021 09:34:17 #
DaveC wrote:
The problem with Platypod’s is that they are not very versatile. I have a Gitzo carbon fiber G2227. This tripod has legs that will splay independently to any angle, down to flat, and an offset center column that can be tilted to any angle from vertical to inverted vertical. You can set your camera to any height over almost any terrain. It is no longer made but used ones are available.
I disagree. The platypod’s versatility is only limited by your imagination. I have a tripod that does all of that and yes in most cases I’ll use it, but I can use the platypod in spots where I don’t have room to set up a tripod. With the adjustable legs and straps I can it it up in rough terrain or strap it to a tree, a fence, a signpost. And I’m not carrying a tripod when I’m hiking 8+ miles.
Feb 9, 2021 10:14:14 #
DaveC wrote:
The problem with Platypod’s is that they are not very versatile. I have a Gitzo carbon fiber G2227. This tripod has legs that will splay independently to any angle, down to flat, and an offset center column that can be tilted to any angle from vertical to inverted vertical. You can set your camera to any height over almost any terrain. It is no longer made but used ones are available.
Actually, they are quite versatile. In addition, they are small and light (I think the base will fit in my shirt pocket), and you can use them in places where tripods are not allowed. Is it for everyone? Probably not, but if you want the ability to get low, the versatility of a ball head and the ability to carry small and light, the Platypod or one of its knock-offs is a great choice. Even shooting in a studio-like setting, or on your kitchen table, nothing is more versatile. You can get as low as you want, but you can raise the height with its screw in legs or by setting it on a pile of books, and you can get as close to your subject as you want since there are no legs in the way. Nothing is perfect and nothing works in every situation, but the Platypod is a great idea for many circumstances.
Feb 9, 2021 10:42:25 #
DaveC
Loc: Illinois
I had a Platypod. I shoot lots of wildflowers. They may be in a field where their heights could range from ground level to several feet up on stalks. Or they could be growing on the steep side of a hill, which may be dirt or rocks. I almost never found a case where my Platypod would work, my Gitzo almost always. As they say, different strokes for different folks.
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Feb 9, 2021 13:12:19 #
Feb 10, 2021 06:04:04 #
PhotoDerek
Loc: County Durham, UK.
I have a Platypod Max and a Slik PRO 500DXS mini tripod. I use a Gitzo head GH 1382QD transferring between both of them. The Platypod is a brilliant idea but it has not produced the images to date - maybe in the future. The Slik mini tripod has been brilliant can use on a low wall - fitted a D5 with L bracket and 24-70 AFS F2.8 zoom and took this picture of Durham Cathedral.
Not sure how to post a picture on this site otherwise would post the picture as I think it is good and sharp. Used a cable release and Mirror up etc.
Not sure how to post a picture on this site otherwise would post the picture as I think it is good and sharp. Used a cable release and Mirror up etc.
Feb 10, 2021 06:20:31 #
Feb 10, 2021 12:56:51 #
Feb 10, 2021 13:23:06 #
Wow. I didn't see all these replies. I think the platypod or maybe the beanbag is what I am looking for.
Feb 11, 2021 12:45:50 #
My first suggestion for you is to stay away from tripods that have a center column, and also consider tripods that allow the legs to be adjust out to where the camera head will go all the way down to the ground. My favorite tripod is this one: https://www.keh.com/shop/tripods-gitzo-gt3541xls-6x-carbon-fiber-4-section-27-6-78-717358.html There are several other brands and models that will function similar to this. I like this one because I am fairly tall, and this one allows me to set up from down on the ground, for a belly shot, to standing on the side of a hill without having to fight with a center post that will cause unintended movement/blur while shooting. I can change to different camera/lens heads very quickly when changing different types of lenses. It is the main part of a tripod system that allows for different heads, mounts, and gimbles. What ever you choose, be sure that is something that you can grow with instead of being something you are stuck with.
Feb 11, 2021 16:54:58 #
Kosmo
Loc: Streamwood , IL
How about a Platypod! You just put your ballhead on this device and you are at ground level. It works great!!
Feb 11, 2021 16:58:51 #
Kosmo
Loc: Streamwood , IL
How about the Platypod? You attach your ballhead to it & it is a solid low level base for your dslr. Works great!!
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Feb 12, 2021 02:37:10 #
hjkarten
Loc: San Diego, California
Any tips someone can provide for using the PlatyPod type of device? I just received the Glide Gear Lay-Low. Approximately same dimensions at the large Platy Pod. No instructions or suggested configurations. Unstable with a Wimberley WH200 with a SONY A7R4 and Macro 105mm.
Not as stable as a decent tripod (e.g. Benro TMA27c or even the small Tripster 1). Felt that it put camera and 200-600 telephoto at risk.
Any suggestions?
Not as stable as a decent tripod (e.g. Benro TMA27c or even the small Tripster 1). Felt that it put camera and 200-600 telephoto at risk.
Any suggestions?
Feb 12, 2021 16:08:57 #
I use a RRS pocket tripod and ballhead with my D850 and 70-200 E 2.8 without a hitch. Solid steel and about 8 inches long. Mine is 8 years old and works like new.
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