Need a different tripod

mark · Mar 27, 2005

I spent four days around Tucson taking wild flower pictures, and ran into issues with both my tripods, that caused frustration, and huge amounts of irritation. They did not get low enough. I need a tripod that will drop all the way to the ground. One tripod is able to switch the center column over so the camera can be hung upside down but that creates other issues as well that are quite uncomfortable and no longer an option.

I am looking for options. Here are my requirements:
1-can drop to ground level easily
2-can support a 5x7 kodak 2d
3-not pricey
4-center column not necessary

Thanks

Dave Parker · Mar 27, 2005

Mark,

You say 'Not Pricey' care to define a little more, price is reletive in this business, I use Bogens all the time, because they are heavy enough and have the feature on many models to revese the column as well as spread the legs all the way out, a used 3221 will run about $100 bucks, and is a great tripod with the needed support to handle your 2D.

Dave

bobfowler · Mar 27, 2005

What tripods were you using?

As Dave said, the Bogen 3221 should do the trick nicely. I like my Berlebach 2042 with my 5X7 (same basic camera as your's). The added plus of the Berlebach is that I can use the short section of the center column to get the legs laying flat and still have a built in ball-head.

david b · Mar 27, 2005

I am using a bogen carbon fiber 3443 tripod that I got on ebay for $225 including shipping. With the short center post, it will put the camera down to about 12 inches or so.

Nick Zentena · Mar 27, 2005

http://www.giottos.com/eng_public/f...ation_detail.asp?ProductID=49&VariationID=296

That's mine. Leave the centre column at home and you can use the built in head.

Mike A · Mar 27, 2005

Check www.berlebach.com tripods, B&H carries them but you may also order direct from Germany. I have an 8023 on the way, Ill post my findings when it arrives.
Mike

jmdavis · Mar 27, 2005

I really like my Berlebach. I have the model with the ball rather than a column and it works great for me. It easily supports my Toyo G 4x5, my 5x7 B&J and my newest acquisition, the Shen Hao. I can get to within 3 inches of the ground and be assured that I don't have to worry about an upside down camera slipping.

Loose Gravel · Mar 27, 2005

Try a Paillard / Bolex tripod. You see them on ebay regularly. About $50 to 100. Take off the movie head and put on a head that you like. No center column. Very rigid. Not heavy. Made for 16mm movie camera. Don't waste your money bidding on a fluid head.

I have two that I use for 45, 57, and 810.

mark · Mar 27, 2005

Guess I did leave out some information didn't I.

I have a 3221 and one of those chinese bogen knock offs with the geared column. I left it at my parent's so don't have the exact brand.

I have no desire to ever work with my camera upside down again. Talk about a real PIA

Pricey means over two hundred on the used market. Doable is under 200 on the used market.

Thanks for the information so far.

Thomas Wagner · Mar 27, 2005

I have not seen one for years, perhaps it was added by some clever chap but I had a tripod that had a screw and locknut on the bottom of the column. Granted you used the camera upside down and had to adjust the legs to get it aimed but it got me almost right to ground level. I also had a ball mount that I have not seen for a while. It mounted to the screw and then made the camera more easily aimed. Can't beat old innovations...

Tom

Nick Zentena · Mar 27, 2005

The one I suggested was $160US new. Don't know if it's gone up.

Jim McD · Mar 27, 2005

Take a look on that auction site for a Majestic. They are built like trucks and you can get an arm for low/macro shots. For the money they are the most stabil, but I'd hate to carry it too far. I have a 2500 and it is as stabil as any tripod I have ever used

Tom Stanworth · Mar 27, 2005

sounds like you need a wooden Berlebach to me. Goes flat up to eye level for someone 6'6" approx.. Rock solid, cheap, no centre column on some (9002 is incredible - I have one), weighs 2.2kg etc. 1/3 Ries price and will still last a lifetime. I am oevr the moon with mine. Cany help with US prices, but you could try berlebach direct in Gernmany (as I did). Fast typically German service. Blinding.

If you want to know more, seaqrch this forum under berlebach as there have been a few posts on them.

Tom

GregT. · Mar 27, 2005

If you don't need to go higher than 60-inches, Berlebach 3032 meets your criteria at $207 new. B&H restocked their inventory of them two weeks ago. 20-degree levelling ball, no center column, supports 26lbs, weighs 7lbs and drops down to 3.5-inches. Aesthetically very pleasing as well.

Ole · Mar 28, 2005

Stabil - http://www.stabil.nu - has everything you need. I've been using one for several years, and everything else seems flimsy and/or heavy and inflexible.

They (he) only sell(s) directly from the producer...

Nicole · Mar 28, 2005

I use a Gitzo tripod and love it! Very sturdy, strong and easy to use! Although I have no need to go to ground level, it would have no issues getting that low. http://www.gitzo.com/

Need a different tripod

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