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tripod that can go low?

Neil Grant

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Jan 30, 2007
Messages
563
Location
area 76
Format
Multi Format
...i' m currently using a Manfrotto o55 (when I need a low viewpoint) but the head in particular is not good. The '3d' head has only a pair of stubby handles to 'lock off' -also it cannot be interchanged. It can take a M645 and probably an RB 67 with a small lens - which is fine. There must be something better. What do you guys suggest? THanks!
 
I like my MeFoto Globetrotter a lot. It's solid, will hold my large format cameras (though not as well as my Bogen 3036), and is fairly light, small, and didn't cost too much. You can reverse the center column to drop the camera between the legs, or buy a short column and mount your camera 13" from the ground while still upright. I've been through several tripods and liked this one so much, I bought a second.
 
The Manfrotto 055 usually comes without head!...you should be able to remove the factory-supplied head. Perhaps you are unaware of the set screws which hold the head so it does not spin off the baseplate and center 3/8" screw at the top of the center column?!
 
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I use an older Manfrotto pan-tilt head that holds a 4x5 metal field camera well. It is attached to an older set of Manfrotto legs with a center column. With the column inverted I can achieve a camera potion touching the ground.
 
- thanks, I'll have a closer look at it. The tripod is OK but the head drives me mad.
 
Any of the Gitzo tripods without a center column will do the job very well.

I use a GT3532LS, which can drop as low as 10 cm.
 
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I have a light weight CF Feisol 3301 with two columns. The standard column I use most of the time. However, when doing macro and low to the ground stuff I have the short column for that usage. With the short column it can sit flat on the ground.
 
Try a high hat, used in cinematography.
 
I have an old Tiltall with integral head which is really solid.
The column can be inverted so the head can be positioned very low when needed.
My old Slik Master with SL5 ballhead has the same capability.
Last time I checked both these tripods were still being manufactured but specs may have changed.
 
I second the recommendation of any Gitzo without center column. Their 3-way heads also have a very low profile. I bought one 10 years ago and from then on any desire to buy new tripods vanished ;-) Today, many other manufacturers have copied the Gitzo-style as well.
 
Have a 055XProB with a 804RC2 head and they do any job very well. When the head with centre column is put upside down in the tripod I can shoot frog perspective! Your camera is hanging upsidedown too, so a bit difficult to handle but it works.
With the 028B and 808RC4 head(for the heavy 4x5 stuff), you just take the head of and screw it on the downside of the centre column and your camera is at his lowest level(upside down still)too.
 
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The set screws are under the mounting plate for the head and only visible when the column is raised.
 
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