Posted by Ryan Askren on February 22, 2010 at 2:00 PM
Hello all,
I am looking for a low-profile tripod that can get reall low to the ground for eye-level bird shots. I have normally just rested my lens on the ground but am now upgrading to a 600mm and worry a bit more about doing this. Any suggestions? Thank you.
Posted by David Bostedo on February 22, 2010 at 2:23 PM
Ryan - If you're talking about lying prone and shooting, run a Google search for "ground pod". That should come up with a few options. (NatureScapes, another site I belong to, makes and sells the Skimmer ground pod which a lot of the folks there seem to like.)
Posted by Michael Lotito on February 22, 2010 at 6:31 PM
I just ordered the kirk window mount that also doubles as a ground pod. Once I get it I will let you know how it works.
Mike
Posted by Buck Ward on February 22, 2010 at 8:04 PM
Tripods without center columns, certain Gitzo models for example, get to within inches of the ground. BTW, one of the effects of a long lens is that a greater distance allows a flatter angle which makes it less apparent if you are are taller than the bird. For tall birds, such as herons and egrets, getting the lens lower than two feet above the ground is easy and comfortable to sit behind. For shorebirds or small ground birds, a tripod without a center post will let you low enough but a skillet-style ground pod is probably a better solution than a tripod, because it is less cumbersome to move if you are lying down behind it - you don't have to lift it, you can just push it. An alternative to a ground pod is a bean bag.
Discussion
3 repliesI am looking for a low-profile tripod that can get reall low to the ground for eye-level bird shots. I have normally just rested my lens on the ground but am now upgrading to a 600mm and worry a bit more about doing this. Any suggestions? Thank you.
Mike