Seeking Advice - Low level water shots

Hi all,

I was hoping some of you might share your wisdom on how to best to support a camera for low level shots on/near water.

Yesterday I submerged 2 of my tripod legs and feet and the third was half submerged. My tripod head still lifts the camera a few inches above the water.

Has anyone dunked their tripod head (I use a Markins M20) and if so did it suffer from it? My instinct tells me not to.

I'm by a river in a set position so there's no way of getting lower unless I get the shovel out.

Thanks,

Chris

Your tripod will be alright if you own a modern Gitzo. Easy to clean and dry. If your Markins hits the water I think you've gone to far. Just keep your Markings above water level and you will be ok.

Edwin

Agree with Edwin, I use my Gitzo in the water and then take apart and dry after, I keep the head clear of the water though

Dave

I've had my Gitzo fully extended and fully submerged up to the top of the tripod. They dismantle easily and are straightforward to wash and re-grease, essential if it's salt water. It's no big deal a few times a year, but I certainly wouldn't want to go to that trouble on a very regular basis.
I definitely wouldn't submerge a tripod head and certainly not an expensive one.

I use THIS for low level shooting.

Using the longest focal length you have will lessen the shooting angle and shooting in the Winter months after lots of rain is handy, as it will often raise the water level a considerable amount and sometimes up to the level of the surrounding land.

Thanks for the info guys, I might be able to gain (or lose) a couple of centimetres by turning the camera portrait in the collar and dropping the tripod head down the cleft. Glad I didn't dunk the head now!

Cheers,

Chris