Additional Height - Steps or Hopup

Denyerec

Denyerec

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Denyer
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I was wondering if anyone with wedding/event experience could weigh in. I found myself on a recent job needing just a little more height, had to grab a chair which wasn't the most stable...

Figured on the *next* job I'll take something with me, but wanted any user accounts of whether a flat topped "hop up" or a folding stepladder is more convenient in the field.

Links to both below:

Hopup:
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Youngmans...7f8d20b&pid=100005&rk=3&rkt=6&sd=262319161416

Steps:
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2-Step-La...882061?hash=item35e20eb7cd:g:SQAAAOSwkNZUbzPD


Afterall there's no substitute for real world experience :)
 
I've got a flat top hop up and two step ladders! Prefer the hop up! You can stand feet apart and not topple over
 
Think about weight. They fit nicely over the shoulder. Watch the press / paparazzi pack and learn.
 
Steps for me, easier to carry, lighter and easier to deploy and fold one handed while holding camera? Platforms are awkward to get legs in and out due to the fiddly wee button. The steps are very light, not heavy in the slightest
 
When I want a higher shot I select focus and composition at eye level, using imagination, check the required image position of big contrasty things. Then I flip the live view screen down, hoist the camera up on the monopod or folded tripod, get the aim right by looking up at the screen, and fire using a remote shutter trigger. Not as good or as easy as standing on a ladder or hop-up, but weighs absolutely nothing :-)
 
Chris - also requires a camera with an articulating screen, which is going to cost a lot more than some steps ;)
Shreds - I don't live in London so there is no press activity here... I'll hit Youtube, though the light weight and additional height already has me sold. Only problem really is fitting them in places - including the car!
 
I use a 3 step folding ladder. Fits across the car without having to put seats down or anything. Still a pain in the arse to use it, you have to go and get it before the one shot you need it for, then go and put it away after. Plus you need to be travelling in the car. So I try to avoid it whenever possible.

shreds said:
Claudette on Twitter: "Paparazzi ladders get locked up & left ...
Click to expand...

You'd think at Cannes they could afford to put a riser in place...
 
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