Advice Needed - Tall(ish) Tripod

steelerdean

steelerdean

Suspended / Banned
Messages
618
Name
Dean
Edit My Images
No
I'm after some advice on the best tripod/head to go for. I'm shortly going to be doing some simple portrait shooting of sports players. I did this last year and found after a short period my arms were giving in on me - such a weakling!. I vowed to get a tripod sorted in time for this year.

The players i'll be shooting are up to 6'5 tall. I'd ideally like to be shooting at the same sort of height, or even trying some different shots by shooting slightly down on them. I've had a hunt round and most tripods i'm finding are around 5'10 give or take. Does anyone have any suggestions for the kind of height I need.

I'd like it to be sturdy enough to hold the heaviest of my kit which would be a Nikon D3 and 70-200 f2.8. Unfortunately, I don't have hundreds of pounds to throw at this so the cheaper, the better - second hand would absolutely not be a problem.
 
Sounds more like you need a small step ladder especially if you want to shoot some looking down on the players else how would you control the camera if it were 8 foot up in the air ;)
 
Step ladder best choice (and cheapest too). And you could use it around a house jobs too :)
 
Manfrotto 055 goes up to about 7.5'

and its a good quality, solid tripod.

Paul
 
3 Legged Thing "Brian" goes up to over 7' This is what I'm plumping for. The Giottos Silk Road very very nearly got my cash. I really like how compact it can get.

I've Driven myself mad the last 4 weeks watching all sorts of videos on Youtube and reading all sorts of bumph about tripods (and 70-200 lenses) :bonk: :bonk:

Will my shopping be ever over? No!!!!
 
Last edited:
I picked up a used Benbo Classic #2 for $100. It extends to 101" + the head. Heavy and sturdy.

Alternatively, you could just mount a tripod head on top of a ladder. Doesn't get much cheaper. You'll probably have a fixed height unless you use one of those "gorilla ladders" and then you'd have to use a clamp to mount the head.
 
Thanks everyone for your advice. I'll have a little hunt around based on your suggestions and let you know how I go on.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top