Cheap low level camera stand? (not nesecerily a tripod)

A

AndyG123

Messages
398
Name
Andy
Edit My Images
Yes
I've seen a product before what appears to be a plate of metal with a hinge on it or a ball head mount designed to be stood on a wall or sat on the floor as a low level tripod? Similar to how the sandbags are used to prop a camera..
Does anyone know what these stands are called? I've searched many different things but had no luck finding them.
 
Your description reminded me of this product

https://www.thepod.ca/green pod page.html

HTH :)

PS though I have heard of and think seen pictures of "like" devices made out of an old frying pan for use on the beach for very low level photography of seals and wading birds ;)
 
Last edited:
Last edited:
Last edited:
Bean bags work well, but I rarely have one with me. I've sometimes ended up just folding my coat & using that or resting the camera on the top of my camera bag!

Another budget option for getting really low, is a simple 14-20 bolt (UNC or BSW) through a short plank of wood. A standard ball head can be screwed onto this...
 
Steve B said:
Your description sounds a bit like this

https://www.manfrotto.co.uk/pocket-support-large-black
Click to expand...

I use one of these. Literally fits in a pocket. Probably smaller than a phone. But.... it’s not ideal for anything with a longish lens. Works brilliantly with my x100t. Struggles a little with my EM5ii with even a lightweight zoom lens. Probably wouldn’t even try it with a DSLR. But it’s a great little product in the right circumstances.
 
I got one of these for macro/low level and to be honest its Surprisingly steady and well made for the money, although I paid £31 but didn’t get the plate ect, so may be worth looking

Neewer 20 inches/50 centimeters Portable Compact Desktop Macro Mini Tripod with 360 Degree Ball Head,1/4 inches Quick Release Plate, Bag for DSLR Camera, Video Camcorder up to 11 pounds/5 kilograms https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01MSAEZN8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_3OMCCb1HGN9BH
 
I use a Pod under both (D)SLRs and smaller cameras. Surprisingly stable and flexible. Used to have a Morris Minor hubcap with a tripod stud poking through it as a ground level support.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Nod
Ed Sutton said:
Try 'ground pod'. I think the early ones were frying pans with ball heads bolted to them. https://www.amazon.co.uk/Eckla-Disk-Ground-Level-Photography/dp/B00NVKDC8S

Probably other makes available, or DIY. e.g. https://robinhoskyns.wordpress.com/2014/04/24/today-i-drilled-through-a-frying-pan-diy-ground-pod/
Click to expand...

Bobsyeruncle said:
£122? Ouch!
Frying pan seems like a good idea.
Click to expand...

Frying pans make good ‘groundpods’. I made myself one. The hardest part was finding a 3/8 UNC machine bolt. I added a penny washer a bit of rubber gasket either side to seal the hole and give some resistance to hold a head in place.

Worked really well a few years ago trying to photograph seals on the beach. On the same trip a friend used a baking tray and bean bag. That worked well too. Both slid across the sand well.

https://spark.adobe.com/page/IF7j0kvgiUu34/

The only problem with cheap frying is they rock on surfaces because you can’t get the bolt head recessed into the frying pan (the base material is too thin). The ground pods have a centre column and the bolt is fixinto that.
 
Last edited:
I think it is some form of ground pod I seen to be honnest, possibly a kickstarter project. I'm tempted to try a self build adjustable one. Which should be more than capable to Hold a macro lens.
 
I have a Platypod Max but much prefer my Skimmer Ground Pod by NatureScapes.

The problem I find with the Platypod is adjusting the screw feet to get level - It takes forever and also they are spiked which at times can injure you! The rubber protection caps don't stay on and get lost. The Platypod is excellent if you want to attach your camera to a tree or post and shoot remotely but otherwise I think it is over designed.

The Skimmer Ground Pod is far easier to carry and also much more stable when I mount my Canon EF 500mm F/4L II + 2x (or 1.4x) + 1DX-2. The Skimmer is much more durable too.

I sometimes mount a Jobu Jr-3 Deluxe gimbal on it which is the smallest gimbal head you can buy and if necessary either one or two spacers to gain height. It helps to have a camera body with a Vario-angle screen of course.

https://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/NatureScapes-Skimmer-Ground-Pod-II.aspx

You ask for something cheap? Better to be led by something which works well rather than just price. A chain is only as strong as its weakest link.
 
Last edited:
Nod said:
I use a Pod under both (D)SLRs and smaller cameras. Surprisingly stable and flexible. Used to have a Morris Minor hubcap with a tripod stud poking through it as a ground level support.
Click to expand...
Thats brill, I'd have loved to have seen that :)
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top