Gizmo's for low-level shots.

[Dave in Wales]

What do you use....short tripod, bean bag, camera under tripod, a rock...what?

I'd be interested to know what works best for you.

D in W

 

[EdBray]

Depends on the subject, but for anything other than macro I would use a shift lens, you can then take the image from waist level without problems. For macro I would either shoot hand held on knees/belly or use my Benbo tripod.

 

[JCoquillon]

I find a gorillapod slr to be a useful accessory for this kind of task.

It's a sensible height mini tripod, but totally adjustable. \You can adjust the height and angle of the camera to suit almost any situation and terrain.

 

[Just Dave]

I use a Manfrotto 055 tripod as it goes flat to the ground and with a ball head

 

[Nod]

The gizmo I would find most useful in that situation is an engine hoist! A bit extreme as a camera support but would come in very handy lifting me back onto my feet after I've laid on the ground to get the shot/angle I wanted.

I sometimes use a Pod (small beanbag with a tripod screw on the top - now with a Manfrotto QR plate as well) resting on the ground when I'm taht low down nad have been known to mess about with removing the lower part of my Manfrotto 190 pro's centre column and splaying the legs as wide as they'll go.

 

[Just Dave]

The gizmo I would find most useful in that situation is an engine hoist! A bit extreme as a camera support but would come in very handy lifting me back onto my feet after I've laid on the ground to get the shot/angle I wanted.
.

The Manfrotto 055 tripod has a column that goes to the horizontal position I think the new Manfrotto 190 tripods do as well Clicky linky 055 has the higher load capacity

 

[The23rdman]

Are there any decent mini monopods on the market? I'm often at low angles for kids and find myself in odd positions that make camera shake more likely.

 

[markyboy.1967]

One of the reasons i bought the Gitzo 5541 LS as it goes nice and low, also use a beanbag for low level shots.

 

[inaneredstripe]

another vote for the 055.
or lay flat on my big belly if i can manage the shot handheld.

 

[Islander]

I have a Benbo tripod that's perfect for low level stuff as well as normal shots.

 

[Alastair]

Started out with a Velbon Delta tripod.. remove and flip the centre column and you can get the camera on the ground, only problem is that it's upside down. Changed this for a Manfrotto 190PROXB and the lens is just as low down, but the camera is now the right way up so much easier to use.

Cheap foam garden kneeler protects my knees and keeps them dry(-ish) whan I'm on the beach and amongst the rock pools.