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Archive 2018 · Skimmer or platypod or.....?

TAM63
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p.1 #1 · p.1 #1 · Skimmer or platypod or.....?

I'm looking for something to use with D850, Wimberly Gimbal and 600mm F4 down low. I might use it in some other situation but this is my priority.

So far I'm considering a few of these - any recommendations for one of these, or another alternative? Thanks

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/544674-REG/Naturescapes_SKM_II_SKM_II_Skimmer_Ground_Pod.html

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1261878-REG/platypod_pro_1009_pro_max_camera_support.html

Aug 18, 2018 at 10:40 AM

morris
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p.1 #2 · p.1 #2 · Skimmer or platypod or.....?

You can make your own. Parts required:

1 Frisby
1 1/4 20 bolt. Get the length you want to elevate the camera
2 washers
2 lock washers
1 1/4 20 nut

Morris

Aug 18, 2018 at 11:11 AM

TAM63
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p.1 #3 · p.1 #3 · Skimmer or platypod or.....?

morris wrote:
You can make your own. Parts required:

1 Frisby
1 1/4 20 bolt. Get the length you want to elevate the camera
2 washers
2 lock washers
1 1/4 20 nut

Morris

Interesting, I'm not sure I'm that handy. Sounds a little tippy with that heavy of a lens maybe...

Friend wants to get me a b-day present, so I'm trying to choose one

Aug 18, 2018 at 01:11 PM

Fred Amico
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p.1 #4 · p.1 #4 · Skimmer or platypod or.....?

TAM63 wrote:
Interesting, I'm not sure I'm that handy. Sounds a little tippy with that heavy of a lens maybe...

Friend wants to get me a b-day present, so I'm trying to choose one

Can't tell you which to get, Tam, but you sure have a nice friend!

Aug 18, 2018 at 01:13 PM

TAM63
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p.1 #5 · p.1 #5 · Skimmer or platypod or.....?

Fred Amico wrote:
Can't tell you which to get, Tam, but you sure have a nice friend!

We are very good friends. I'll be getting her some nice stuff too.

Aug 18, 2018 at 01:39 PM

birdied
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p.1 #6 · p.1 #6 · Skimmer or platypod or.....?

I had the Visual Echoes Panning Plate

Panning Plate

It fits perfectly in a regular size frisby and works great especially if you are in sand .

Birdie

Aug 18, 2018 at 03:19 PM

jdc562
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p.1 #7 · p.1 #7 · Skimmer or platypod or.....?

We need to know your application. If it's on loose sand or mud, you don't want something that will get your camera and big lens in the dirt. You can use Morris's design with a bigger base: cooking pan, heavy plastic platter, etc. I made mine with a heavy plastic appetizer platter, the kind with moulded-in dividers that increase its strength. "Tippy" will be partly controlled by having your gimbal/camera properly balanced. If you're on a relatively hard, smooth surface, there are plenty of wheeled camera dollies that cost less than $100.

Aug 18, 2018 at 04:39 PM

surfnron
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p.1 #8 · p.1 #8 · Skimmer or platypod or.....?

As noted above, will this be used stationary, or will you be sliding it around? The first you linked to would be better if you plan on sliding it around. If you will not be moving it once in place, any will work.

If you can drill a hole , you could save a lot of money using a cheap frying pan or a stiff plastic plate:

Drill hole in the center of the pan/plate.
put a washer on the bolt.
Slide the bolt through the pan from the bottom.
Place the second washer over the bolt.
Screw the nut down tight. (Use a bolt that is threaded full length so you can tighten the nut.)
Attach the gimbal and you are done.

Suggest something else for your gift.

Ron

Aug 19, 2018 at 07:50 AM

Dragonfire
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p.1 #9 · p.1 #9 · Skimmer or platypod or.....?

The Naturescapes SKM-II Skimmer Ground Pod II is the only way to go with a Gimbel head that allows you to raise the elevation.

The solid center structure makes all the difference in the world and the reason it does not break, like the homemade frying pans.

The Platypod Max has always intrigued me, but most of my shooting is in the sand.

I think you can afford it - D850, Wimberly Gimbal and 600mm F4

You won't regret it.

Aug 19, 2018 at 08:24 AM

TAM63
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p.1 #10 · p.1 #10 · Skimmer or platypod or.....?

Thanks all.

I don't think I want to put this in a wet place - my tripod can get pretty low, and I would probably do that instead.
Mostly I'd be on grass I suppose, could be damp. If I got to somewhere sandy, I would use it there.
I would move it around a bit I suppose - for example, shooting ducklings at the edge of the lake. So wildlife/bugs/etc, not still life.
I'm thinking the purchased skimmer would be lighter weight than using a frying pan for example - I am already dragging a fair amount of weight around with me.

With the skimmer, I've read I need to buy some sort of riser to use that gimbal? Does that seem correct?

Aug 19, 2018 at 11:30 AM

Dragonfire
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p.1 #11 · p.1 #11 · Skimmer or platypod or.....?

TAM63

I needed an easy way to switch my Gimbel in the field from the tripod to my skimmerpod and RRS quick release was in excess of $300 and was not as secure.

The Sunwayfoto clamps are smooth and secure and the Desmond plate features the appropriate threaded center hole.

Attach the components as pictured or PM me. You will need to take the skimmerpod to the hardware store for the appropriate nut. Show them the picture.

I assembled the system in April and the only modification was the addition of Blue Locktite after my first outing. Smooth sailing since then.

Parts List:

Gimbel - SunwayFoto 64mm (2.51") Discal Clamp $40.00

Ballhead - SunwayFoto 64mm (2.51") Discal Clamp with Long Handle $40.00

iOptron - SunwayFoto 58mm (2.28") Discal Clamp $35.00

Tripod & Skimmerpod - Desmond 5.5-Inch 140mm 140 QR Lens Plate Quick Release Arca Swiss Compatible PC-140 DPC140 $15.00 each

Nato screws - https://www.woodencamera.com/nato-lock-screw-set-p/199400.htm - 2 sets

Blue Locktite for the Nato screws - a must.

Wrench - TEKTON WRN50117 Stubby Ratcheting Combination Wrench, 17 mm

Aug 19, 2018 at 12:47 PM


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