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Does the perfect tripod for my needs exist?

Perceivedshift
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p.1 #1 · p.1 #1 · Does the perfect tripod for my needs exist?

I am a real estate photographer, and I have a problem. A tripod problem. The worst thing about photo sessions is fumbling with the tripod legs. Mostly because the legs are made of of 4-5 segments less than a foot in length each. With a short 1ft center column this means I often have to fumble with the legs to drop the camera low enough for some compositions. I also do matterport scans where it gets worse. Often I have to adjust all three legs when scanning staircases with my heavy Pro 2 camera and weight attached. Probably a matter of time before it makes a tumble when I am in a rush. If it can happen, given enough chances it will happen.

The tripod I am after has long telescoping leg segments, perhaps around 18" in length each. Preferably the clamp style as its easy to confirm when they are locked vs the twist style locking. A long telescoping center column made up of two segments, again about 18" each. This would allow me to set camera height for vaulted and cathedral ceilings then later dropping down to bed level later without touching the legs!

Most photography tripods seem to be geared to being light and compact. I really do not care for either of these features so long as its not so bulky it won't fit in small bathrooms. I just want my requirements above and be built like a tank. Sturdy is the name of the game here.

So, does such a tripod exist? I feel like it does and im an idiot for missing it. If you have any suggestions that would be great.

Jun 03, 2024 at 06:40 AM

sjms
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p.1 #2 · p.1 #2 · Does the perfect tripod for my needs exist?

there is a grouping that caters to the traveler. we won't go there.

what legset do you have that is giving you the trouble?

tripods as you have seen/known are tools of composition. regretfully no one set will cover all of ones needs depending on what you do. you do not move particularly fast in setup depending on the room/area.

there are, to a degree, modular models but they only cover some requirements.

what is the base total height you think you need to the top of the apex?

A long telescoping center column made up of two segments, again about 18" each.

that is not the best idea to begin with. the higher you go in a single center shaft and including on your hardware stuck to the top creates potential for blur through lateral movement. it amplifies it. then there is the step ladder you need to get up there.

Jun 03, 2024 at 06:49 AM

Ryukyu
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p.1 #3 · p.1 #3 · Does the perfect tripod for my needs exist?

Have you looked at 3-section aluminum tripods from Manfrotto or Benro? They aren't the lightest, but they are rock solid, and for real estate photography that's really all you need.
You can take a look at them on the B$H website.

Jun 03, 2024 at 08:00 AM

Perceivedshift
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p.1 #4 · p.1 #4 · Does the perfect tripod for my needs exist?

sjms wrote:
tripods as you have seen/known are tools of composition. regretfully no one set will cover all of ones needs depending on what you do. you do not move particularly fast in setup depending on the room/area.

what is the base total height you think you need to the top of the apex?

that is not the best idea to begin with. the higher you go in a single center shaft and including on your hardware stuck to the top creates potential for blur through lateral movement. it amplifies it. then there is the step ladder you need to get up there.

Top of apex should be under waste level when indoors. Camera typically sits chest level, the problem is most tripods center columns are only 12" long, so the apex height needs to be set higher then adjusted lower for some compositions. (I can shoot as lows as a 2ft) That is what I'd like to avoid. Total camera height adjustment using only the center column should be 18-24", doesn't necessary need to be telescoping. Remember these shots are indoors on a level surface, so stability is less of an issue. Though good solid construction and good leg angles should keep the camera stable enough. I also use a remote trigger so the chance of movement is lower during each shot.

Jun 03, 2024 at 08:11 AM

Perceivedshift
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p.1 #5 · p.1 #5 · Does the perfect tripod for my needs exist?

Ryukyu wrote:
Have you looked at 3-section aluminum tripods from Manfrotto or Benro? They aren't the lightest, but they are rock solid, and for real estate photography that's really all you need.
You can take a look at them on the B$H website.

They all seem to have no column, or one that is too short.

Jun 03, 2024 at 08:15 AM

sjms
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p.1 #6 · p.1 #6 · Does the perfect tripod for my needs exist?

there is a reason why they are generally under 12" long. stability. physics wins. people walking around help especially on wood floors. here is a method i use to shoot low with it i can stack it a bit higher.

you assume the floors are also perfect too. not so much.

here is what i use for low shots:

DSC-RX100M5 8.8-25.7 mm f/1.8-2.8 lens 9mm f/5.6 1/30s 6400 ISO 0.0 EV

Jun 03, 2024 at 08:23 AM

Perceivedshift
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p.1 #7 · p.1 #7 · Does the perfect tripod for my needs exist?

sjms wrote:
there is a reason why they are generally under 12" long. stability. physics wins. people walking around help especially on wood floors. here is a method i use to shoot low with it i can stack it a bit higher.

you assume the floors are also perfect too. not so much.

I never assume the floors are "perfect", they often are not perfect. But im not shooting on a slope or anything like loose dirt or gravel when setup indoors. I generally do not allow clients to be walking around my equipment, they are typically outside or on another floor waiting for me to do my thing. Engineering can work around physics limitations....either through a material change, better center column lock with more contact, or through increasing the center column diameter. We are also not talking about a 300% increase in height.

Jun 03, 2024 at 08:45 AM

sjms
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p.1 #8 · p.1 #8 · Does the perfect tripod for my needs exist?

and you haven't found to much of that available in your search, have you? you can always have it made.

Jun 03, 2024 at 09:01 AM

Perceivedshift
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p.1 #9 · p.1 #9 · Does the perfect tripod for my needs exist?

sjms wrote:
and you haven't found to much of that available in your search, have you? you can always have it made.

100% I am thinking about crafting a solution!

Jun 03, 2024 at 09:08 AM

sjms
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p.1 #10 · p.1 #10 · Does the perfect tripod for my needs exist?

hope you get it done at a reasonable cost.

Jun 03, 2024 at 09:15 AM

hiepphotog
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p.1 #11 · p.1 #11 · Does the perfect tripod for my needs exist?

Perceivedshift wrote:
I am a real estate photographer, and I have a problem. A tripod problem. The worst thing about photo sessions is fumbling with the tripod legs. Mostly because the legs are made of of 4-5 segments less than a foot in length each. With a short 1ft center column this means I often have to fumble with the legs to drop the camera low enough for some compositions. I also do matterport scans where it gets worse. Often I have to adjust all three legs when scanning staircases with my heavy Pro 2 camera and weight attached. Probably a matter...Show more →

That sounds like a Sachtler Flowtech with an add-on long center column. Just look into video/cinematography tripods that you might be able to find the one you like.

Jun 03, 2024 at 09:49 AM

CharleyL
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p.1 #12 · p.1 #12 · Does the perfect tripod for my needs exist?

I've been using "Slik U-212 Deluxe" (one says "Pro" - They are identical otherwise) tripods (I have two of them) for about the past 20 years for most of my field work and sometimes even in the studio, though I mostly use camera stands in the studio. Each leg of these tripods, when fully extended is 54" long, and 21" when collapsed measured from the top pivot of the leg to the base end including the foot. The feet are both rubber tipped and with spike. Screwing the rubber foot up extends the spike out through it's center. Neither removes easily, so they don't get lost. The center column is 17" long and has a 1/4-20 stud on the top and bottom (for really low camera use). I usually have a 1/4-20 eye nut that I purchased separately, attached to the bottom 1/4-20 stud, so I can add weight for windy days. The legs have lever locks and are extrusions, rectangular in shape. With the tripod legs open to the first stop and the center column all the way up and locked, the height to the base of the attached camera on the tripod head that comes with them is 66". The tripod weighs about 5.5 lbs, but it's so stable that it's all the only tripod that I'll take with me when doing work outside the studio. The legs can be angled out to almost horizontal, once another clamp lock is released, so use on rugged ground or stairways is easy. I have other smaller and lighter tripods, but the Slik tripods are all that get used under my cameras. I do change the head of the tripod sometimes, to a K&F Concepts CD3W for 3 axes micro adjustment when doing "still life" or macro shoots. The Slik heads that come with the tripods are all that I use otherwise. My heaviest camera is a Canon 90D when it has a Tamron 18-400 lens on it.

These Slik U-212 Pro or Deluxe tripods are no longer being manufactured, but they were a very popular tripod for the Pro's for many years. I've seen them available used several times over the last few years, with the seller usually asking around $50 for them when in perfect condition. The Quick Release camera piece is still available from B&H if it should come without one. I bought spares of these just a few months ago. When new, these tripods sold for about $240 each.

Charley

Jun 03, 2024 at 09:57 AM

Bobarino
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p.1 #13 · p.1 #13 · Does the perfect tripod for my needs exist?

When weight is not an issue, you might want to consider a turtle-base C-stand with a sliding leg. The sliding leg is ideal for shooting on stairs, and the small footprint of the C-stand makes it ideal for shooting in tight spaces. You can choose models with multiple risers when height is required. You can also add roller bases for mobility. The turtle-bases are removeable.

I have several different types from Kupo and Matthews.

https://www.msegrip.com/collections/c-stands

https://kupogrip.com/stands/c-stands-c-stand-accessories/

Edited on Jun 03, 2024 at 12:12 PM · View previous versions

Jun 03, 2024 at 10:01 AM

sjms
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p.1 #14 · p.1 #14 · Does the perfect tripod for my needs exist?

while your at it you could look at the lighter weight cranes/booms out there. they do require a build up and take down. so many "options".

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/buy/Cranes-Jibs/ci/3917?sts=cat

Edited on Jun 04, 2024 at 03:01 PM · View previous versions

Jun 03, 2024 at 10:23 AM

Perceivedshift
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p.1 #15 · p.1 #15 · Does the perfect tripod for my needs exist?

CharleyL wrote:
I've been using "Slik U-212 Deluxe" (one says "Pro" - They are identical otherwise) tripods (I have two of them) for about the past 20 years for most of my field work and sometimes even in the studio, though I mostly use camera stands in the studio. Each leg of these tripods, when fully extended is 54" long, and 21" when collapsed measured from the top pivot of the leg to the base end including the foot. The feet are both rubber tipped and with spike. Screwing the rubber foot up extends the spike out through it's center. Neither removes...Show more →
This could be a great option, I found a few on ebay. At that price I have nothing to lose and will give it a shot! Thanks so much for the details and suggestion.

Jun 03, 2024 at 04:10 PM

Ryukyu
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p.1 #16 · p.1 #16 · Does the perfect tripod for my needs exist?

If, as you said, sturdy is the name of the game, that is not what you get with an 18” center column.

Perceivedshift wrote:
They all seem to have no column, or one that is too short.

Jun 03, 2024 at 09:06 PM

sjms
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p.1 #17 · p.1 #17 · Does the perfect tripod for my needs exist?

See above as a repeat performance of what I said earlier.

I think you are going to find physics will still rule as it always does. Yes, you can do some serious R&D but at what cost benefit ratio? It can easily get a bit unpalatable

The use of a C stand generally requires additional items like sandbags to stabilize.

Im having a little issue following your methodology using a u212 which has been out for literally decades that may be your answer.

Jun 04, 2024 at 12:03 AM

Perceivedshift
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p.1 #18 · p.1 #18 · Does the perfect tripod for my needs exist?

Ryukyu wrote:
If, as you said, sturdy is the name of the game, that is not what you get with an 18” center column.

Made of good materials, solid legs and a solid locks, the extra couple inches doesn't hurt in my use case. The length of the column doesn't determine how stable the tripod is man...I have a light weight tripod and an aluminum tripod, both have 12" centers....guess which one is MUCH more stable. Being stable has a lot more to do with just center column length....there are other factors involved.

Jun 04, 2024 at 05:59 AM

Perceivedshift
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p.1 #19 · p.1 #19 · Does the perfect tripod for my needs exist?

sjms wrote:
Im having a little issue following your methodology using a u212 which has been out for literally decades that may be your answer.
Being old makes it.....not good? Elaborate.

Jun 04, 2024 at 06:03 AM

sjms
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p.1 #20 · p.1 #20 · Does the perfect tripod for my needs exist?

it will be interesting to see how you do it and with what materials, and again cost.

just for reference RRS uses Al alloy for its center post for a number of reasons. it uses a cinch mechanism to lock too. its only 12" long.

if you review the pic above of the photog at the high position take a look at the CP on that set of legs it a little longer then the 18" you want.

RRS CP rev1

NIKON Z 6 NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/4 S lens 34mm f/6.3 1/80s 25600 ISO 0.0 EV

Jun 04, 2024 at 06:13 AM

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