Looking for a tri pod thats low to the floor

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End of Fall

Carbonite Member
I have two decent tri pods but I'm looking for something I can set on my dolly thats a little lower to the floor. I don't care if it can pan well I'm mainly looking for a steady low level shot but since all my tri pods usually sit as low as 3 feet it don't do me much help when I need something about 3 inches off the dolly platform.
 
There are baby legs out there:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produ...MVB_Mini_Pro_Video_Tripod.html#specifications

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produ..._3778_3_ENG_Aluminum_Baby.html#specifications

Or you could bolt a hi hat to a pancake, which is a great way to get super-low shots.

Hi Hats:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produ...y_Bogen_Imaging_529B_529_Hi_Hat.html#features

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/229592-REG/Birns_Sawyer_203005_Hi_Hat_DV_with_75mm.html

Pancake (aka 1/8 apple):
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/99404-REG/Matthews_259538_Eighth_Apple_Box.html

A sheet of plywood or OSB would also work, though the pancake is going to be more rigid and sturdy.

The hi hat/pancake can also be C-clamped to the top of a tall work ladder for great overhead shots.
 
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What kind of dolly? Platform, or tripod?

If it's a platform dolly, then a Steadybag is your cheapest, non-panning option.
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/61588-REG/Visual_Departures_SB1_SB1_Model_I_Steadybag.html

If it's a tripod dolly, well, you need to get baby legs, or adapt it for a sheet of plywood and then use the Steadybag.

Incidentally, it's very helpful if you give a budget range. Asking the questions without a price ceiling is going to get you pointed to the best options, not necessarily the cheapest. Help us help you!
 
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Its a platform dolly, I'm sorry I forgot to mention I'm trying to go the cheap rout if their is a chance to go for a cheap rout.

As for the sand bag, its cheap but not necessarily the best of idea because I'm looking for something I could actually screw into and let it sit down and not worry about it tipping over.
 
End of Fall said:
As for the sand bag, its cheap but not necessarily the best of idea because I'm looking for something I could actually screw into and let it sit down and not worry about it tipping over.
Click to expand...

Then a hi hat really is your best option.
 
End of Fall said:
You posted a few links, how much is a highhat? I was thinking its around 400 dollars.
Click to expand...

Cheapest one at B&H is $135.

Cheapest one at filmtools.com is about $170.

Keep in mind that these take half-ball mounts, so match the bowl diameter to your existing ball mount.
 
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