Tripods

Since we're talking about Tripod heights... How high do you guys usually go? I'm considering either a 63 inch tripod or 73 inch. The 73 inch is $600 more and I don't know if that 10 extra inch is worth it.
 
More of a studio solution, but there's usually a few camera stands available used in a big market. I have a 7-footer. It's easy to put a bowl adapter on the arm, they have wheels and they're very, very sturdy.

I have one from the old days (shooting 4x5 product shots with a view camera). Can't get rid of it, really handy. Though these days I mostly use it as sort of an animation stand, when i do things like hands swiping iPad screens, etc.
 
Victor Nhat Nguyen said:
Since we're talking about Tripod heights... How high do you guys usually go? I'm considering either a 63 inch tripod or 73 inch. The 73 inch is $600 more and I don't know if that 10 extra inch is worth it.
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A 73" would be more practical than the 63" tripod. 63" is really below most eye-levels, and you frequently need to be a bit higher. A taller tripod, higher than 73", would become unwieldy. If you have the ocassion to need greater camera height use the 12 step or build up something. . .put your tripod on a table, etc.
I also think I would do a bit more shopping. A $600 difference between a 63" and 73" tripod seems rather excessive, to me. Good luck.
 
Victor Nhat Nguyen said:
Since we're talking about Tripod heights... How high do you guys usually go? I'm considering either a 63 inch tripod or 73 inch. The 73 inch is $600 more and I don't know if that 10 extra inch is worth it.
Click to expand...

Depends on the sorts of shots you're wanting to get. If you're looking to get high so you can get a birds-eye shot of someone lying in bed (or something along those lines), you have to remember that you quickly reach a point where your tripod legs will creep into the edge of frame, so for most shots like that you're better off with the camera underslung on a jib or something similar.
 
Victor Nhat Nguyen said:
Since we're talking about Tripod heights... How high do you guys usually go? I'm considering either a 63 inch tripod or 73 inch. The 73 inch is $600 more and I don't know if that 10 extra inch is worth it.
Click to expand...

Like mentioned earlier, it's a matter of horses for courses. Run-N-Gun vs wildlife shots vs event work vs cine vs..... It really depends on what you are doing.

My primary sticks are a set of lightweight OConnor 30L carbon fiber legs, which weigh 8.8 lbs, have a max payload of 209 lbs, and a max height of 63.4". Once you mount a head, Arri baseplate, and camera, the height is perfect for most of what I do. I have both longer and shorter sticks in my kit, but the 30L gets the call for the majority of my tripod work.
 
Bolt a hi-hat to a pancake and use C-clamps to secure the pancake to the top platform of an A-frame ladder. Your camera can go as high as the ladder you have on hand, and you have built-in access to operate the camera.

NOTE: Responsible and safe use of the A-frame ladder is still required in order to do this without incurring bodily harm. Think before you do, and keep safety first.
 
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Which brings up something I have been meaning to talk about when people ask... what essential pieces of gear are needed, blah blah blah.

A good ladder!

I keep a nice 6' Werner in my van now, because it sucks not having one when needed.
 
David W. Jones said:
Which brings up something I have been meaning to talk about when people ask... what essential pieces of gear are needed, blah blah blah.

A good ladder!

I keep a nice 6' Werner in my van now, because it sucks not having one when needed.
Click to expand...

I'd add to that a decent selection of A clamps and C clamps from your local hardware store.
 
A standard height tripod is a primary tool for camera support and is likely used most of the time. Yet, it is only one of many tools one needs in the production business. Since camera position is dictated by the "shot" there are a multitude of placements you encounter. A-clamps, C-clamps, pancakes, apple boxes, jibs, ladders, etc. are all pieces you add to your support inventory to make life easier.
You also need to look at rentals for occassional equipment use.

Get the 63" tripod, save the $600 and expand your camera support inventory as needed. Again, good luck.
 
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