Reader's Comments - Index of - Free

Tripods
On average, how high are people's cameras off the ground when using a tripod? In
most cases probably at eye level, sometimes minus a foot or two, rarely higher. The
camera is perched atop of the apex formed by the tripod legs. As I started doing
more close-up work in the field, I found that I had need to go lower, often to within
inches of the ground.
The basic paradigm of the tripod makes it difficult to go low. I've tried using
tripods with inverting center columns (e.g., the 3021), but found it was a hassle
turning things over, especially with a camera attached. I tried using a Super Clamp
with a ballhead attached to a tripod leg (an idea I got out of a George Lepp book).
The problem with that arrangement is that there is always a little play in the Super
Clamp because of the rubber pads lining the jaws. Also, making fine adjustments in
position is a hassle since up/down travel follows the angle of the tripod leg, and
lateral motion means swinging the Super Clamp assembly in a circle or moving the
entire tripod/Clamp assembly sideways.
The solution I have been using to get those low down macro shots is a Benbo 2
with a ballhead. It allows me to quickly get down to snake-belly levels. Using the
Benbo is a bit different than a standard tripod. When you loosen the legs,
everything goes floppy. This is a bit disconcerting initially if you think in the tripod
paradigm. (The first time you loosen a Benbo you'll quickly learn you need to hang
onto the tripod head, particularly if you've got a camera attached.) This floppiness
is actually an advantage when you need to position a camera quickly. Loosen the
ballhead (friction on for some control). Loosen the legs, then ignore them (best you
can) as you position the camera for the best composition. Tighten the bent bolt and
ballhead; your camera is exactly where you need it. (In contrast, with a standard
tripod I have sometimes found myself picking compositions based on how
convenient the tripod setup is. Laziness.)
There are some downsides to the Benbo. With the ballhead it weighs about 9
pounds. It's a bit too long to strap to a backpack. On hard surfaces there are two
problems: 1) the rubber feet are a bit too bouncy; 2) the Benbo is actually fairly
stiff, so vibrations need to have time to damp out. The solution to both is to simply
hang your camera bag on the bent bolt handle. The "center column" is about three
feet long. Extending the column at normal heights creates two problems: 1) it's very
easy to move the center of gravity to a precarious spot; 2) hanging three pounds of
camera on the end of a three foot stick makes for an unstable setup. I do find the
long column useful in low down situations where I can use my camera bag like a
bean bag to support the column.
Quirky as this beast is, I have found the Benbo to be liberating.
http://www.photo.net/equipment/tripods/philg (36 of 53)7/3/2005 2:21:13 AM