Looking for tripod for my height.

I'm looking to buy a new tripod. I'm 5'4". That's 64". I guess my eye level would be 60" about. I need a tripod that can give me around that eye level, without using the center column. I was looking at the Induro AT214. But after the ball and camera, either I need to borrow my wife's heels, or stand on something. Any suggestion? Or any 5'4" shooter?

johnlo wrote in post #17630375
I'm looking to buy a new tripod. I'm 5'4". That's 64". I guess my eye level would be 60" about. I need a tripod that can give me around that eye level, without using the center column. I was looking at the Induro AT214. But after the ball and camera, either I need to borrow my wife's heels, or stand on something. Any suggestion? Or any 5'4" shooter?

Simply leave the legs a bit shorter than their maximum length.

I usually mark my tripod's legs with little scratches at about 3" intervals so that I can easily shorten all three to the same less-than-maximum length.

There will be times when you want one or two legs significantly longer than "normal" such as when working on a hill, etc.

SkipD wrote in post #17630475
Simply leave the legs a bit shorter than their maximum length.

I usually mark my tripod's legs with little scratches at about 3" intervals so that I can easily shorten all three to the same less-than-maximum length.

There will be times when you want one or two legs significantly longer than "normal" such as when working on a hill, etc.

Exactly, if the tripod is to high i don't understand why you don't setup the legs shorter

Why limit yourself to shots at your height or smaller? Part of being a photographer is finding the perfect perspective, especially if it's one that other people might not usually see!

Thanks. I didn't even think of that. I like that idea a lot. Thanks

John

You could always haul around a step stool.

ThreeHounds wrote in post #17630565
You could always haul around a step stool.

I'm 5'2", and that sh-i-t ain't funny.

OP, it's all relative. There's consideration for perspective on the one hand, and when you do set it up for your height, you have the added advantage of greater stability, because you have to nest the legs in an extra length. People will do bizarro stuff with tripods on slopes too, so even the lanky sort might need a lift from time to time. As a matter of fact, I think I hear more complaints about tripod height from the taller folk.

Bottom line is, I'm shorter than you, and the problem never crossed my mind.

This has always bugged me, eye height is the most boring angle you can choose for most shots.

johnlo wrote in post #17630375
I'm looking to buy a new tripod. I'm 5'4". That's 64". I guess my eye level would be 60" about. I need a tripod that can give me around that eye level, without using the center column. I was looking at the Induro AT214. But after the ball and camera, either I need to borrow my wife's heels, or stand on something. Any suggestion? Or any 5'4" shooter?

If the goal is to have the viewfinder at your eye level with the legs fully extended, but center column not extended, measure from your viewfinder to the bottom of your ball head of choice, and then go to B&H and look at the specs for tripods with maximum heights around 60-65". The detailed SPECS tab will show you the "Maximum Height w/o Column Extended". You want that number plus your measurement to come up to your eye level height.

It's impossible to make an exact recommendation without knowing what you want to use for a tripod head, what camera you have, and whether or not you have a battery grip on it.

gonzogolf wrote in post #17630593
This has always bugged me, eye height is the most boring angle you can choose for most shots.

That's right.

I just purchased the at213

ThreeHounds wrote in post #17630565
You could always haul around a step stool.

Forget the stool. Use a chair -- there everywhere. Also consider using Liveview - the camera may be over your head, but that's OK.

My problem is the reverse of this. I have tripods which go up (sans ballhead, camera or grip) to roughly 8½ft. Obviously I don't go up that far; well not without assistance anyway. Similarly, some of them go down to about 3 to 4 inches above ground level (again, sans accoutrements). No artificial aids needed to get me down there of course but advancing years, replacement joints, et al make it all rather painful and dreadfully slow - if I'd known that old age was like this, I'd perhaps not have joined that club (good job the fees are so low for pensioners ).

Simple solution though:-

• one tablet computer - I use a Nexus 7 as it's not at all inconvenient to carry about, slips into a pocket easily.
  
• DLSR Controller app for the Nexus - about £7 from Google Play Store. https://play.google.co​m ….chainfire.dslr​controller
  
• OTG cable connecting tablet and camera - again, hardly expensive. http://www.lindy.co.uk …e-micro-a-to-mini-b-p1210 Make sure you get a cable with USB MINI-B (Canon end) to USB MICRO-B (Nexus end) or it won't fit!
  

• Wireless router - TP-Link model TP-MR3040 http://www.ebay.co.uk …ksid=p2141725.m​3641.l6368 (I got mine from Amazon.co.uk but their price at present is just plain silly - 3x what I paid a year back)
  
• OTG cable to connect camera to router - http://www.lindy.co.uk …e-right-angle-p1203/s1345 The previous one listed won't fit as the router needs a standard USB plug.
  

Of course my step stool comment was in jest... I'm 6'5" and have the low down issue myself. I always use my iPad with CamRanger wifi whenever I'm tripod mounted.
I have a clip that attaches the iPad to the leg when I'm at normal (or higher) positions. When I'm shooting from low angles, I mount my ball head to a low light stand and hand hold the iPad. My back is very happy.

Induro is good equipment,

Read the instuctions , you will not have problems.