Tripods Without Centre Pole

Morning all,

I'm contemplating getting a new tripod as I want one which I can adjust to be able to get really low to the ground for stuff like mushrooms and other interesting bits.

Does anyone on here use a tripod without a centre adjustable pole and if so can they recommend me one.

I know I could probably get one of those small bendy tripods but just looking at what's out there as it#s time to upgrade anyway.

Thanks all

I see you are in the UK so you might want to check https://www.ebay.com …cal-Product-/264785107281.

There is also a thread in the tripod section, see https://photography-on-the.net …/showthread.php​?t=1515720. Several people have discussed the ErgoRest in a very positive way.

I like Really Right Stuff tripods, but they are expensive. I think you can get them in the UK but they will probably be even more expensive.

Thanks very much both. I'll have a look at all suggestions now

From what I read, RRS are stupid expensive in the UK and EU.

OTOH, Gitzo can be quite affordable in the UK. I myself prefer Gitzo to RRS tripods.

Gitzo has a few approaches to getting low for macro or low angle shooting:
A “mountaineer” series tripod with a short column. You pull out the regular column, insert the short (5”?) column when you want to go low.

A “systematic” series tripod, where you pull the column assembly and replace it with a flat plate. This is also the approach RRS uses - they got it from Gitzo. Short columns available here too. Many people emphasize the stability of using a flat plate and only a flat plate for maximum stability.

An “explorer” series tripod. AFAIK these are discontinued in the USA, maybe worldwide, but are commonly available on the used market. Here the column tilts up to 90-degrees.

I just realized that I have each of these styles - lots of tripods! The Gitzo Explorer Series 2 is my regular walkaround for most work.

The Ergo Rest is pretty cool and versatile.

Gitzo and FLM immediately come to mind. FLM is less expensive but right on par with the best from RRS and Gitzo. Leofoto is even cheaper. If you mainly want to get low, you can get something fairly compact and light.

sawsedge wrote in post #19141993
Leofoto is even cheaper. If you mainly want to get low, you can get something fairly compact and light.

Do you want a tripod that is regular sized or something very small and light? My RRS travel tripod is a bit raised up and my Ergo Rest is heavy and can't get close to the ground. I have a Leofoto LS-284C travel tripod that I don't use any more - it can get low however the champion in the low stakes is a tiny Leofoto LS-223C which folds to 8.0in and weighs just 19.05 oz. It has an apex stud that is both 1/4"-20 and 3/8"-16 in diameter, I've had it for a few years but it seems to be being sold now with a leveling base on top which makes it higher. You can get the bare tripod on eBay for $99.00.

peter_n wrote in post #19142241
...my Ergo Rest is heavy and can't get close to the ground.

That seems to be contradicted by "SkedAddled" in the thread at https://photography-on-the.net …/showthread.php​?t=1515720

In one of his videos, Peter Hurley stated that he used a Feisol tripod when he's creating headshots.

I know the folks at Skye Photo Academy at Isle of Skye recommend the King Joy brand. They stated that this is made by the same Chinese company that makes the expensive tripods, but they market under their own brand for a lot less $$.

Personally, I use the Manfrotto 055CXPRO3. Yes, this pod does have a center column BUT you can pull that out and reinstall at a right angle to get low to the ground shots, or overhead views of product shots, as I've seen Jonie Simon does at her YouTube "The Bite shot".

John from PA wrote in post #19142249
That seems to be contradicted by "SkedAddled" in the thread at https://photography-on-the.net …/showthread.php​?t=1515720

Yes that's because my Ergo Rest is configured with an Arca-Swiss clamp on top so I can attach one or more bodies quickly which is why I can't get close to the ground with it. It's fairly heavy and I've only used it in the car. I know you can shoot from underneath but I use a little Z-head that weighs just 5.04oz that sits on an Ultra platypod when I'm out hiking. Total weight 8.32oz. The Ergo Rest isn't a backpack pick for me.

Is this low enough? Benro 70mm Hi-Hat Tripod.

Leofoto LS-223C and Z tripod head on the Ultra platypod.

Morning everyone.

Thanks s much for all of your replies. There's a lot of great info to work with so I need to get studying it all

Have to say though, I love that little Benro one - that is a great little tripod

tuttifrutti wrote in post #19143370
Morning everyone.

Thanks s much for all of your replies. There's a lot of great info to work with so I need to get studying it all

Have to say though, I love that little Benro one - that is a great little tripod

It's a beautiful little tripod that's built like a tank that I've been using more than my Gitzo tripods lately. For shooting low and as a table top, this is a great tripod.