count_chocula Posted May 9, 2018 Share Posted May 9, 2018 Hi all, For a photogrammetry project, I’m interested in positioning a Nikon D810 at a few different locations along a vertical transect spanning at least 2 meters. The lowest position would be around 10-30 cm off the ground. I could use a tripod to do this, but a slider would be more convenient, repeatable, and less prone to error. Would anyone have some suggestions for equipment that might do the trick? Thanks in advance... Allie Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rodeo_joe1 Posted May 9, 2018 Share Posted May 9, 2018 A studio camera stand would be ideal, but the new price is quite frightening, and they're a bit rare on the used market. Maybe this Manfrotto stand would fit the bill. Or a large copy stand or old enlarger. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ed_Ingold Posted May 9, 2018 Share Posted May 9, 2018 (edited) A vertical span of 2 meters is more than you could expect from most tripods, coy stands or enlargers. A Gitzo "Giant" tripod, with a maximum height just under 10', would do the job. You will need a step ladder, and probably a plumb bob to maintain vertical alignment. Gitzo GT5563GS Systematic Series 5 Carbon Fiber GT5563GSUS B&H A camera stand would do the job, but only on a hard, level floor. That would be the way to go working indoors, and they're not all that expensive. arkay camera stand | B&H Photo Video A Manfrotto or Avenger (preferred) light duty lighting stand might do the job. A tripod head could be attached to the 5/8" spud using an inexpensive 3/8"-16 adapter. The Avenger stand is available with a maximum height of 13.2' (minimum 4') and has a leveling leg. Once leveled, simply extend or collapse the sections. It's not as steady as a tripod, but more practicable for your application. You still need the stepladder. Tor or three 15# sandbags would be used on the base for outdoor work. Edited May 9, 2018 by Ed_Ingold Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
conrad_hoffman Posted May 9, 2018 Share Posted May 9, 2018 Does the camera have to maintain alignment? If not, maybe a simple slider on piece of aluminum tube. If the rotation is a problem, use two tubes, or maybe find a woodworker to plane you a nice straight 4x4 or similar, and make slider box for it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rodeo_joe1 Posted May 10, 2018 Share Posted May 10, 2018 That Gitzo tripod won't allow the camera to be pointed down without having a boom attached. And a head would add to the already massive price. If a simple tripod is an adequate solution, then this Benbo will do the job at a fraction of the cost. The built-in boom arm can be weighted for counterbalance and stability. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
count_chocula Posted May 10, 2018 Author Share Posted May 10, 2018 Thanks for the replies, everyone. I can get the job done with a simple tripod, or an aluminum tube with a manfrotto clamp that I move up and down. The camera has to be reoriented at each position regardless, so it doesn't need to remain perfectly oriented between positions. My interest in a slider is to: 1) allow relatively quick position changes, and 2) allow consistent positions between shoots. This is for a photogrammetry project in which I'll be shooting hundreds of subjects (branches in my case). Consistency of position makes the tripod solution less tenable. The pole + clamp solution will probably work, though I was thinking that a slider would make quicker and easier work of it. Another option would be a pole with a few fixed manfrotto super clamps, and moving the camera by moving the entire the stud+ballhead assembly from clamp to clamp. Not great, but maybe not horrible... Still, those studs aren't as easily removed as I'd like... More thoughts? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rodeo_joe1 Posted May 11, 2018 Share Posted May 11, 2018 A line scribed down a pole and a matching line scribed on a clamp? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
count_chocula Posted May 11, 2018 Author Share Posted May 11, 2018 A line scribed down a pole and a matching line scribed on a clamp? yeah, i think that's the default solution now, if there isn't a smoother track solution that would fit the bill... thanks... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rodeo_joe1 Posted May 11, 2018 Share Posted May 11, 2018 It depends on your budget and how portable it has to be. If money and weight are no problem, then a studio stand seems like the obvious and ideal solution. Counterbalanced, smooth action and totally stable.... on a level floor. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
paul ron Posted May 12, 2018 Share Posted May 12, 2018 light stand boom. The more you say, the less people listen. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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