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Long vertical track - suggestions?


count_chocula

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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

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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 by Ed_Ingold
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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.

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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?

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