Gun Tripod
Tripod Alternatives for Photographers
Tripod Alternatives for Photographers
R. Dodge Woodson
Magnificent Monopods
Monopods may be one of the best inventions to come along for outdoor photographers. These stick-like supports do a super job, and they can be packed and carried with ease. Monopods are light in weight, don’t take up much room, and can provide a very steady platform for your camera. Don’t waste your money on cheap models. Buy a good quality monopod and enjoy it.
Monopods are great for photographers who are covering sporting events, capturing photos of wildlife, or focusing in on a final sunset. A one-legged support can’t give you the rock-hard steady platform that a tripod can, but it will provide more than enough support for most types of shots. The big advantage to a monopod is that it is so easy to carry with you that it will be there when you need it, and a heavy tripod may not be.
Support Sacks
You can improve many aspects of your location photography by acquiring, or making, support sacks for your camera lens. These devices are available commercially, but they are also easy to make. What is a support sack? It is basically a bag that is filled with some type of moldable material that will conform to the shape of your camera lens. The filling could be styrofoam beads, buckshot, sand, kitty litter, foam rubber, or even pine needles. Since bags that are light in weight are more enjoyable to carry, I would stay away from sand and buckshot as a filler material.
The concept behind support sacks is simple. You place the sack on a solid object, like a rock or the edge of your vehicle, and then nestle the lens of your camera into the sack. Once the lens has settled into the material, you have a very sturdy support for your camera and lens. For a sack to work, you need something stable to place it on, and you are limited by the availability of such places. Another drawback to a sack is that you cannot adjust its height.
Every type of camera support has its own strong points. Sacks are great for photographers who are shooting from their vehicles or who want a low camera angle to capture something close to the ground or floor. This type of support won’t do you a lot of good at the zoo or while taking wedding pictures, but there are many times when a support sack is just the right tool for a steady picture.
Sharp Shots
You can use a variety of clamp devices to secure your camera to all sorts of stable objects. A simple C-clamp that is equipped to thread into the tripod socket of your camera body is great for occasions when you are taking pictures from your vehicle. Install the clamp on a window and mount your camera. Raise or lower the window to change the height of your camera. You can tilt and pan this type of support for more versatility. It’s amazing how much help such a simple and inexpensive item like this can be.
C-clamps can be attached to tree branches, railings, windows, and all sorts of other items. However, they are limited in their size, and this can be a problem. For example, you would not be able to get a C-clamp secured on the trunk of many trees. But never fear, tree clamps are available. These clamps circle a tree and provide a very sturdy support for your camera.
When you start to shop of photography accessories, you may be amazed at how many there are. If there is something that you want to do with your camera, you can feel pretty sure that someone is selling something that will allow you to do it.
Teeny-Weeny Tripods
Tiny tripods may not seem like much of a support system, but even they have their place in good photography. I have a little tripod that has retractable legs. The entire unit has a diameter similar to that of a D-cell flashlight battery. Total length is probably about six inches, when the legs are contained. This itsy bitsy tripod works well for table-top setups and low-to-the-ground shots, but it does require me to hold it. The tripod is not sturdy enough to support a camera and lens safely on its own.
I have found another very good use for my table-top tripod. It can be used as something of a chest-pod. By extending the legs and pressing them into my chest, the little tripod makes an excellent support. The ball-and-socket swivels to put my viewfinder at eye level while the tripod extends outward from my chest. This creates a surprisingly stable shooting platform.
Gun Grips
Gun-type grips are another support option for your camera. The device I’m referring to is similar in design to the stock of a rifle or shotgun. Your camera is mounted on the device and is fired by a shutter-release that is incorporated into the system. By pulling the shoulder stock in tight to your body and supporting the extended end with one hand, it’s possible to get very steady shots.
If you get caught afield without a commercial camera support, you may have to improvise. Brace your camera or lens against the trunk of a tree to stabilize it. Settle your lens between the forks of a tree or tree branch to hold it still. Use a fence to support the base of your camera. Fences, rails and posts are frequent supports for zoo photographers. If you’re doing your photography indoors, a door frame will work as a make-shift support. The back of a chair can be used to steady your lens. If you take the time to look around, you are almost certain to find something that will add some stability to your camera. The few moments spent looking for such a support can mean the difference between a great picture and a blurry one.
About the Author
R. Dodge Woodson is a full-time internationally-known, best-selling author and photographer. Dodge recently entered semi-retirement and created the World Photographers Organization (WPO). Photographers of all skill levels come to WPO to learn, to increase their sales, and to take advantage of the extensive resources offered to the general public and members. He also created an e-commerce site, www.ccionlinesales.com to showcase his brainchild. the Book Buster e-books. The site offers a full selection of Book Busters, e-books, used bound books, new bound books, stock photography, and much more. Having been a pro photographer for more than 30 years and a full-time writer for 17 years, Dodge now feels it is time to share his tricks of the trade with up-and-coming freelancers.
|
|
Nerf N-Strike ECS Stampede Gun with Shield, Tripod, 18 Clip, Darts & Maverick $15.50 |
|
|
Nerf N-Strike ECS Stampede Automatic Gun with Shield, Tripod, 2 Clips, 18 Darts $30.00 |
|
|
nerf vulcan EBF-25 with tripod 25 clip belt dart automatic machine gun $21.50 |
|
|
Vintage Metal Toy Soldier with Machine Gun on Red Tripod $15.70 |
|
|
BN Carson SS-550 Back Country SPOTTING Scope Tripod 4 Gun Rifle HUNTING Camping $233.25 |
|
|
DRAGON === British Bren Gun w/Anti-Aircraft Tripod === Scale 1/6 75030 $24.31 |
|
|
Nerf Vulcan Stand Locking Tripod N Strike Toy Gun AMMO! $12.00 |
|
|
Dragon 1/6 British Bren Gun w/Anti-Aircraft Tripod 75030 $14.99 |
|
|
Dragon 1/6 Scale 12″ British Bren Gun with Anti-Aircraft Tripod Kit 75030 $16.95 |
|
|
MARX BATTLEGROUND TRIPOD MACHINE GUN FIRING $16.49 |
|
|
MARX BATTLEGROUND CANNONS TANKS SOLDIERS TRIPOD MACHINE GUN $8.45 |
|
|
NERF N Strike Vulcan EBF 25 Tripod Gun Stand $5.00 |
|
|
NERF Dart Gun Lot Vulcan EBF-25 2 Guns Tripod Parts Possible Steampunk Project $19.99 |
|
|
Miniature 1/6 scale US M30 .Army WW2 30 cal. Browning Machine Gun w Tripod $24.99 |
|
|
NERF N STRIKE Vulcan EBF-25 Dart Blaster MACHINE GUN With TRIPOD $10.49 |
|
|
Vintage Browning M60 Machine Gun Butane Cigarette Lighter With Tripod 11″ Long $9.00 |
|
|
Nerf Vulcan and Barricade gun lot – 4 guns with tripod and accessories $24.00 |
|
|
Nerf N-Strike Vulcan Tripod Stand EBF-25 Blaster Gun $8.95 |
|
|
ANTIQUE PHOTO CAMP MEADE PA 4 SOLDIERS WITH TRIPOD OF GUNS W BLACK AMERICAN BOY $4.95 |
|
|
1/6 MG42 Gun with Tripod Mount DML 75017 $14.95 |
|
|
1/6 British Bren Gun w/Anti-Aircraft Tripod DML 75030 $14.95 |
|
|
HANDHELD SPORT RADAR GUN TRIPOD MOUNT JUGS DECATUR PRO SPORT OTHERS! $39.00 |
|
|
NERF N STRIKE Vulcan EBF-25 MACHINE GUN With TRIPOD Raider CS-35 Scope LOT $26.00 |
|
|
352272 Resicast Bren Guns & Tripods $17.50 |
|
|
USGI Gun Mount Cover for M2 Browning M3 Tripod NEW IN WRAPPER $15.00 |
|
|
US Army Technical Manual 7.62 MM MACHINE GUNS TRIPOD MOUNT AUTOMATIC WEAPONS $12.00 |
|
|
US Army Technical Manual 7.62 MM M60 MACHINE GUNS TRIPOD MOUNT AUTOMATIC WEAPONS $11.00 |
|
|
M60 Machine Gun & Tripod Mount M122, Repair Parts $12.00 |
|
|
MG 34 machine gun w/ tripod and accessaries by DRAGON $49.99 |
|
|
Nerf Vulcan Stand Locking Tripod N Strike Toy Gun $8.95 |
|
|
Tasca1/35 Browning M2 Machine Gun set A w/ TRIPOD #35L8 $9.99 |
|
|
NERF N-FORCE VULCAN EBF-25 MACHINE GUN on TRI-POD, WITH SOFT DARTS, $38.99 |
|
|
NEW! Dragon Models 1/6 Brit Bren Gun w/Anti-Aircraft Tripod 75030 NIB $14.69 |
|
|
GI JOE VINTAGE 1964 TRIPOD MACHINE GUN ARMY HASBRO JAPAN $9.99 |
|
|
Mini World 1/72 RUSSIAN DShKM12.7mm MACHINE GUN w/TRIPOD & WHEELED TROLLEY $19.99 |
|
|
Flash Gun Tripod Stand Mount Silver Reflective Umbrella $14.99 |
|
|
Dragon 1:6 #75030 British Bren Gun w/ Anti-Aircraft Tripod (New) $4.99 |
|
|
Flash Gun Stand/Tripod Mount Hot Shoe Trigger Adapter $7.99 |
|
|
Flash Gun Tripod/Stand Mount White Translucent Umbrella $7.99 |
|
|
Flash Gun Tripod/Stand Mount White Studio Umbrella $7.99 |
|
|
New Swivel Flash Gun Tripod/Stand Mount White Umbrella $7.99 |
|
|
Flash Gun Tripod/Stand Mount White Diffuser Umbrella $7.99 |
|
|
Flash Gun Stand Holder/Tripod Mount Hot Shoe Trigger $7.99 |
|
|
1950′s Lead Toy WWI Tripod Machine Gun $0.99 |
|
|
Nerf N-Strike VULCAN EBF-25 gun with TRIPOD EUC !!!! $24.99 |
|
|
NERF VULCAN EBF-25+AMMO BELT, Tripod And Canister Holder& Nerf Maverick Gun $25.00 |
|
|
Machine Gun, 7.62MM, M60 with Tripod, M122, Maintenance $15.00 |
|
|
WW2 1:6 GERMAN ARMY COMMANDER SF14 Tripod Binocular Periscope Telescope Gun_SF14 $13.99 |
|
|
TRANSFORMERS G1 Tripod gun Seacon $4.00 |
|
|
Nerf Vulcan Stand Locking Tripod N Strike Toy Gun $12.89 |
|
|
Star Wars ATOC Clone Trooper ARC Tripod Gun Error Dot $48.00 |
|
|
Star Wars ATOC Clone Trooper Red Markings w/ Tripod Gun $24.00 |
|
|
Tasca 35L8 1/35 Browning M2 Machine Gun Set A (2 pcs) w/ Tripod $17.99 |
|
|
IMAGE STABILIZER PISTOL GUN GRIP TRIPOD FOR CAMCORDERS $9.95 |
|
|
IMAGE STABILIZER PISTOL GUN GRIP TRIPOD FOR CAMERAS $9.95 |
|
|
G.I. GI Joe 1984 MACHINE GUN DEFENSE UNIT WITH TRIPOD PART $2.99 |
|
|
M-60 W/E Machine gun & Tripod, US Army 1976 manual on CD ROM $9.95 |
|
|
1986 Vintage Gi Joe Roadblock Machine Gun Tri-pod $2.00 |
|
|
GI JOE HAMMER VEHICLE PART – TRI-POD STAND FOR MACHINE GUN – 1990 PERFECT COND. $12.99 |
|
|
1984 Gi Joe Machine Gun Defense Unit Gun & Tri-Pod $5.00 |
|
|
Metal Flash & Umbrella Mount Swivel Head Holder for Tripod Video Light Flash Gun $6.99 |
|
|
1/6 German WWII Machine Gun MG42 with Tripod Mount Model Kit $19.99 |
|
|
Vintage GI Joe 30-Cal. Machine Gun & Tripod $24.99 |
|
|
Nerf VULCAN EBS-25 Blaster N STRIKE Ammo Box FOLDING TRIPOD Belt Fed DART GUN $65.07 |
|
|
NERF Clear VULCAN EBS-25 Blaster N-STRIKE Ammo Box FOLDING TRIPOD Belt Fed GUN $48.60 |
|
|
Vintage GI Joe 1989 DOWNTOWN Action Figure Gun Tripod Part Lot!!! $4.99 |
|
|
VINTAGE GI Joe 1984 Machine Gun Defense Unit COMPLETE GUN TRIPOD AND BULLETS! $4.99 |
|
|
VINTAGE GI Joe 1984 Machine Gun Defense Unit COMPLETE GUN & TRIPOD!! $4.99 |
|
|
G.I. GI Joe 1990 HAMMER MACHINE GUN TRIPOD PART $7.99 |
|
|
NERF GUN TRIPOD $14.99 |
|
|
Tamiya 36311 WWII German Machine Gun Ammo-Belt Loader (Carrying Tripod) 1:16 $25.99 |
|
|
Steady Image Pistol Gun Grip and tripod for camcorders $11.99 |
|
|
T2948 Machine Gun FN MAG Scope Suppressor Tripod POSTER $9.69 |
|
|
Mega Bloks Halo Heavy Assault Gun with Tripod $4.99 |
|
|
Machine Gun Tripod Light Grey American National Defense Gen Patch Galoob 3 3/4 $2.75 |
|
|
Loose Gi Joe 3 3/4 Roadblock gun and tripod part $1.99 |
|
|
WWII Maxim Machine gun with tripod and ammo – 12 inch GI Joe/Military figure $8.95 |
|
|
Dragon Models, USA 1/6 British Bren Gun with Anti-Aircraft Tripod, $19.49 |
|
|
Transformers G1 Seacon Piranacon Tripod Rifle Gun Part $3.97 |
|
|
Mini World 1/72 RUSSIAN DShK 12.7mm MACHINE GUN w/TRIPOD & WHEELED TROLLEY $19.99 |
|
|
B&W Photograph U.S. Army Military Troops w/ Tripod Gun $12.95 |
|
|
BROWNING M1917 MG Tripod Gun U.S. Infantry WW2 WAR CARD $3.99 |
|
|
Machine Gun, M60, M60D with Tripod $20.00 |
|
|
Daniel Winston – Bren Machine Gun w/ Tripod – 1/6 Dragon $29.99 |
|
|
vintage star wars TRI-POD LASER CANNON hoth complete lazer gun $9.95 |
|
|
Dragon 1:6 #75030 British Bren Gun w/ Anti-Aircraft Tripod (New) $14.99 |
|
|
1:6 Scale DRAGON WW2 GERMAN Anti Aircraft MG-15 Tripod MACHINE GUN MODEL MG15 $26.99 |
|
|
Lego Black Minigun w/ Tripod system & minifigure Trooper Custom Army machine gun $19.99 |
|
|
1914 WWI ~ DOGS IN ARMY MACHINE GUN CARRIAGE TRIPOD MUZZLES SOLDIERS $54.22 |
|
|
Tasca1/35 Browning M2 Machine Gun set A w/ TRIPOD #35L8 $15.99 |
|
|
GI Joe MILITARY GUN w/TRIPOD 4850 $20.00 |
|
|
Live Resin 35015 1/35 US Army M240B 7.62mm Medium Machine Gun on M122 Tripod $9.99 |
|
|
ADJUSTABLE LIGHTWEIGHT AIR GUN TRIPOD RIFLE REST $65.99 |
|
|
MPC Gold Machine Gun on Tripod with ammo box Very good $9.99 |
|
|
Transformers G1 PIRANACON SEACONS Tripod Rifle Gun Weapon *PARTS* $7.99 |
|
|
Dragon 1/6 75030 British Bren Gun w/Anti-Aircraft Tripod $12.78 |
|
|
Machine Gun, 7.62MM, M60 with Tripod, M122, Maintenance $15.00 |
|
|
Vintage GI Joe 30-Cal. Machine Gun & Tripod $20.00 |
|
|
Resicast 1/35 Bren Light Machine Gun and Tripod (3 kits and Accessories) 352272 $21.99 |
|
|
Vintage GI Joe 30-Cal. Machine Gun & Tripod $23.99 |
|
|
Slik Sprint Pro II Tripod in Gun Metal With Quick Release Ball Head & Case $89.95 Designed to travel, the SPRINT PRO II is a compact tripod with 4 legs sections to collapse down to less than 19 inches and weighsjust under 2 lbs. An updated version of the popular SLIK SPRINT PRO series the new SPRINT PRO II has padded leg wraps for more comfortable carrying. The new tripod also has a new SLIK SBH-100DQ all-metal compact ball head with quick release system for faster, easier moun… |
|
|
… |
|
|
Bushnell Powerview 12×25 Compact Folding Roof Prism Binocular (Black) $18.13 The Bushnell(r) Powerview(r) Series of binoculars offers you compact, streamlined designs for bright, crisp views of wherever you’re exploring…. |
|
|
Ruger & His Guns: A History of the Man, the Company & Their Firearms $15.60 This book is the story of William B. Ruger’s unflinching dedication to traditional yet innovative design and to manufacturing excellence, with products sold at a reasonable price for a broad ranging clientele from the youthful plinker to the mature African safari devotee, from the ordinary citizen to the president of the United States.This richly illustrated, beautifully presented work is the offi… |
|
|
Technical Manual FOR MACHINE GUN, 7.62-MM, M60 W/E, MOUNT, TRIPOD, MACHINE GUN, 7.62-MM, M122 AND MACHINE GUN, 7.62-MM, M60D W/E, Plus 500 free US military … Army field manuals when you sample this book $2.99 Technical Manual FOR MACHINE GUN, 7.62-MM, M60 W/E, MOUNT, TRIPOD, MACHINE GUN, 7.62-MM, M122 AND MACHINE GUN, 7.62-MM, M60D W/E, Plus 500 free US military manuals and US Army field manuals when you sample this bookTake a look at the sample for this book and for details about downloading 500 free US military manuals as a thank you for taking the time to look at our book.SCOPE. This RPSTL lists and… |
|
|
US Army Rager handbook Combined with, Technical Manual FOR MACHINE GUN, 7.62-MM, M60 W/E, MOUNT, TRIPOD, MACHINE GUN, 7.62-MM, M122 AND MACHINE GUN, 7.62-MM, … Army field manuals when you sample this book $3.00 US Army Rager handbook Combined with, Technical Manual FOR MACHINE GUN, 7.62-MM, M60 W/E, MOUNT, TRIPOD, MACHINE GUN, 7.62-MM, M122 AND MACHINE GUN, 7.62-MM, M60D W/E, Plus 500 free US military manuals and US Army field manuals when you sample this bookTake a look at the sample for this book and for details about downloading 500 free US military manuals as a thank you for taking the time to look a… |
|
|
Vanguard Porta Aim Gun Rest $34.99 Constructed of rugged aluminum, the benefit of this portable base will eliminate any doubt that can erode a hunter’s confidence. The pillow swivels 360 degrees allowing you to get on target fast and staying on target. Center column quick adjusts with a one hand movment… |
|
|
Hammers Telescopic Shooting Tripod w/ Pivot V Yoke Max. Height 68 $48.90 * Lightweight aluminum alloy legs have 3 telescopic sections with twist locks * V yoke mounted on top pivots freely and provides a steady platform for shooting in a standing, off-hand position * Height adjustable from 25″ to 68″, it works just as well from sitting, or kneeling positions * EVA foam grips on the legs * Wear-resistant carbide tip is mounted at the end of each leg and give be… |
|
|
UTG Bipod, SWAT/Combat Profile, Adjustable Height $19.95 Bipod Panning Posi-lock Telescoping legs (6.7 to 7.5) Folding legs (reversible) Swivel stud or Picatinny mount Rubberized feet 6.2″-6.7″ center height This is a smaller bipod & is recommended for smaller shooters…. |
|
|
… |
