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Gadget Bag: Unusual Tripods
There’s really no debate whether or not a tripod is essential gear for steady shots, and advances in technology have given us incredibly light and more durable models to carry in the field.
Creative photography requires more than merely a steady shot, however, and you may often encounter photo opportunities for which a typical tripod isn’t the best solution. Whether aiming for new and exciting angles, looking for unusual portability or originating a new kind of tripod altogether, the models we’ll look at here feature creative answers to some unique situations.
The Davis & Sanford ProVista Airlift features a pneumatic cylinder within the center post for slick and easy height adjustment, even with a load capacity of up to 50 pounds. The twist leg locks require only a 50-percent rotation to release and lock for quick working height adjustment. Double-strutted top leg sections add to the stability. Estimated Street Price: $350.
Designed for brute strength, Cullmann’s Titan Professional CT 100 tripod will support a whopping 154-pound load capacity. The Top Lock Design frees leg extension with the touch of a button, and a pneumatic center column raises and lowers the head smoothly, even with heavy equipment attached. Estimated Street Price: $275.
Great for subjects close to the ground, the advanced center column design of the Induro AX113 converts to a vertical center column that rotates 360 degrees horizontally and 180 degrees vertically. The hinge returns the center column to center gravity. The legs are settable in three angles, 24, 55 and 80 degrees, and the retractable spring-loaded hook adds stability while providing a place to hang your equipment bag. Estimated Street Price: $390.

The Gitzo GT2530EX Explorer offers complete maneuverability, with legs that can be adjusted to any angle—from compact at 90 degrees to spread flat at 0 degrees. The column also tilts from the vertical to the horizontal, making the GT2530EX excellent for shots close to the ground, upside down, or in tight or awkward spaces, with an impressive load capacity of 26.4 pounds. Estimated Street Price: $540.
The distinctive swivel joint at the top of the Benbo Trekker MK 2’s (See page 1)center column gives your camera the ability to fully adjust along a 180-degree arc, superb for steady shots of subjects above or beneath the camera. Hanging your camera bag or other equipment on the built-in center column hook attains greater stability. Estimated Street Price: $140.
Benbo (Paterson Photographic)
www.patersonphotographic.com
Berlebach (HP Marketing Corp.)
(800) 735-4373
www.hpmarketingcorp.com
Cullmann (R.T.S. Inc.)
(631) 242-6801
www.rtsphoto.com
Davis & Sanford (Tiffen)
(800) 645-2522
www.tiffen.com
Giottos (HP Marketing Corp.)
(800) 735-4373
www.hpmarketingcorp.com
Gitzo (Bogen Imaging Inc.)
(201) 818-9500
www.bogenimaging.us
Induro (MAC Group)
(914) 347-3300
www.indurogear.com
Joby
(888) 569-JOBY
www.joby.com
Manfrotto (Bogen Imaging Inc.)
(201) 818-9500
www.bogenimaging.us
Sunpak (ToCAD America)
(973) 627-9600
www.tocad.com