Tripods and pole mounts for Syslites

[semenza]

        I am trying to find the tallest tripod that will fit  in a Systainer without having to go  in diagonally. I had one picked out but didn't buy because it was 54" ( I think). I don't think I will be able to find a taller one, but I would like it to be more like 70" - 80".

Seth

 

[Rocky]

What about this: http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Manfrotto+-+60.6%22+Photo/Video+Tripod+-+Black/2117067.p?id=1218310005040&skuId=2117067

 

[semenza]

What about this: http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Manfrotto+-+60.6%22+Photo/Video+Tripod+-+Black/2117067.p?id=1218310005040&skuId=2117067

Description on Amazon shows a folded length of 18.1" . A Sys Midi  would open up a lot more possibilities though.  I am looking for taller so that I can bounce the light off ceilings and not get blinded when I happen to look towards it.  I suspect I am out of luck  at getting a 72" tripod  in a folded length of 15".

Seth

 

[Paul G]

Seth, perhaps light stands would be a way to go. They're not 15" but they are lightweight and will get you to 74"

http://m.adorama.com/newui/search.aspx?sku=BG3373&MerchantOverride=ADORAMA&MerchantData=20130625004348387eb

And another that will reach even higher http://www.lumopro.com/product.php?id=73

EDIT: or if you can sort out a column (pvc pipe maybe?) this might fit the systainer but weighs more http://mpex.com/manfrotto-small-base-w-head.html

Here's one whose base folds up tiny, not sure how high a pole it could support but the syslite is light. http://www.lumopro.com/product.php?id=6. And a few others similar http://www.manfrotto.us/mini-backlite-stand-male-attachment and http://www.manfrotto.us/backlite-base-w-013-spigot-3094

If you've found a smaller tripod that fits the systainer but doesn't reach high enough, you could always add an extension or two... http://www.manfrotto.us/extension-for-table-top-tripod-variable-from-6-10 or better yet a quickpod that is threaded on both ends that will reach much further http://www.amazon.com/Quik-Pod-QP-EHHT-Handheld-Convertible/dp/B000NPCI9I

Or if you already have a painters pole with you add a pole pixie http://polepixie.com/adapter.cfm or similar http://www.amazon.com/camera-photo/dp/B00BCNTV8Q and prop it up, could easily use a short ladder to hold it up. Add a ball head for greater aiming flexibility.

 

[semenza]

I made a take down PVC pole (s) for my original Systainer Light kit which works fine for the light weight  clamp on floods. But I think the Syslite would be too heavy. I still use the kit at times but the Syslite is so compact that it just goes in my  regular site kit set up. So if I could put a tripod or pole into a standard Systainer  in my site kit that would be great. Hence the 15" max length requirement.

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More and full description Systainer Light kit

Checking out those links Paul.  [thumbs up]

Seth

 

[Paul G]

Seth, using that design of yours, if you tied those two poles together on the top using 90s you'd have greater stability and a syslite might be fine mounted to the cross bar.

Also just thinking out loud for a moment, if a taller pole is flimsy you could stabilize it ham radio style using guy wires from the top to each of the three legs, or even to the corners of a systainer if that happens to be the base.

 

[Scott B.]

Seth

We use Dynex DX-TRP60's with our Syslites and its a great setup. Folded length is 22". I would think that going smaller would compromise stability. These are well balanced when fully extended and with a Syslite on top at all different angles. We get them for like $30 at Best Buy.

For storage and transport, we pack 4 tripods and 4 syslites into a duffle bag. The Erecta Rack bag is ideal. I like the idea of being able to systainer them if possible, but tripods and syslites do work well as bagged items. Just make sure the duffle has a shoulder strap if you go that route.

 

[Floorman70]

How about attaching it to a helium filled balloon,would make the systainer lighter to carry too [laughing]

 

[NERemodeling]

this might not serve all applications but what about some sort of hook that hangs from the top of a window or door casing, the light could then be attached to some sort of all joint that allows you to direct it wherever you want.

you could expand it to include suction and magnetic mounts as well

i know its not what your looking for but after a quick google search revealed no tripods like you are looking for i decided to think outside the box (or systainer  [laughing])

 

[GarryMartin]

You could maybe try some of the magnetic or screw fix mounts that are used for laser levels. They typically have the same bottom screw connection that a tripod has.

Other than that, I think you are going to struggle to get something that fits in a SYSTAINER, achieves the height you are looking for, and that is available for a reasonable cost.

I use a Manfrotto MK393S-PD 393 Photo Short Tripod Kit, and that only fits in a SYSTAINER in the way you want if you remove the rubber boot from the centre column and take the whole column out.

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Full extended, it's still only 141cm high before you attach the SYSLITE.

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But the ball head camera attachment does work really well.

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[Floorman70]

Maybe the is something along the lines of a telescopic fishing pole,might be able to be adapted

 

[RKA]

Typically for photo tripods they add telescoping leg sections to get a shorter folded length.  The 5 section will get you into the folded length you desire, however fully extended with the center column up, you're only around 65".  I haven't seen a 6 section that exceeds that.  Really speaking, tripods were designed to put the camera at eye level, so I don't think this is what you want. 
http://www.manfrotto.us/compact-5-section-black-kit-with-ball-head-qr

Other problem you run into is the spread on the tripod legs make a wonderful trip hazard.  You need that base if you're supporting 10 lbs of camera up there, but for a syslite,....  In that respect, the light stands might be a better option, but I don't know of any off the top of my head that fold up that small (try scouting bhphotovideo.com).  Typically they are designed to hold lights above eye level, so you might find the height you're looking for.
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/691002-REG/Matthews_B387489_MERF_Mini_Extendable_Reverse.html

Note the filters on the left will let you limit results by closed length.

The better solution would be a clamp of sorts, but that assumes you have something to clamp to.  

 

[jt073]

How about attaching it to a helium filled balloon,would make the systainer lighter to carry too [laughing]

Careful....

http://www.darwinawards.com/stupid/stupid1998-11.html

Cheers

 

[johninthecamper]

world wide company called airstar.they  have figured out the balloon use

 

[RJNeal]

Seth, what about making threaded extensions to go between the tripod and the syslite that would fit in the systaner?
Rick

 

[SittingElf]

The one below extends to 62", and folds to 13.5 inches.  Not cheap, but as close as you're likely to get.

www.amazon.com/Velbon-UT-43D-II-Compact-Ballhead/dp/B008VIK99A