Top down/ Tripod

[aquaman3680]

Hello,

I was wondering how I would go about using a tripod with my top down box. I have not been able to get really clear shots thus far just holding the box and the tripod. The screw that goes into my camera is too short to go through the box and attach the camera. Any suggestions?

Thanks,

Matt

 

[Poseidon]

How handy are you? Could you attach your tripod mount a piece of steel, and then that piece of steel to the camera through the top down box? I'm pretty sure you can get a longer thumb screw from the hardware store, but you would need to get a tap to thread the steel so the tripod mounting screw has something to bite into.

 

[aquaman3680]

Thanks, I ended up finding a longer screw that fit. it doesnt have the thumb screw but that is OK for now, Ill go to the hardware store Monday and look for one!

Thanks,

Matt

 

[Poseidon]

No Problem! Just don't let the camera fall into the tank!

 

[aquaman3680]

No Problem! Just don't let the camera fall into the tank!

Yeah! Next purchase is a new tripod, the one I have is pretty crappy, no extendable arm or anything. Just gotta save for the one I want!

 

[gparr]

Those photo boxes make me nervous. I'm always afraid I'm going to swamp the camera. Do you connect them to a tripod? How do you hold them steady?

I use a heavy tripod and a horizontal arm to hold the camera over the water surface. Doing top-down shots in general is nerve-wracking. I'm always afraid something electronic and expensive is going to get ruined. Here's one from a shoot the other night.

Gary

 

[aquaman3680]

Awesome shot! Until now I have just held the camera + box. I am looking at a new tripod where I can get a horizontal arm, to make it easier to get the good shots. Was yours done with a top down box or was your water that still?

 

[gparr]

I don't use a photo box. This was camera hanging over the water surface. Sigma EX180 macro lens.
gary

 

[gparr]

I use a heavy tripod and this arm for top-down shots. I put one of my ball heads on the end and extend it over the water. I use a Canon angleC finder so I can see what the camera is seeing, a remote release, and a lot of patience. All water flow gets turned off and I give dirty looks to anyone who bumps the tank edge and causes ripples.
Gary

 

[aquaman3680]

I use a heavy tripod and this arm for top-down shots. I put one of my ball heads on the end and extend it over the water. I use a Canon angleC finder so I can see what the camera is seeing, a remote release, and a lot of patience. All water flow gets turned off and I give dirty looks to anyone who bumps the tank edge and causes ripples.
Gary

I do not know a whole lot about tripods so I have a few questions. Can a ball head attach to any tripod? If so what is a good ball head brand? and what is the difference between the cheaper ones and the really expensive ones?

Thanks,

Matt