Risers and chairs!
 

Hey all,

I do a weekly production of my churches services and currently am using a bar stool while I and the tripod are on the floor. Needless to say I get real tired of people cutting in front of the camera.

What are and where can I get a tall, 36"-42" high stool with a back and maybe a 12-16" portable small riser or stange to be up on?

Thanks,

Jeff

Bigger tripod an option? Sunpak makes a 75 incher that's around $80 retail, and I've also picked up a beat old Focla brand that isn't bad at 73" - haven't had anyone tall enough to block my shot - you'll still need a tall stool...

Have you checked out spider pod?
http://www.spidersupport.com/products-spider-pod.htm

looks like a nice set up....but....200 lbs weight rating?
have you looked at the pricing? 2100 plus 700 for a hardcase?

Yup, the unit will support 200lbs, folded up the stand weighs around 40lbs. Cost is high probably because it's designed and manufactured in the US.

not everybody is 18 anymore and 175 pounds....lol

There are two separate parts to this system. The camera riser supports just the camera/tripod, and it's capacity is 200lbs. The platform that supports the camera operator has a capacity of 300lbs.

Spiderpod is overpriced for something so simple.

I built a temporary one from 2x3's to shoot a concert once. You can probably have one fabricated from tubular steel or out of wood for a lot less. Personally, I'd make it out of wood and fiberglass because it's lightweight and I have the tools here to do that.

You'll need three right-angled legs and a center piece to hold it all together. The center piece isn't supporting any weight but it does have to be rigid enough to keep the center section from collapsing inward and to keep the legs from twisting.

If your tripod has spikes, you can take off the bottom spreader or feet and slip the spikes into holes you drilled into the tripod platform. Set up velcro straps to secure the legs onto the platform.

The operator platform is simply a foldaway bench.

A rough guess at cost for materials is probably around $100 including 2x3's, plywood, some carriage bolts with wingnuts, hinges, marine epoxy and fiberglass.