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portable stand for use on uneven ground - suggestions

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NancyP

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I need a relatively lightweight, not hugely tall, portable stand that can be used on uneven and sloping ground (open overgrown field, rock field, etc), and need only hold a single speedlight or speedlight + umbrella. Typically I weigh down tripods with water bottles (or orange bag with rock), and expect I would be doing the same with the stand. I would likely be packing in the stand for half a mile to several miles of trail. Suggestions?
 
NancyP said:
I need a relatively lightweight, not hugely tall, portable stand that can be used on uneven and sloping ground (open overgrown field, rock field, etc), and need only hold a single speedlight or speedlight + umbrella. Typically I weigh down tripods with water bottles (or orange bag with rock), and expect I would be doing the same with the stand. I would likely be packing in the stand for half a mile to several miles of trail. Suggestions?
Click to expand...
 
Hi NancyP,

on a recent industrial project for an engineering firm I used two Platypod Max plates bolted together as a base for a six foot pole to support an Adorama Flashpoint eVOLV 200 (aka Godox AD200) for portraits of engineers out in the field. I loaded down the plates with locally sourced ballast -rocks basically- and shot for about 15 minutes. I would not have used an umbrella even if I had brought one because of the wind.

I could have done this with just one Platypod Max but figured if one is good two will be better. Also next time I am more inclined to use a monopod instead of the extension pole I used but the pole was the first long support thing I saw in my truck when I was setting up.

The four spikes in the corners come with the Platypod Max and the large one in the center was one from my tripod.

The Platypod Max weighs 13 ounces and can slip into a flat pocket. More specs at https://platypod.com/max/

The Texas Aggie engineer liked this non-Aggie’s on the spot engineering. Two Platypod Max’s bolted together as the base for a very portable lightstand.
The Texas Aggie engineer liked this non-Aggie’s on the spot engineering. Two Platypod Max’s bolted together as the base for a very portable lightstand.

--
Ellis Vener
To see my work please visit http://www.ellisvener.com
Or on instagram @therealellisv
 
Last edited:
Brilliant!

For that matter, I suppose that a pole with tie-down loops, plus paracord and tent stakes, would be good.

I did purchase a large Platypod primarily for ground-level macro use, I suppose that with more fiddling, I can come up with additional uses.
 
NancyP said:
Brilliant!

For that matter, I suppose that a pole with tie-down loops, plus paracord and tent stakes, would be good.
Click to expand...
Now you are thinking!
NancyP said:
I did purchase a large Platypod primarily for ground-level macro use, I suppose that with more fiddling, I can come up with additional uses.
Click to expand...
i have also been using my Platypod between my tripod and head and attaching and connecting a Manfrotto Magic Arm to one end of the Platypod and a flash on the end of the arm for doing macro work or just getting the flash off the camera while having some flexibility in light placement.
 
NancyP said:
I need a relatively lightweight, not hugely tall, portable stand that can be used on uneven and sloping ground (open overgrown field, rock field, etc), and need only hold a single speedlight or speedlight + umbrella. Typically I weigh down tripods with water bottles (or orange bag with rock), and expect I would be doing the same with the stand. I would likely be packing in the stand for half a mile to several miles of trail. Suggestions?
Click to expand...
A travel tripod would hold the speedlight and umbrella. They are quite inexpensive and very light.
 
All I need is the "extra" pole. (My hiking poles are not the kind with a 1/4 x 20 on the head of the handle (I frequently push off from the rounded top of the handle)). I have abundant paracord and stakes from camping. Given good siting and staking, it might even handle an umbrella or reflector - after all, tents have to resist wind.
 
Hi

Speedlight Clamp

You could gt one of these and if you are near something you can clamp your light to hold it.

It also can hold an umbrella.

Brad
 
Thanks. Jaws are a little narrow for tree branch of appropriate sturdiness, though would work fine off a wire fence or steel fence post if available. I am actually going to try the platypod mini (tiny cheeseboard with slots for cinch strap, bit of sticky silicone mat, mini-ball) if I need to use a tree branch.

I know zip about grip (sorry, couldn't resist), have one old Manfrotto "nano" light stand. Travel tripod would work too. Lines and stakes and knots - those I know - camping gear! Likely I can make anything steady "enough" with auxiliary tie-downs.

Use is for foreground lighting of astro-landscapes. I have a few little "on-camera" size LEDs on order.
 
It is possible that using a slightly "sticky" 5 x 8" silicon rubber pad under the GorillaPod (or anything else holding a mini-ballhead) might make it more usable. The grip surface on the GorillaPod is just the little ring around the equator of each link sphere - not much surface area.
 
Rubber (rubber-ish) sink mats for hand dishwashing might work well as grip enhancers, and are easily available. Note to self: next general-store trip - pick up one. Avoid baking sheets, which are "non-stick".

Note to self: dig out an old "photography equipment cheap hacks" book.
 
NancyP said:
Rubber (rubber-ish) sink mats for hand dishwashing might work well as grip enhancers, and are easily available. Note to self: next general-store trip - pick up one. Avoid baking sheets, which are "non-stick".
Click to expand...
Look for Dycem non slip mats https://dycem-ns.com/ it's amazing stuff. You can also buy rolls of it and cut it to whatever shape you need,
 
NancyP said:
I need a relatively lightweight, not hugely tall, portable stand that can be used on uneven and sloping ground (open overgrown field, rock field, etc), and need only hold a single speedlight or speedlight + umbrella. Typically I weigh down tripods with water bottles (or orange bag with rock), and expect I would be doing the same with the stand. I would likely be packing in the stand for half a mile to several miles of trail. Suggestions?
Click to expand...
 
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