SHAPE 1-Stage Baby Tripod Legs Makes a Speciality of Low-Level Shooting

Accessory News

by Julian MitchellMay 15^th, 2023

After the Canadian support and accessories company SHAPE introduced the new Generation Quick Handles at NAB 2023, they have now released their 1-Stage Tripod Legs complete with a 100mm bowl and ground spreader. Let’s have a look at the details.

As a cameraman, the speed of leveling and set-up is crucial when using a tripod and fluid head combination, particularly in fast-paced genres such as news gathering. Weight is also a significant factor, especially when transporting equipment to various events and locations.

SHAPE’s latest product adds another benefit to the versatility of tripods, concentrating on low-level shooting as a specialty. The 1-Stage BTL shoots from only 9.25 inches to 19 inches (with the two sections) and will aid programming with this low-lying aesthetic. This can benefit if you include ‘hero’ shots in your footage or even impressive wide-angled sky shots, for instance.

Rugged features

The unit is also built to accommodate heavy camera loads up to 175 lbs, and has CNC aluminum, single-stage ‘baby’ legs that can adjust independently for uneven surfaces. The build is supported by a ground spreader, and metal and rubber spike inserts to clamp the chassis together. 

So, with the independently leveling legs and the low-level shooting stance, you can see how flexible this unit is. You’ll be able to offer your director potentially some new shots that can be quickly set up, depending on your choice of payload.

The new tripod weighs 8.2 lbs or 3.72 kg and comes with a transport pouch when the unit is de-rigged. It’s now available for pre-order at $263.12.

Let us know in the comments if this kind of low-level shooting is something that you would invest in especially, or if your present setup is more than adept at handling multiple-level shooting.