12 Foot Super Tall Tripod On a Budget

• • 16 Comments

Over the years i've attended and recorded several ceremonies (i.e. weddings), live performances (i.e. concerts), and sporting events. In order to get a camera at a more elevated position above the crowds, i've decided on using this inexpensive 12' Tripod.

With an ultra wide lens, you could further exaggerate the appearance of height. When using a GoPro camera's widest setting you could capture large crowds, or easily show off large spaces.

With a camera placed so high, it's important to choose one that can be operated remotely. Most new cameras offer WiFi apps that allow you to see the video feed, start/stop video, and also change camera settings. Cameras like the new GH4, Sony RX100, or GoPro. Without a WiFi App, you could also drop an HDMI cable from the camera down to a remote monitor, and control start/stop with either an infrared, tethered, or wireless shutter remote.

Often found as a 'Laser Tripod', 'Constuction Tripod', 'Contractors Tripod', or 'Elevator (elevation) Tripod', it's an inexpensive way to place a lightweight camera up high. By adding a small remote motorized Pan/Tilt head you could further add an interesting dynamic camera angle.

Unfortunately the 12' foot version that I have is currently out of stock. I'll share the link in case you want to take a look (click here).

12 foot laser tripod elevator tripod contractor construction tripodTPI 12 foot tripod 12 foot laser tripod elevator tripod contractor construction tripod
find-price-button 12 Foot Elevator Aluminum Laser Level Tripod

Otherwise there seems to be a good number of 9' foot (or taller) versions that can be found on eBay (check products here).

96-196-296-396
find-price-button Contractor Construction Laser Tripods via eBay

Here's that important Panning Base to drop it from a 5/8" to a 1/4"-20.
Laser Level Tripod Panning Base 12 Foot Super Tall Constuction Lase Contractor Tripod
find-price-button Laser Tripod 5/8-11 by 1/4-20 Threaded Female to Male Tripod Adapter


Quick Tip:
This Special Tripod Leveling Adapter Can save you hours and speed up your workflow.

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16 thoughts on “12 Foot Super Tall Tripod On a Budget”

  1. Hayes Norris

    TPI just received more of the 12 foot tripods. I bought one of them today: Sep. 15, 2015. If you want you can call the company directly and order from them instead of going though Amazon. Their number is 1-800-336-5213 and they will answer the phone with the company name Gendrons. They are out of Spokane, WA.

  2. Hayes Norris

    What is the brand name of the tripod? I have only been able to find tripods up to 120 inches and that is only 10 feet. The difference between 10 feet and 12 feet is not a lot but I would like it. Does anyone but TPI sell the 12 foot tripod which would be 144 inches.

  3. Paul W. Redman

    This was the best idea. I have been wanting to build a rig to film football games from a height of about 12 feet. I took the advice from this web site and bought the Bosch BT160 for $64. My problem is I use a heavy camcorder (2-1/2 lbs), add the weight of the motor and I am looking at something that closes in at 6lbs. I needed a telescopic rig. I found that 1" threaded aluminum conduit (used by electricians) fits exactly inside 1-1/4" aluminum conduit. I purchased 10ft of each and made a telescopic pole for $50. The 1-1/4" conduit fits inside a PVC reducer that holds it perfectly in place in the tripod 2" opening

    So far my costs are pan/tilt motor $130, 7" monitor $164, tripod $64, conduit and hardware (bolts, chain, washers etc...)$50, assorted cables and items $30

    Total cost so far is $438

    Thanks for the info.

  7.

    Not sure you realize that this is a great solution for every cameradad with a kid playing field sports. Rarely do my kids play on a field with bleachers, and this allows you to get a high view on a flat playing field. Thanks!

  9. Luca

    Nice idea... should be possible to install a Ronin or similar on the top mount? That should be great!!!

  11. krys

    yessssssss !!!!!!!!
    had this problem before at a wedding
    every single person with a camera had tripod, either
    1.) best/highest spot was taken for recording

    or

    2.) too many people with same height tripod blocking the view

    was thinking of super taller tripod to pwn every 1.

    thanks emm !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!EEEEEEEEEEWMJf

  15. nak

    Nice. Way easier than carrying a ladder! Which small remote motorized Pan/Tilt head did you use??

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