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Naturescape's Groundpod "skimmer II"
![raptorcaptor](https://us.v-cdn.net/6029383/uploads/customavatars/8/navatar_6208.gif)
Some of you asked so I'll post some pics here of what the Skimmer II is.
It is made, and sold on Naturescapes website. Although I have seen it for sale on other sites too. Cost around $99.00.
The original Skimmer was made out of metal, whereas the Skimmer II is plastic.
![348293530_smGM4-L.jpg](http://raptorcaptor.smugmug.com/photos/348293530_smGM4-L.jpg)
It is simply a frisbee shaped dish with a camera mount. And its purpose is to get your camera nice and low to the ground.
I use it with a Jobu Jr. gimbal head (with an L plate upgrade) I shoot mainly with a 500L F4 so this setup works fairly well.
![348293669_37YFd-L.jpg](http://raptorcaptor.smugmug.com/photos/348293669_37YFd-L.jpg)
I have also experimented with using a ball head, and Wimberly's Sidekick.
I found that with the 500L the balance wasn't very good.
Probably fine for lighter lenses.
Here is a shot of me using it on the beach. And yes you do have to lie on your belly!
![348293373_WfisL-L.jpg](http://raptorcaptor.smugmug.com/photos/348293373_WfisL-L.jpg)
A couple of shots I've taken using this setup
![348293363_8Y3vx-L.jpg](http://raptorcaptor.smugmug.com/photos/348293363_8Y3vx-L.jpg)
![348293796_CHSBM-L.jpg](http://raptorcaptor.smugmug.com/photos/348293796_CHSBM-L.jpg)
If you really want to get low you could mount your lens directly on the Skimmer, and use it that way.
Naturescape also sells a riser, if it is too low for your setup.
http://www.naturescapes.net/store/product.php?productid=41&cat=19&bestseller
It is made, and sold on Naturescapes website. Although I have seen it for sale on other sites too. Cost around $99.00.
The original Skimmer was made out of metal, whereas the Skimmer II is plastic.
![348293530_smGM4-L.jpg](http://raptorcaptor.smugmug.com/photos/348293530_smGM4-L.jpg)
It is simply a frisbee shaped dish with a camera mount. And its purpose is to get your camera nice and low to the ground.
I use it with a Jobu Jr. gimbal head (with an L plate upgrade) I shoot mainly with a 500L F4 so this setup works fairly well.
![348293669_37YFd-L.jpg](http://raptorcaptor.smugmug.com/photos/348293669_37YFd-L.jpg)
I have also experimented with using a ball head, and Wimberly's Sidekick.
I found that with the 500L the balance wasn't very good.
Probably fine for lighter lenses.
Here is a shot of me using it on the beach. And yes you do have to lie on your belly!
![348293373_WfisL-L.jpg](http://raptorcaptor.smugmug.com/photos/348293373_WfisL-L.jpg)
A couple of shots I've taken using this setup
![348293363_8Y3vx-L.jpg](http://raptorcaptor.smugmug.com/photos/348293363_8Y3vx-L.jpg)
![348293796_CHSBM-L.jpg](http://raptorcaptor.smugmug.com/photos/348293796_CHSBM-L.jpg)
If you really want to get low you could mount your lens directly on the Skimmer, and use it that way.
Naturescape also sells a riser, if it is too low for your setup.
http://www.naturescapes.net/store/product.php?productid=41&cat=19&bestseller
0
Comments
Does the 500L come camoed or did you have to apply yourself?????
I usually have both the tripod, and the skimmer. My tripod goes to a sitting position, but it is not as convenient as the skimmer when you need to move position without spooking your subject. It weighs much less than my tripod!
I got the camo from Naturescape too, although B&H is carrying it now as well. Keeps that white paint from getting too dinged up!
My website | NANPA Member
Without any type of head, but with a spacer block, mine weighs 17.5 oz.