Use this simple trick to turn your tripod into a vertical slider

There are a few ways to make your own horizontal slider. But if you need a vertical one, you can just grab your tripod. In this video, Mark Holtze will show you a handy trick that will give you smooth camera movement and turn your tripod into a vertical slider.

Mark uses a Manfrotto BeFree, an affordable and “pretty standard” photographic tripod. After attaching the camera, he unscrews the vertical head lock of the tripod. He lifts the camera up to its highest point, and then grabs the pole at the base with his hand. He doesn’t grip tightly, so the gravity can do its work and have the camera slide slowly down. And voila, a vertical slider!

When it comes to filming with this “slider,” Mark has some tips to offer. He suggests that you always use manual focus, and find the focus before you start the camera movement. The strength of your grip will dictate the movement speed, and make sure to support the tripod with the other hand so your footage isn’t shaky.

Of course, definitely check out Mark’s video to see this method in action, see the results, and pick up a few more useful tricks. And let us know – have you used your tripod as a vertical slider?

[BEST TRIPOD TRICK For FILMMAKERS – Turn ANY Tripod Into A Slider via LensVid]