Get a drop on things with the Ground-Level Aluminum Tripod from Really Right Stuff. The two-section CNC-machined legs have screw-locking knobs that you can disengage to extend the legs to a maximum height of 17.7". With the tripod's variable leg positions, you can splay the legs at four different angles or completely splay them out to a minimum height of 1.6", which is practically on the ground. On the bottom side of the legs are rubber grips to provide traction when the legs are splayed flat on the ground.
Beside the rubber grips, the black anodized surface protects the tripod's finish from scratches and scuffs. The bottom section of the legs reverses to change from rubber tips to stainless steel spikes to manage the tripod on rough terrain or icy surfaces. Large telephoto lenses such as a 500 or 600mm are easily supported with the tripod's load capacity of 50 lb, and the 2.2 lb tripod folds to a length of 12.4".