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Naturescapes SKM-II Skimmer Ground Pod II

BH #NASKM2 • MFR #SKM-II
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Naturescapes SKM-II Skimmer Ground Pod II
Key Features
  • Slides Through Mud, Sand, and Grass
  • Supports up to 600mm Lens
  • For Ground-Level Bird & Wildlife Photos
The Naturescapes SKM-II Skimmer Ground Pod II is a 10" round and 1.5" tall dish that is specifically designed as the ultimate support for ground-level bird and wildlife photography. With its unique circular design, it allows you to slide camera equipment in any direction on the ground, even through mud, sand, and grass. And your equipment stays clean and dry, even in up to an inch and a half of water.

The Skimmer's flat bottom allows it to slide and pan easily along the beach or mud without scooping up earth, protecting equipment from grit and moisture. The sides are turned out slightly to push sand and mud out and away, helping to keep debris from coming over the top. A protected area inside the plate can even be used to store teleconverters, extension tubes, and other incidentals for quick access while shooting.

The Skimmer's wide mounting surface can accommodate virtually any ballhead or gimbal-style head fitting a standard 3/8" tripod mount. It has been matched for use with low-profile lens feet when used with the Wimberley C-10, as well as for the Wimberley Gimbal Head II, without the need for modification or additional risers. However, an optional riser block fits perfectly and can be stacked when additional height is needed.

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Naturescapes SKM-II Overview

The Naturescapes SKM-II Skimmer Ground Pod II is a 10" round and 1.5" tall dish that is specifically designed as the ultimate support for ground-level bird and wildlife photography. With its unique circular design, it allows you to slide camera equipment in any direction on the ground, even through mud, sand, and grass. And your equipment stays clean and dry, even in up to an inch and a half of water.

The Skimmer's flat bottom allows it to slide and pan easily along the beach or mud without scooping up earth, protecting equipment from grit and moisture. The sides are turned out slightly to push sand and mud out and away, helping to keep debris from coming over the top. A protected area inside the plate can even be used to store teleconverters, extension tubes, and other incidentals for quick access while shooting.

The Skimmer's wide mounting surface can accommodate virtually any ballhead or gimbal-style head fitting a standard 3/8" tripod mount. It has been matched for use with low-profile lens feet when used with the Wimberley C-10, as well as for the Wimberley Gimbal Head II, without the need for modification or additional risers. However, an optional riser block fits perfectly and can be stacked when additional height is needed.

Designed for ground level or off of a beanbag shooting with telephoto lenses
Constructed with super heavy duty reinforced crush-proof injection molded plastic
Heat and cold tolerant for use in any conditions
Compatible with the Wimberley Gimbal and low profile lens feet without additional hardware needed
Reinforced lanyard attachment point
UPC: 094922848628

Naturescapes SKM-II Specs

Item Type
1x Ground Pod/Support Plate
Color
Black
Mounting
1x 3/8"-16 Male Screw
Materials
Plastic
Dimensions
1.5" / 3.8 cm (Height)
10" / 25.5 cm (Diameter)
Weight
15 oz / 425 g
Packaging Info
Package Weight
1.52 lb
Box Dimensions (LxWxH)
12.75 x 12.5 x 2.25"

Naturescapes SKM-II Reviews

With greater rigidity, could have been so much better.

By Malcolm
Rated 4 out of 5
Date: 2025-08-10

I have used this routinely, both internally (table top) and externally, for years. Wonderful, when assembling / inventing a specific rig prior to whacking on a tripod. The larger Kirk tripod head quick clamp attaches the World. My standard. Mostly, I have a Manfrotto Monopod Gimbal in the clamp, the ugly double one. (converted to ARCA Swiss of course.) Another standard. With a 5 x 4 or my double Novoflex BalPro carrying a 300mm or 400mm Fujinon large format lens, rigidity can be an issue. I need to wait for the vibrations to die down. Have had to obtain a Manfrotto MBASEPROVR to speed things up but I do not love it. I don't Movie but my needs are increasingly the same. I otherwise enjoy using the SKM-II. Review for what it's worth. Malcolm.

Much better than a trashcan lid

By August
Rated 4 out of 5
Date: 2024-03-17

I often have to use stumps or benches in my job and a tripod is over kill. These works great.

See any errors on this page?

question

Can I attach my Manfrotto 128RC head?
Asked by: Tara M.
The Naturescapes SKM-II Skimmer Ground Pod II has a standard 3/8 mounting screw so the Manfrotto 128RC head will be compatible.
Answered by: Dana G.
Date published: 2018-08-27

What are the differences between earlier models ...

What are the differences between earlier models and this SKM-II?
Asked by: Susan
The original Naturescapes SKM-II Skimmer Ground Pod was made out of metal and was heavier and did not work with the newer version 2 Wimberley without a riser block. The version II works with the Wimberley head v2 without a riser block, is made out of super reinforced plastic. It is also lighter and indestructible.
Answered by: Samik G
Date published: 2024-03-28

Which gimbal goes best with it for shorebird ...

Which gimbal goes best with it for shorebird photography?
Asked by: Liudmila
Any gimbal can be used with this product, but the Wimberley WH-200 Gimbal Tripod Head II with Quick Release Base is a solid choice. https://bhpho.to/2TMfSZf
Answered by: Kirk R
Date published: 2023-03-03

Does the gimbal head come with it?

Does the gimbal head come with it?
Asked by: VINEETH
The gimbal head is sold seperately.
Answered by: Rob
Date published: 2020-08-12

Does this support the Sigma 300-600mm f/4?

Does this support the Sigma 300-600mm f/4?
Asked by: Michael
The Naturescapes SKM-II Skimmer Ground Pod II is made to be used with a tripod head, such as a gimbal head or a ball head. Additionally, lenses such as the Sigma 300-600 can be used with it.
Answered by: Rob K
Date published: 2026-05-03

question

So can one attach the wimberly tripod ball head directly to it or new accessory ?
Asked by: Frank L.
Yes
Answered by: Charles B.
Date published: 2018-08-27

question

Is there a recommended strap for carrying the unit?
Asked by: John
I added a loop of 550 cord to the ground pod and attached it to my Anvil 27 backpack with a carabiner.
Answered by: Uwe
Date published: 2023-04-15

question

I know the product highlight states this is for up to a 600mm lens.......BUT, has anyone tried this product with the Canon 800?
Asked by: Thomas M.
I haven't tried the camera/lens combinationyiumention, but I can tell you it's fine with a Nikon D800 and 500mm lens.
Answered by: ROBERT P.
Date published: 2020-08-19
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