Low-profile, round base for lighting fixtures — stays stable at minimal height and is commonly used for floor-level placement.
Technical Details
Standard Turtle Bases feature a 28mm spigot (1⅛ inch) or optionally a 16mm pin for mounting Baby or Junior stands. Their own weight varies by model: Baby Turtle Base 11 kg, Standard 15 kg, Senior 23 kg. The cast iron construction provides optimal stability due to its mass, while steel variants with handles are easier to transport. Some models have removable weight rings or an integrated transport handle. The spigot is usually unscrewable and can be replaced with other mounts.
History & Development
The Turtle Base evolved in the 1960s from the need to position heavy studio lights safely and low. Manufacturers like Matthews Studio Equipment introduced the first standardized models in 1968. In the 1980s, more transport-friendly versions with removable weights were introduced. Modern Turtle Bases have incorporated cable management and non-slip rubber pads to protect studio floors since the 2000s.
Practical Use in Film
In studio productions, the Turtle Base is primarily used for floor lighting without visible stands in the frame. Typical use for beauty light in close-ups or as an eye-light carrier. In "Blade Runner 2049" (2017), DoP Roger Deakins positioned numerous LED panels on Turtle Bases for iconic underlighting. For exterior shoots, it stabilizes wind-prone HMI lights. The low center of gravity prevents tipping even with lateral forces up to 150 N. Disadvantage: The high weight makes quick setups difficult and requires two people for transport.
Comparison & Alternatives
Compared to conventional tripods, the Turtle Base offers significantly more stability, but with limited height adjustability. Low Boys are similar in function but are taller (30-40 cm) and less stable. Sandbags on normal stands achieve similar stability but occupy more floor space. Modern aluminum Pancake Bases weigh only 8 kg but offer correspondingly less stability. For LED panels under 5 kg, lightweight plastic floor plates are sufficient today, while heavy tungsten or HMI lights still require classic cast iron Turtle Bases.