A third option is a tripod with a center column that can be swiveled. It’s another good option.
I’ve personally never used one with a swiveling center column, but I think it may possibly be the
easiest one to use for our purposes. It seems that it would be easier to precisely position the
camera than it is with the other two choices.
Actually, you may even be able to get the camera down lower with a reversible or swiveling
center column than by spreading out the legs.