Best tripod for ground-level macro photos?

I'm really wanting to improve my macro photography. A big step towards that goal is finding a good tripod for ground level work. I enjoy shooting insects, frogs, etc. but my current tripod is not suited for such low level work. Can anyone offer any suggestions? I have thought about trying some type of compact table-top models but it needs to be somewhat adjustable. Most table-top tripods I've seen only have one height, which probably won't work well. I would love to hear from anyone with some experience in this who could steer me in the right direction.

All suggestions are greatly appreciated!
--
Amy
http://www.amystuff.com

Amy said:

I'm really wanting to improve my macro photography. A big step
towards that goal is finding a good tripod for ground level work.
I enjoy shooting insects, frogs, etc. but my current tripod is not
suited for such low level work. Can anyone offer any suggestions?
I have thought about trying some type of compact table-top models
but it needs to be somewhat adjustable. Most table-top tripods
I've seen only have one height, which probably won't work well. I
would love to hear from anyone with some experience in this who
could steer me in the right direction.

All suggestions are greatly appreciated!
--
Amy
http://www.amystuff.com

Click to expand...

I have a tabletop micro tripod that is small enough to carry in my small camera bag. The legs can splay "narrowly" or "widely". When splayed wide the tripod probably elevates the camera about 4-5 inches off the ground.

I usually just brace against the ground if the mini-tripod is too small, or if I am too lazy to take off the regular tripod quick-release plate I always leave mounted and screw in the mini-tripod.

--
my favorite work: http://www.pbase.com/sdaconsulting/favorite_work

Hi Amy!!
I enjoy doing the same thing, and picked up an item called The Pod.

I got it in Canada at London Drugs, but the suggestion came from this forum. I've been trying to fiind it for you, with no luck.

It's a little bean-bag thingie, with a mounting screw on the top. Sits on fences, or on the ground and holds the camera perfectly.

Perhaps someone can help you find the thread,
Good luck,
Niikinut

Amy said:

I'm really wanting to improve my macro photography. A big step
towards that goal is finding a good tripod for ground level work.
I enjoy shooting insects, frogs, etc. but my current tripod is not
suited for such low level work. Can anyone offer any suggestions?
I have thought about trying some type of compact table-top models
but it needs to be somewhat adjustable. Most table-top tripods
I've seen only have one height, which probably won't work well. I
would love to hear from anyone with some experience in this who
could steer me in the right direction.

All suggestions are greatly appreciated!
--
Amy
http://www.amystuff.com

Click to expand...

Here is the web sit for the Pod, http://www.thepod.ca

I use a slik 212, the tripods head can be removed and attached to a mounting bolt on the bottom of the center support. There is also a mounting bolt on one of the legs, for either the tripod head or for attaching a flash unit.

I aalso use an ultrapod II which is a table top tripod (with a velcro strap to attach to poles and such) It's compact and fits in a camera bag. I think it would work also...you can check one out at http://www.campmor.com/webapp/commerce/command/ProductDisplay?prmenbr=226&prrfnbr=787

niikinut said:

Perhaps someone can help you find the thread,
Good luck,
Niikinut

Amy said:

I'm really wanting to improve my macro photography. A big step
towards that goal is finding a good tripod for ground level work.
I enjoy shooting insects, frogs, etc. but my current tripod is not
suited for such low level work. Can anyone offer any suggestions?
I have thought about trying some type of compact table-top models
but it needs to be somewhat adjustable. Most table-top tripods
I've seen only have one height, which probably won't work well. I
would love to hear from anyone with some experience in this who
could steer me in the right direction.

All suggestions are greatly appreciated!
--
Amy
http://www.amystuff.com

Click to expand...

Click to expand...

Amy,

I bought the Bogen 3021 Pro because of it's added ability to take macros and shots close to the ground:



I don't necessarily take many of this kind of photo, but I want the flexibility when I need it.

What you don't see in this link, is that even with a LARGE tripod (Make no mistake, this is a sturdy tripod and I love it for how tall it gets as much as for how short it gets), is how versatile it is. The legs can fold out to be completely flat, and the center stalk can be removed and slid in sideways so you can get low or directly above images. So, let's say you wanted to take a pic of a flower 3 feet off the ground.... you just lower the legs to your desired height, slide out the stalk and put it in sideways to get directly over it.

Its not your small, compact tripod, but wow is it cool. Even though it's big, I take it everywhere. And it's also not necessarily cheap. The head is also very versatile and operates like a joystick.

Just another option....

Amy said:

I'm really wanting to improve my macro photography. A big step
towards that goal is finding a good tripod for ground level work.
I enjoy shooting insects, frogs, etc. but my current tripod is not
suited for such low level work. Can anyone offer any suggestions?
I have thought about trying some type of compact table-top models
but it needs to be somewhat adjustable. Most table-top tripods
I've seen only have one height, which probably won't work well. I
would love to hear from anyone with some experience in this who
could steer me in the right direction.

All suggestions are greatly appreciated!
--
Amy
http://www.amystuff.com

Click to expand...

--
Jim Fuglestad
Why simply live and let live? Live and help live.
http://www.pbase.com/jfuglestad/galleries

Thanks to everyone who gave suggestions. I may look at the Bogen. I also got a suggestion for a Velbon Mini-F from a newsgroup posting. It looks like it has potential too and may be smaller than the Bogen. Thanks again!

I'm off to go shopping!
--
Amy
http://www.amystuff.com

Pixel Brat said:

Can anyone offer any suggestions?

Click to expand...

Amy,

There are many tripod that allows for the center post to be inserted upside down. While this seems like a simple feature, not all tripods allows for this reversal. ;p

--
jc
F707 w/ Nikon 5T/6T
http://www.reefkeepers.org/gallery/f707
http://www.reeftec.com/gallery

amy,

I use my lightweight Gitzo, which has a center column, which I reverse and adjust the column and legs to give me the height and angle I need. The ball head makes other adjustments easier also.





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BillyL