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Tripod suited for macro work
- Thread starter ageha
- Start date
You'll probably have to be more specific. What kind of macros?
I've been looking at a Manfrotto 055XPROB with the 410 mini geared head. The legs because of the swing-out center column and the geared head for the ease of tiny adjustments. Together, they weigh about 9 pounds, so not real light.
But my interests lie more with table-top macro stuff -- this may not be the best choice for flowers and bugs.
I've been looking at a Manfrotto 055XPROB with the 410 mini geared head. The legs because of the swing-out center column and the geared head for the ease of tiny adjustments. Together, they weigh about 9 pounds, so not real light.
But my interests lie more with table-top macro stuff -- this may not be the best choice for flowers and bugs.
C
CLOSED ACCOUNT
Guest
I use the same combo as you listed above...it works great for both in the studio and outdoors for flowers, etc.
I also use a Novoflex Castel Q focus rail with the above combo too...for that extra back/forth precision adjustments...and for stacking of course.
The 055XPROB and 410 head and focus rail together never feels heavy to me when shooting outdoors, walking around, etc.
I prefer to have a sturdy, solid feel...
http://kvincentphotography.ca/stackedimages
http://kvincentphotography.ca/designerflorals
http://kvincentphotography.ca/macro
KEV
How do you like the column on that tripod, Kevin? I've never played with one, but it seems like it would be very useful for macro stuff. Easy to use? Does it lose balance if you have the camera hanging out horizontally?
Thanks for confirming my thoughts on this combination.
C
CLOSED ACCOUNT
Guest
There's so many position variables that one cannot answer for all of them.
In reality, I think you will find that one uses the centre column in the horizontal position a lot less...than first imagined.
However, when working close to the ground with the pod legs spread-eagled out wide and the horizontal out full...it's very stable.
When using it much higher up (with legs completely upright) it can be less so.
However, you soon learn the optimal balancing points, etc.
I've never had any problem - to date.
I "always" (let me repeat that word) ALWAYS shoot with a tripod/geared head setup (indoors or outside)...and I don't find walking around with this combo all day long any big deal.
The 410 is a great peice of kit...and considerably less heavy than it's 405 bigger brother.
Personally, I like heavy gear. The 055XPROB feels more solid to me...than the carbon pods....it's only 5LBS, besides, a small kid carries more weight in their school daypacks these days
KEV
"It is a small gesture, but one that can be very effective - especially in a large crowd. So fart, and if you must, fart often. But always fart without apology. Fart for freedom, fart for liberty, and fart proudly" (Benjamin Franklin 'The Dream' 1751)
http://kvincentphotography.ca/stackedimages
http://kvincentphotography.ca/designerflorals
http://kvincentphotography.ca/macro
C
CLOSED ACCOUNT
Guest
In MY opinion...a geared head is a must for macro or closeup work.
It offers far more 'precision' control adjustment.
Here's my short web article on macro 1:1 - if you are interested.
http://kvincentphotography.ca/macro-1-1
Cheers,
KEV
"It is a small gesture, but one that can be very effective - especially in a large crowd. So fart, and if you must, fart often. But always fart without apology. Fart for freedom, fart for liberty, and fart proudly" (Benjamin Franklin 'The Dream' 1751)
http://kvincentphotography.ca/stackedimages
http://kvincentphotography.ca/designerflorals
http://kvincentphotography.ca/macro
NancyP
Veteran Member
I like the Manfrotto 055 PROB aluminum legs plus 410 "Junior" geared head as well. For flowers and bugs, some people use poles or monopods with loose head - just tilt pole or monopod slightly to optimise focus.
Caterpillars, butterflies, bugs, flowers... Not really macros but close-ups: http://www.flickr.com/photos/robirobirobi/sets/72157622846313184/
I looked at Manfrotto's but I'm more interested into getting a tripod with a tiltable center column. the Manfrotto only offers a horizontal position.
Cool, thanks for the link!In MY opinion...a geared head is a must for macro or closeup work.
It offers far more 'precision' control adjustment.
Here's my short web article on macro 1:1 - if you are interested.
http://kvincentphotography.ca/macro-1-1
Cheers,
KEV
"It is a small gesture, but one that can be very effective - especially in a large crowd. So fart, and if you must, fart often. But always fart without apology. Fart for freedom, fart for liberty, and fart proudly" (Benjamin Franklin 'The Dream' 1751)
http://kvincentphotography.ca/stackedimages
http://kvincentphotography.ca/designerflorals
http://kvincentphotography.ca/macro
closeupfanatic
Senior Member
I find a small focussing rail far more useful than a tilting column, in fact a tripod without any center column at all can spread its legs to put the camera right at ground level - very useful for lots of things. Often a small one fits into tight ground spots where a large one wouldn't. See http://johnsankey.ca/tripod.html#E for some of the kit I find useful.
pictureted
Leading Member
I use two tripods for my macro work.
For ground level and table top work I've been happy with the Kirk Low Pod with an Acratech leveling base and Acratech GP ball head. The open design of the ball head makes it easier to clean when I've been laying in the dirt and mud. I especially like this when chasing insects with longer focal lengths such as the 200/4 macro or 300/4 AF-S - occasionally with TCs or extension tubes. The friction knob is easy to adjust for steady tracking. The leveling base raises the head a bit for easier use and provides additional flexibility when I want it.
For other work I've been happy with the Gitzo GT2541ex with an Acra Swiss Z1. It's not the lightest weight carbon fiber tripod, but the ability to get my camera into odd positions in the field is excellent. I also like the speed of a ball head, since adjusting things quickly in my windy area is essential.
I would like to get a geared head for studio work since they are superior for precise setup, but would like to get the Acra Swiss D4 when I can.
I'd also recommend the Novoflex Castel Q and the Kirk macro rails. The Novoflex is a better design, but the Kirk allows for easier use of lenses with collars.
For ground level and table top work I've been happy with the Kirk Low Pod with an Acratech leveling base and Acratech GP ball head. The open design of the ball head makes it easier to clean when I've been laying in the dirt and mud. I especially like this when chasing insects with longer focal lengths such as the 200/4 macro or 300/4 AF-S - occasionally with TCs or extension tubes. The friction knob is easy to adjust for steady tracking. The leveling base raises the head a bit for easier use and provides additional flexibility when I want it.
For other work I've been happy with the Gitzo GT2541ex with an Acra Swiss Z1. It's not the lightest weight carbon fiber tripod, but the ability to get my camera into odd positions in the field is excellent. I also like the speed of a ball head, since adjusting things quickly in my windy area is essential.
I would like to get a geared head for studio work since they are superior for precise setup, but would like to get the Acra Swiss D4 when I can.
I'd also recommend the Novoflex Castel Q and the Kirk macro rails. The Novoflex is a better design, but the Kirk allows for easier use of lenses with collars.
Does someone have experience with the Benro C2970T?
http://english.benro.cn/CpListvSa.aspx?ParaId=0&id=83&ProductId=832
http://english.benro.cn/CpListvSa.aspx?ParaId=0&id=83&ProductId=832
Thanks for your recommendations!
Why do you need the Acratech leveling base? Doesn't the Acratech GP ball head function as a leveling base as well?
vickylou
Leading Member
I am also a beginner looking looking for a tripod specifically for macro. Unfortunately the 055xPROB and geared head are out of my budget Does anyone have any experience with this tripod? Can I used a 3 way head or would a ball head be better for macro? The description says it can be used close too the ground also. http://www.amazon.co.uk/Hahnel-Triad-60-Professional-Fluid-Damped/dp/B003I5XA6K/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1327928354&sr=8-1
pictureted
Leading Member
I like the additional flexibility of the leveling base (another knob, in another location with a nice range of movement), plus I wanted the slight additional increase in height. I prefer not to use a right angle finder when working at ground level tracking bugs and butterflies and that bit of additional height matters to me. If I knew of another easy way to increase the height a couple of inches I would have opted for that if if were a lot cheaper.
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