Re: Macro: will a small tripod suffice?
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Gilbert1 wrote:
I'm looking into using a tripod for macro shots. What I want to photograph are mushrooms, insects, flowers and so on. I know that the minimum height of the tripod is important for shooting low to the ground. But all the topics I mentioned are not always on the ground. A beautiful flower can of course also be located a bit higher.
I'm very happy with my Benro Slim Travel Kit tripod. The legs have 4 sections, and it can go close to the ground; but there is no stop on the legs so I can actually place the butt of the shaft on the ground. It folds very small and is quite light weight.
I shoot a lot of mosses and have m4/3 so not a lot of torque. This tripod does not go that high, though I have precariously used it at neck level. So, if I use it for some shots I might kneel. But in m4/3 I only need a tripod for macro focus stacks and astro/landscape.
The most difficult shooting is when mosses are on a vertical wall, which precludes having a wide tripod stance.
On top of logs I also use a 7" tall Oben TT-100 with a very small ballhead. Or I might use my Benro, but just place it on it's side and then find a way to stabilize it.
What if I take a Leofoto LS-223C or LS-223CEX, for example, it can be low to the ground. But can I also photograph the somewhat higher subjects with this? But perhaps you know from experience that most subjects are not far from the ground. Of course I can also take a somewhat larger tripod, but the disadvantage of this is the size and weight. Or I would have to buy an extra Tripod Extension for the said tripod. A tripod where you can turn the center column all the way around doesn't seem very useful to me. And yes I know, the ideal tripod does not exist. Of course you have to make concessions.
What is your experience with a tripod for macro photography: Is a small (if it can hold the weight of a Nikon Z6 + Nikkor Z 105mm in my case) tripod as mentioned enough, or is it better to take a slightly larger one? By the way, I also want to use a macro focus rail (now or later).