Macro: will a small tripod suffice?

BBbuilder467 wrote:

Gilbert1 wrote:

BBbuilder467 wrote:

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.

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).

I use a Mefoto Daytrip that is quite similar to the Leofoto. I can splay and adjust the legs to avoid the tip over with smaller tripods. It's good for close-ups of mushrooms or fungi on logs or in the forest where you don't have room for a full size tripod. I have an adjustable column, so it's easier to get the precise height. With the reversible column, I can touch the ground with the camera to get under a mushroom.

I've mounted a 3-way pan/tilt with macro rails with no problem. It's basically a travel tripod with really short legs.

Thanks. The only thing I wonder about this tripod is whether the minimum height is not too high. But you can of course do a lot with the reversible column. Because I would also like to photograph under a mushroom. Only using the camera upside down doesn't seem very convenient to me. But you may have a different experience yourself?

With an articulating or tilting LCD, it's not difficult at all to use the camera reversed. If you practice a few times on a tabletop, it gets to be almost second nature. I probably use the column reversed more than not for nature close-ups. The worst thing is all the image are upside down, so you have to rotate them for display.

With the extending column, I can reach the height of most flowers and shrubs. For flowers, I always need some adjustment for height.

The only way I know of to frame from ground level is with the column reversed. Mushrooms are typically only a few inches off the ground.

I tried the Ultrapod, Gorillapod, and Slik Mini II. They were all practically useless in rough terrain for close-ups.

Thanks for thinking along again. Unfortunately my Nikon Z6 does not have a tiltable LCD, maybe there are tools. Otherwise I would find it a bit difficult. That extending column does have its advantages, even if you want to go higher.

I am happy with all your responses. I'm going to see what it's going to be.