Chefneil

I am interested in getting a tripod for the above projects. Perhaps the single most important quality would be a crank to lift the center column. Weight is not too much of an issue, but a secure platform is.

What are Hoggers using and why do you like it?

As always, Mr Phelps, your answers are appreciated! (See how I a brought a MI reference)

olc

Photographer Jim Loc: Rio Vista, CA

Center posts are a notorious source of instability.

speters Loc: Grangeville/Idaho

Fisrt off, a tripod is not really that much needed for doing macro (as most of that is done hand held), but the worst thing would be to crank/lift the center column, that totally counteracts using a tripod in the first place!

Bill_de Loc: US

I agree on no center column. Flip locks on the legs seem to be quicker. This might be a factor since you will be adjusting height by adjusting the legs. If you walk through the woods or tall grass a lot, the twist locks are less likely to get caught up.

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imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

If weight is mostly not an issue and you have a lower budget consideration, I like the Manfrotto #475b

https://www.adorama.com/us%20%20%20%20933605.html?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIiIL764GV2QIVBEGGCh2yQwCZEAUYAyABEgJg2PD_BwE

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Gene51 Loc: Yonkers, NY, now in LSD (LowerSlowerDelaware)

Whenever possible I will do closeup work handheld. However when doing real macro - at or close to 1:1 magnifcation, a good solid tripod is invaluable. The same selection criteria that applies to long lenses used on a tripod serve the macro shooter nicely. After all, it is magnification, not equipment weight, that matters. My advice is to get the beefiest carbon fiber tripod you can justify, with the realization that anything less than a Gitzo or Induro Series 5 or an RRS Series 4 will involve a degree of compromise (on stability and build quality). I am certain you can strike a nice balance between stability and cost if you look for a carbon fiber tripod without a center column that costs in the $500-$600 range - not including the head - and with a leg tube top section diameter no less than 37mm. Benro, Sirui, Feisol, and a few others have offerings in this price range. No need to spend $1000 for a first tier tripod. If you don't own or plan to use a lens at 1:1, you can scale back on the tripod a bit and save a few $$$.

For studio use, nothing beats a camera stand from Calumet or Foba. But they are quite heavy, and cost $2000 or more new. You can find the Calumet for under $1000 if you are patient. I sold one of my Calumet stands a year ago for $1100 with a few accessories.

Chefneil

Please elaborate.
Also I am going to be doing still life which may for may not be helped by tripod. and studio work. I think that by having a camera on a tripod while move things around would be helpful.

Chefneil

I looked at the tripod and wonder how steady it is? When you press down on the head do the legs push out?

SharpShooter Loc: NorCal

I think you’re talking two different tripods.
If I did a lot of macro I would get a tilting center column tripod.
And a beefy alloy pod for studio if not a rolling camera stand.
SS

rgrenaderphoto Loc: Hollywood, CA

Really Right Stuff Versa Series 2 with adjustable center collum. Not crank, you twist a lock and raise the collum. I've found that crank mechanisms fail too soon.

LoneRangeFinder Loc: Left field

I wouldn’t. The tilting center columns are very unstable. I do macro—both handheld and with a tripod. Considering the minimum working distance, there is little to no reason to use a tilting column. The fact is, a quality tripod can get you as close to an Object on the ground as you would need to get considering the minimum working distance.... I had one—and never found it useful, or practical.

Chefneil

Currently, I am using an old(read really old tripod, circa 1970s)which has a crank. The whole thing failed a year ago, so I went to Ace Hardware and rigged something for the crank to work. The down side is the center column is compromised and rather jerky when I rise or lower it. The reason I have used it for so log is that it worked (kinda) but not very smoothly. Hence my search for a new tripod.

I know it is out there---at a price I can afford. ($1000-$2000 for a poor man's hobby---I don't think so). Maybe I'll look at Video tripods on B&H. Hmmm.

olc

Chefneil

Thank you for your assessment on tilting columns. I have been thinking about them for a New York minute. I like the way they extend from the main body and legs, but wondered about stability.

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

- read the user's reviews ! ....the legs lock to the center column......

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

I find the articulating center post useful and practical in many ways - and not all having to do with getting close to the ground or macro work. They MUST however be substantially built and used with a counter balance - which most tripod makers FAIL to provide.

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