Macro Tripod
May 5, 2020 07:59:05 #
Woodworm65
Loc: Lombard, IL
Going to get into macro photography and would like to purchase a descent tripod I would prefer not to spend a ton of money but would like to find something that is sturdy, your thoughts are appreciate.
May 5, 2020 08:06:24 #
Except for stacking, I don't use a tripod for my macro shooting, and that's my niche...
May 5, 2020 08:13:05 #
May 5, 2020 08:24:35 #
The ball head or gimbal to 'lock' the camera / lens position is more critical in macro than the tripod itself. So, if working within a budget, consider this expense if you go with a modular option. Consider too whether your lens provides a lens collar and whether you can permanently attach a plate that clamps into your ball head / gimbal to easily mount and position the lens / camera.
May 5, 2020 08:43:58 #
In the field I carry around some sticks and some rubber bands and use them in different combinations. The sticks are about 15 inches each because that fits into my camera backpack. They can be cut from driveway markers or 1/2 inch wood dowels. I wrap rubber bands around one end of two or three, depending, to make a variable camera support. My left hand holds the support while the right holds the camera and rests on my left hand. For medium high shots I use more rubber bands to attach two sticks at right angles to my monopod. Left hand holds the stick, right hand holds the camera.
I still shoot in servo mode though.
I still shoot in servo mode though.
May 5, 2020 08:44:20 #
mflowe
Loc: Port Deposit, MD
I don't think sturdiness is going to be that big an issue when shooting macro,because you're not going to be extended in the air with a huge telephoto. I would suggest something without a center column so you can get low to the ground. I don't have an specific brand to recommend cause I've only shot with one tripod in my life.I think Feisol, Manfrotto, FLM, and Colorado Tripod get good reviews for some middle of the price range alternatives.
May 5, 2020 08:50:14 #
May 5, 2020 08:50:16 #
May 5, 2020 09:13:17 #
May 5, 2020 10:07:31 #
bleirer wrote:
Now how to turn off the wind....
I use a ring flash or a speedlight for most of my close up and macro shots. The short duration of the flash stops all motion, be it my own or the subjects, or the camera. Be careful of most of the cheaper ring flashes as they usually have a flash duration of 1/200th of a second. Not fast enough to stop most motion. The LED units are getting better though...Others use wind-blocking techniques but they involve using panels and that is just one more thing to carry around and set up...
May 5, 2020 10:43:27 #
Woodworm65 wrote:
Going to get into macro photography and would like to purchase a descent tripod I would prefer not to spend a ton of money but would like to find something that is sturdy, your thoughts are appreciate.
What are you interested in shooting? What camera are you using? What lens?
The need for sturdiness is just as critical for an 800mm lens and full frame camera as it is for the same camera shooting at or near 1:1 magnification. You can get away with a slightly lighter duty support, but there are a few things that will show blur, aside from the obvious. Without knowing what camera you are using, I will be as general as I can.
Mirror shock obviously affects DSLRs.
Shutter shock, on the other hand, can affect any camera mirrorless or DLSR, if it does not have an electronic shutter or electronic first curtain.
How low you need to go will move you towards tripods with legs that can splay flat.
The head of a tripod is important - skimping on a tripod head can lead to camera movement from the camera itself (mirror, shutter, and even focusing) affecting sharpness.
With good lighting so that you can use a high enough shutter speed, you may be able to shoot hand-held, and avoid spending $$$ on a mistake - a cheap, inadequate tripod.
May 6, 2020 08:11:18 #
Two features to consider in addition to solidity....
Consider a tripod that allows you to reverse the center column. This will allow the camera to be positioned all the way to ground level. Splaying the legs is good but it will often not get you all the way to the ground and will take up a considerable radius of space.
Tripods with the versatility of using the center column horizontally by reinserting into the base, or by tilting the center column are very handy for me. This allows the camera to be positioned to shoot downward over places where you can't position the tripod close enough to allow the camera to "hover" over your subject.
Consider a tripod that allows you to reverse the center column. This will allow the camera to be positioned all the way to ground level. Splaying the legs is good but it will often not get you all the way to the ground and will take up a considerable radius of space.
Tripods with the versatility of using the center column horizontally by reinserting into the base, or by tilting the center column are very handy for me. This allows the camera to be positioned to shoot downward over places where you can't position the tripod close enough to allow the camera to "hover" over your subject.
May 6, 2020 08:34:19 #
The problem with tripods (at least with mobile subjects) is that the subject has moved on by the time you get the pod all set up...
May 6, 2020 08:57:47 #
Screamin Scott wrote:
The problem with tripods (at least with mobile subjects) is that the subject has moved on by the time you get the pod all set up...
May 6, 2020 09:02:15 #
Hi Woodworm65, I would suggest that you look up Mike Moats on YouTube. He is an award winning Macro Photographer and offers tons of advice. Hope this helps.
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