Which tripod/head combo? I'm interested in purchasing a new tripod/head combo, but I'm not sure what to get. I have a focusing rail for macro work and would like to be able to mount...

jbigelow Loc: Plattsburgh, NY

I'm interested in purchasing a new tripod/head combo, but I'm not sure what to get. I have a focusing rail for macro work and would like to be able to mount that to the tripod head using a quick release plate and also mount the camera on the rail the same way. I guess I would need two quick release plates and also two quick release sockets (?). I would like to be able to use the whole setup fairly close to the ground if needed, so the tripod legs would have to splay out quite a bit. I want to keep everything under $400, if possible. Any suggestions?

docrob Loc: Durango, Colorado

jbigelow wrote:

I'm interested in purchasing a new tripod/head com... (show quote)

400 is gonna be a tough buy here me thinks. You need a tripod that is strong and has full leg movement and you need a head that will hold the macro gear / camera and lens - safely and securely.....You can buy a good solid bogen legs only - have the legs modified to go flat out. Will have to cut the center post but thats no big deal and cheaply replaced. Does your focusing rail provide for the use of quick release plates between the rail and the camera? Be curious to know the brand and price cause I've never seen that..You will need a good heavy duty ball head - Foba, Arca Swiss, Kaiser, Right Stuff and you need one built to hold 12-15 lbs. New heads alone are gonna put you near 400....course i could easily be wayyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy off.

CaptainC Loc: Colorado, south of Denver

I'll let you figure out the head. Here is a good tripod that will not break the bank and might allow for a head to keep it around $400.

You do NOT need to cut the center post. That post is removable.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?is=REG&sku=504845&Q=&O=&A=details

MT Shooter Loc: Montana

I second the Manfrotto 055XPRO, its a very stable platform and will support your load. I also am a big fan of ball heads but the macro rail work lends itself better to a 3-way unit. A good econumical choice might be the Bogen/Manfrotto #3047, they are SOLID and can be picked up on Ebay daily for under $50. That would leave you about $180 to invest into a macro rail system. Maybe this one:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=&sku=193311&Q=&is=REG&A=details

Roger Hicks Loc: Aquitaine

Go for used. Heavy, high-end used tripods are often ridiculously cheap: I bought my massive Linhof for less than a fifth of the new price (which was well over $1000).

Cheers,

R.

heyjoe Loc: cincinnati ohio

I have that same tripod,Very nice,if you look for used the model is 3021pro, i paid about 70.00 for mine in new condition
bought a new 501 head for 180,very happy with my set up

DavidT Loc: Maryland

I agree with the Manfrotto tripod as suggested by others. You didn't mention if you will be doing macro photography in the field or studio. If you're in the field, then you don't want to lug around a massive tripod. Also, you didn't mention what type of camera you're using. If it's a DSLR, you will need a sturdy tripod head.

For the head, I use the Manfrotto 410 junior geared head with my DSLR. It's great for macros because it lets you make fine-tuned adjustments when composing your subject. See link:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=&sku=124665&Q=&is=REG&A=details

Wildmallard Loc: Virginia

I have that same Manfrotto tripod and love it!

fcrawley Loc: Melbourne, FL

I have the Manfrotto (Bogen) with a ball head and it's great. You can get extra plates for the head as well.

jbigelow Loc: Plattsburgh, NY

The focusing rail has a standard 1/4" screw to mount a camera, or preferably a quick release socket that accepts the same plate as whatever head I purchase. The rail I have is from Cowboy Studio (forgot the model) and only cost approx. $60. It is surprisingly well built for the price. Most of the macro work I plan on doing will be in the field, so I plan on building some sort of collapsible light box also. I'll be using a Nikon D5100 with a Micro Nikkor 85 mm AF-S VR G series lens.

jbigelow Loc: Plattsburgh, NY

I've been looking at Manfrotto's line up, but I would like to be able to use two quick release sockets (one on the head, one on the to of the focusing rail) so I can quickly mount the camera to the head directly or insert the focusing rail between the head and camera. The main problem I'm seeng is that most heads mount to the legs with a 3/8" screw and the focusing rail uses a 1/4" screw to attach to the camera. Is what I'm looking for even possible?

MT Shooter Loc: Montana

jbigelow wrote:

I've been looking at Manfrotto's line up, but I would like to be able to use two quick release sockets (one on the head, one on the to of the focusing rail) so I can quickly mount the camera to the head directly or insert the focusing rail between the head and camera. The main problem I'm seeng is that most heads mount to the legs with a 3/8" screw and the focusing rail uses a 1/4" screw to attach to the camera. Is what I'm looking for even possible?

That would be the Manfrotto 030-14 quick-release plate. Its the standard plate for the #3047 head. I use nothing but this system. I have 4 heads and about 12 plates, one for every body and one for every lens with a tripod collar and a couple spares. Everything interchanges that way. And you can use one on the macro rail to mount to the head as well as another one on the camera to mount to the rail. Simple, effective setup, and the design eliminates slack so you have a solid mounting.

jbigelow Loc: Plattsburgh, NY

MT Shooter wrote:

quote=jbigelow I've been looking at Manfrotto's l... (show quote)

Thank you for the advice. I'm going to check out the Manfrotto parts you mentioned right now.

MT Shooter Loc: Montana

jbigelow wrote:

quote=MT Shooter quote=jbigelow I've been lookin... (show quote)

Good luck. Make sure if you buy a head used that you get a plate with it, they run around $20 apiece seperately.

jbigelow Loc: Plattsburgh, NY

MT Shooter wrote:

quote=jbigelow quote=MT Shooter quote=jbigelow ... (show quote)

Maybe I'm just a bit dense, but I don't understand what mounts to the top of the focusing rail that accepts a quick release plate mounted to the bottom of my camera. I understand that I can attach an extra quick release plate to the bottom of the focus rail to attach it to the tripod head. Also, if I go with the #3047 head, it looks like it will have to be used. Adorama lists it as "no longer available".