Quantus5

I'm taking an advanced photography class and the instructor has demonstrated twice the use of tripods. When he demonstrated getting the legs at extreme angles to get the camera low to the ground, I made a comment that most tripods have reversible columns as a feature and you can use this feature to get the camera right off the ground if you wish (instead of the 7-10 inches off the ground with the angled feet method.

The instructor became quite "heated" with me for mentioning this, and said that the reversible column method was useless, and just a marketing gimmick from tripod vendors.

I've shot using the reversible column method with the camera upside down and I like it. I can get the lens literally right off the ground. Sure, it's a little bit of a pain to use the screen on the camera with the camera upside down, but I think it's a small price to pay (and by careful positioning of the tripod legs, I can easily work around the tripod legs casting shadows issue).

Was wondering what other people thought? I do agree it is a bit harder to shoot this way. Do people use the reversible column feature of their tripods? Is this a gimmick or a useful feature?

oldtigger Loc: Roanoke Virginia-USA

reversing the column can be useful at times but shortening and spreading the legs is generally more stable.

bsprague Loc: Lacey, WA, USA

Your instructor is nuts. Get a new one.

Long time ago I had a Nikon film camera. I bought a "right angle viewfinder" to make it easy as a copy stand using a simple tripod. Now with flippy screens it would be even easier.

Apaflo Loc: Anchorage, Alaska

Years ago I decided it was too awkward for what I do. That is significantly influenced by my willingness to acquire multiple different support systems to match whatever the job might be. There was always some contraption that was easier or more fun to use from my perspective.

I would assume others are different, and for example may well get far more enjoyment from making fewer tools do more things at a lower cost.

Macro work is paradise for an engineer, and there are more Rube Goldberg devices making good macro pictures than in perhaps any other field. All of them are the "right" way to do it and get enjoyment from the work!

Do it your way!

Leitz Loc: Solms

Since you say you've done it, seems you ought to have your own opinion. Unless you just want to copy what others do!

Nikonian72 Loc: Chico CA

The majority of field macro-photographers hand-hold their macro set-ups, which include diffused speedlight illumination. Most insects do NOT cooperate, so a rigid tripod is most frustrating in the field, regardless of where the camera is mounted.

I invite you to drop-by the UHH section True Macro-Photography Forum at http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/s-102-1.html . We have a multi-page thread devoted just to macro set-ups.

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

Sounds like you've outgrown your instructor - you don't need him anymore. I've had tripods with reversible columns and have used them that way. Of course it's a great alternative to using a short column with the three legs spread out. But neither compares with the stability and closeness to the ground that you get with a bean bag or purchased ground pod or a DIY ground pod like this:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pCBj6eZc2l4

BTW, I currently have 2 tripods, neither have reversible columns - actually neither have center columns at all. . .

Apaflo Loc: Anchorage, Alaska

Most plants are very cooperative. So are rocks and virtually all inanimate objects in the field or otherwise.

It may not suit your needs or mine, but this thread is about the needs of the OP.

fetzler Loc: North West PA

I have used both methods and they both work. Just be sure to tighten the center pole. A piece of cloth ( e.g. jacket, sweater etc.) can be helpful in keeping scratches of the camera.

DavidPine Loc: Fredericksburg, TX

Good photographers are inventive. Most will try anything at least once. Proof is in the pudding. Your instructor is full of it. The Macro community is literally full with bug-nuts that are always devising ways to ply their skills.

speters Loc: Grangeville/Idaho

I have to agree with you, it is a feature available, might as well take advantage of it, especially if it works nicely and easily. That instructor obviously was not around tripods for very long, pods with that feature have been around for over 60 years, so yeah, it is not a gimmick!

Plieku69 Loc: The Gopher State, south end

Primarily I take pictures of old tools. Using a Manfrotto tripod with a reversible center post. That feature has more than paid for itself in added convenience. I can hang the camera upside down for macro shots of book pages and other too large to scan paper articles. I can extend it to the side to get an overhead shot of a tool in the light box. Really is a good option and I thank my local photo shop for selling it to me.

Ken

Quantus5

Thanks for all the great advice! You all rock!!

Honestly, my instructor is really good. He's a landscape photographer, and really good at landscape photography. I've learned a lot from him in this area, even though it is not my primary interest area. I'm much more interested in shooting people. He is a bit old school though, although fortunately I do not take everything I'm told as gospel.

What I've learned from this post on UHH is that macro photographers are a very creative bunch, and are not afraid to experiment to get those awesome shots.

Cheers!

Photocraig

My Canon Right Angle finder is one of the few accessories from my Film EOS cameras that I can use on my 50D. It takes some getting used to, but without the flippy screen, it is the way to go.

LoneRangeFinder Loc: Left field

Agree. My tripod goes to ground level so there's no reason to do the column thing. Using a method that compromises stability seems pointless. The center column also compromises stability, but that's a post for another time....