HELP: With a tripod usage: I having a problem using my tripod for macro work. The tripod is an Induro AKB2/AT213. The head is an Induro BHD1. I am using a Nikon D800 and my heaviest...

dennis2146 Loc: Eastern Idaho

I having a problem using my tripod for macro work. The tripod is an Induro AKB2/AT213. The head is an Induro BHD1. I am using a Nikon D800 and my heaviest lens at the moment is a Nikon 105mm f2.8 micro lens. My specific problem is that when I am setting up the tripod to photograph a small flower or insect I need to set the tripod approximately 1/4 to 1/2 inch above the subject because after it is tightened down with the small and large tightening knobs on the head it will drop about that far. Often my judgement is faulty and I need to set/reset 2-3 times before I am ready to photograph the subject. Is there a trick to this or what am I doing wrong. Is it beneficial to tighten the small knob and then the large knob or vice versa? I believe the tripod and head is fully capable of supporting this combination of camera/lens/SB900 speed light and handgrip.

Dennis

rgrenaderphoto Loc: Hollywood, CA

The small knob is the tensioner that restricts the ball's movement, the larger knob locks it in place. Tighten the tensioner first then the large knob. If your tripod head keeps slipping after you are tightening the nobs, then your ball head is not up to the task.

Really Right Stuff has an excellent macro tutorial:

http://www.reallyrightstuff.com/Macro-and-Closeup-Shooting

http://www.reallyrightstuff.com/More/Closeup-Macro

dennis2146 Loc: Eastern Idaho

rgrenaderphoto wrote:

The small knob is the tensioner that restricts the ball's movement, the larger knob locks it in place. Tighten the tensioner first then the large knob. If your tripod head keeps slipping after you are tightening the nobs, then your ball head is not up to the task.

Really Right Stuff has an excellent macro tutorial:

http://www.reallyrightstuff.com/Macro-and-Closeup-Shooting

http://www.reallyrightstuff.com/More/Closeup-Macro

Thank you so much. I will take a look at them today. I just came in the house after taking some tiny spider photos and had the same problem. I wonder if I am just not cranking down hard enough to get the knobs REALLY TIGHT. Later on after I read the posted links I will know more that might help me. Thanks again.

Dennis

John N Loc: HP14 3QF Stokenchurch, UK

Worth checking other fittings on the tripod as well. Occasionally I've left the rotational lock lose and on my Giotto that really moves when tightened up.

cthahn

You are doing nothing wrong. It is the locking mechanism of the tripod.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

rgrenaderphoto wrote:

The small knob is the tensioner that restricts the ball's movement, the larger knob locks it in place. Tighten the tensioner first then the large knob. If your tripod head keeps slipping after you are tightening the nobs, then your ball head is not up to the task.

Really Right Stuff has an excellent macro tutorial:

http://www.reallyrightstuff.com/Macro-and-Closeup-Shooting

http://www.reallyrightstuff.com/More/Closeup-Macro

No luck with that top link.

steveg48

You probably need a better ball head.

jackpi Loc: Southwest Ohio

dennis2146 wrote:

I having a problem using my tripod for macro work.... (show quote)

That tripod head is inadequate. You can't fix it. You need to buy a better tripod head. I use Really Right Stuff equipment. It is expensive, but it is always sufficient.

markinvictoria Loc: Victoria TX

Another thing to keep in mind is the surface in which your tripod sitting on. For years I cussed my tripod/ballhead setup...I would set up the tripod/camera, lock it all down...when I took my hands off the camera...the image would drop about 1/4 inch. Finally came to realize it was because the tripod was sitting on carpet or grass or some other not too solid surface. Especially noticeable with long lenses without a tripod collar...such as the 70-300 variety.

dennis2146 Loc: Eastern Idaho

rgrenaderphoto wrote:

The small knob is the tensioner that restricts the ball's movement, the larger knob locks it in place. Tighten the tensioner first then the large knob. If your tripod head keeps slipping after you are tightening the nobs, then your ball head is not up to the task.

Really Right Stuff has an excellent macro tutorial:

http://www.reallyrightstuff.com/Macro-and-Closeup-Shooting

http://www.reallyrightstuff.com/More/Closeup-Macro

Thanks. I was unable to get the top link to open so will try to find the site with the given information. When I guesstimate the amount the tripod will drop and then tighten the knobs they stay in place. I will try to set the tensioning knob first and then the larger knob.

Dennis

dennis2146 Loc: Eastern Idaho

John N wrote:

Worth checking other fittings on the tripod as well. Occasionally I've left the rotational lock lose and on my Giotto that really moves when tightened up.

Thanks for the reply. Other fittings on the head work great.

Dennis

dennis2146 Loc: Eastern Idaho

cthahn wrote:

You are doing nothing wrong. It is the locking mechanism of the tripod.

Thanks for the information. I occasionally wonder if I should simply tighten the knobs harder, as in really crank them down. But if I do that I believe they will eventually cause more wear and loosen.

Dennis

dennis2146 Loc: Eastern Idaho

jackpi wrote:

That tripod head is inadequate. You can't fix it. You need to buy a better tripod head. I use Really Right Stuff equipment. It is expensive, but it is always sufficient.

I have read that RRS is great. I am about to be camera poor but will check the RRS out.

Thanks,

Dennis

dennis2146 Loc: Eastern Idaho

markinvictoria wrote:

Another thing to keep in mind is the surface in which your tripod sitting on. For years I cussed my tripod/ballhead setup...I would set up the tripod/camera, lock it all down...when I took my hands off the camera...the image would drop about 1/4 inch. Finally came to realize it was because the tripod was sitting on carpet or grass or some other not too solid surface. Especially noticeable with long lenses without a tripod collar...such as the 70-300 variety.

I appreciate the comment but many times the legs are on cement or a hardwood floor so that wouldn't be my problem.

Thanks,

Dennis

Robert Bailey Loc: Canada

Once you get a sturdy tripod and tripod head, you may also wish to use a "focusing rail" for macro work.
The rail attaches to the tripod head; your camera attaches to the rail. You can then fine tune the camera's placement.
The best type will not only allow you to go forward and back but also right or left.