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Tripod & Ball Head for Macro
Jan 29, 2012 23:02:10   #
Nikonian72 Loc: Chico CA
 
Macro photographers face field situations like no other disciplines. Sometimes you have to be high; sometimes you have to be at ground level; and you must always be stable. Also, field photographers have to schlep their equipment up mountains, down canyons, across creeks, etc., so (lack of) weight is also important.

Renown macro-photographer Mike Moats has put together a combination at a special price. I am seriously considering adding this to my equipment stable.

http://www.outdoorphotogear.com/store/mike-moats-induro-macro-kit.html?&utm_source=Outdoor+Photo+Gear+Newsletter&utm_campaign=4c44495efc-February_022511&utm_medium=email&mc_cid=4c44495efc&mc_eid=c512f593ac



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Jan 30, 2012 01:10:21   #
Frank S Loc: Nampa, Idaho
 
Nikonian72,

I regard you as one of the real "macro folks" on UHH. So I always read your posts.

I've been looking at the Vanguard Alta Pro 264AT Tripod + SBH-250 Ball Head Kit.

I'm just getting geared up for macro so this isn't a recommendation, rather a question as to your opinion. I played with this tripod in the local camera store and was pretty impressed. Have you ever looked at one?

Thanks in advance for your response.

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Jan 30, 2012 01:44:17   #
Nikonian72 Loc: Chico CA
 
Frank S wrote:
I've been looking at the Vanguard Alta Pro 264AT Tripod + SBH-250 Ball Head Kit. I played with this tripod in the local camera store and was pretty impressed. Have you ever looked at one?

I have not looked at any tripods for field use. I own a 40-yo Bowen 3040 tripod with a standard pan-&-tilt head, that I have carried into the field. I am ready for a lighter tripod with a ball-head.

I trust the recommendation of Mike Moat, and like the package deal he has arranged. His package is $290.

What price for Vanguard Alta Pro 264AT Tripod + SBH-250 Ball Head Kit?

On Amazon.com, I see tripod for $160, and ball head for $90.

On eBay, I see the tripod & ball head kit for $230.

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Jan 30, 2012 02:05:42   #
Frank S Loc: Nampa, Idaho
 
Nikonian72 wrote:
Frank S wrote:
I've been looking at the Vanguard Alta Pro 264AT Tripod + SBH-250 Ball Head Kit. I played with this tripod in the local camera store and was pretty impressed. Have you ever looked at one?

I have not looked at any tripods for field use. I own a 40-yo Bowen 3040 tripod with a standard pan-&-tilt head, that I have carried into the field. I am ready for a lighter tripod with a ball-head.

I trust the recommendation of Mike Moat, and like the package deal he has arranged. His package is $290.

What price for Vanguard Alta Pro 264AT Tripod + SBH-250 Ball Head Kit?

On Amazon.com, I see tripod for $160, and ball head for $90.

On eBay, I see the tripod & ball head kit for $230.
quote=Frank S I've been looking at the Vanguard A... (show quote)


The best prices I've found so far are on eBay. There are two retailers on there that have a "Make Offer" in the listing. I did and they came back with $214.95, with free shipping.

That tripod is very sturdy and performs like an gymnist as far as different heights and positions it can get into.

Keep me posted if you find out anymore.

Thanks,

Frank

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Jan 30, 2012 02:26:22   #
Nikonian72 Loc: Chico CA
 
Frank S wrote:
The best prices I've found so far are on eBay. There are two retailers on there that have a "Make Offer" in the listing. I did and they came back with $214.95, with free shipping. That tripod is very sturdy and performs like an gymnast as far as different heights and positions it can get into.

I like your research! Thank you. I believe your combination kit is superior to Moat's package deal. I may just bid $214.95 myself!

Reply
Mar 2, 2012 17:32:27   #
cgchief Loc: Jarrettsville
 
Nikonian72 wrote:
Macro photographers face field situations like no other disciplines. Sometimes you have to be high; sometimes you have to be at ground level; and you must always be stable. Also, field photographers have to schlep their equipment up mountains, down canyons, across creeks, etc., so (lack of) weight is also important.

Renown macro-photographer Mike Moats has put together a combination at a special price. I am seriously considering adding this to my equipment stable.

http://www.outdoorphotogear.com/store/mike-moats-induro-macro-kit.html?&utm_source=Outdoor+Photo+Gear+Newsletter&utm_campaign=4c44495efc-February_022511&utm_medium=email&mc_cid=4c44495efc&mc_eid=c512f593ac
Macro photographers face field situations like no ... (show quote)

Have you considered the 'Benbo Trekker Mk 2' ?
I have a low priced 'Manfrotto 190XDB' which has all the features of the 'Induro-macro-kit' tripod, except ball head.
I have a ball head on an old tripod, but only liked it when using my Rollei.

Reply
Mar 3, 2012 11:21:35   #
docrob Loc: Durango, Colorado
 
Nikonian72 wrote:
Macro photographers face field situations like no other disciplines. Sometimes you have to be high; sometimes you have to be at ground level; and you must always be stable. Also, field photographers have to schlep their equipment up mountains, down canyons, across creeks, etc., so (lack of) weight is also important.

Renown macro-photographer Mike Moats has put together a combination at a special price. I am seriously considering adding this to my equipment stable.

http://www.outdoorphotogear.com/store/mike-moats-induro-macro-kit.html?&utm_source=Outdoor+Photo+Gear+Newsletter&utm_campaign=4c44495efc-February_022511&utm_medium=email&mc_cid=4c44495efc&mc_eid=c512f593ac
Macro photographers face field situations like no ... (show quote)


decent price but according to the specs it doesn't go much higher than 4 ft or lower than 2 - I see no bargain here for macro or landscape....must have missed something cuz you the man.

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Mar 3, 2012 12:37:52   #
Nikonian72 Loc: Chico CA
 
docrob wrote:
Nikonian72 wrote:
Macro photographers face field situations like no other disciplines. Sometimes you have to be high; sometimes you have to be at ground level; and you must always be stable. Also, field photographers have to schlep their equipment up mountains, down canyons, across creeks, etc., so (lack of) weight is also important. Renown macro-photographer Mike Moats has put together a combination at a special price. I am seriously considering adding this to my equipment stable. http://www.outdoorphotogear.com/store/mike-moats-induro-macro-kit.html?&utm_source=Outdoor+Photo+Gear+Newsletter&utm_campaign=4c44495efc-February_022511&utm_medium=email&mc_cid=4c44495efc&mc_eid=c512f593ac
Macro photographers face field situations like no ... (show quote)
decent price but according to the specs it doesn't go much higher than 4 ft or lower than 2 - I see no bargain here for macro or landscape....must have missed something cuz you the man.
quote=Nikonian72 Macro photographers face field s... (show quote)
Thank you. Your points are well considered. So many educated photographers have provided good information, that I have NOT yet purchased a new tripod. In fact, I am now doubtful about a ball head being the right choice for macro work.

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Mar 4, 2012 11:36:39   #
docrob Loc: Durango, Colorado
 
No clue - I've had an NPC ball head for years - company is gone out of business but the head still works - though admitedly now and then I have to do some field repairs on it....helps slow me down...give pause.

Reply
Mar 5, 2012 17:54:22   #
ShooterOR
 
cgchief wrote:
Nikonian72 wrote:
Macro photographers face field situations like no other disciplines. Sometimes you have to be high; sometimes you have to be at ground level; and you must always be stable. Also, field photographers have to schlep their equipment up mountains, down canyons, across creeks, etc., so (lack of) weight is also important.

Renown macro-photographer Mike Moats has put together a combination at a special price. I am seriously considering adding this to my equipment stable.

http://www.outdoorphotogear.com/store/mike-moats-induro-macro-kit.html?&utm_source=Outdoor+Photo+Gear+Newsletter&utm_campaign=4c44495efc-February_022511&utm_medium=email&mc_cid=4c44495efc&mc_eid=c512f593ac
Macro photographers face field situations like no ... (show quote)

Have you considered the 'Benbo Trekker Mk 2' ?
I have a low priced 'Manfrotto 190XDB' which has all the features of the 'Induro-macro-kit' tripod, except ball head.
I have a ball head on an old tripod, but only liked it when using my Rollei.
quote=Nikonian72 Macro photographers face field s... (show quote)


I have the Manfrotto 190XPROB coupled with the 322RC2 ball-head with quick release. The ballhead is $170.00 & the tripod base is $150.00. The quick release feature has greatly reduced the set up time when fine-tuning the composition of macro and closeup subjects. I also use a four-way focusing rail for these adjustments.

Reply
Mar 6, 2012 21:53:03   #
Jambulee Loc: San Antonio del Mar,Tijuana,Mex
 
ShooterOR wrote:
cgchief wrote:
Nikonian72 wrote:
Macro photographers face field situations like no other disciplines. Sometimes you have to be high; sometimes you have to be at ground level; and you must always be stable. Also, field photographers have to schlep their equipment up mountains, down canyons, across creeks, etc., so (lack of) weight is also important.

Renown macro-photographer Mike Moats has put together a combination at a special price. I am seriously considering adding this to my equipment stable.

http://www.outdoorphotogear.com/store/mike-moats-induro-macro-kit.html?&utm_source=Outdoor+Photo+Gear+Newsletter&utm_campaign=4c44495efc-February_022511&utm_medium=email&mc_cid=4c44495efc&mc_eid=c512f593ac
Macro photographers face field situations like no ... (show quote)

Have you considered the 'Benbo Trekker Mk 2' ?
I have a low priced 'Manfrotto 190XDB' which has all the features of the 'Induro-macro-kit' tripod, except ball head.
I have a ball head on an old tripod, but only liked it when using my Rollei.
quote=Nikonian72 Macro photographers face field s... (show quote)


I have the Manfrotto 190XPROB coupled with the 322RC2 ball-head with quick release. The ballhead is $170.00 & the tripod base is $150.00. The quick release feature has greatly reduced the set up time when fine-tuning the composition of macro and closeup subjects. I also use a four-way focusing rail for these adjustments.
quote=cgchief quote=Nikonian72 Macro photographe... (show quote)


I also use the 190XProB, and a Manfrotto 496 RC2 ball head. I got it for its ability to get to ground level with the center posts ability to get horizontal. This and the articulating LCD display on my 60D saves me having to lay on my belly to work and saves my neck a lot of strain. re-posting my setup photo.

Doug I found an LCD shade at B&H a Camtrol 3" Camshade for $19.00, thanks for the info.

Ground level tripod with Horizontal center post
Ground level tripod with Horizontal center post...

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Mar 6, 2012 22:52:13   #
Nikonian72 Loc: Chico CA
 
Jambulee wrote:
I found an LCD shade at B&H a Camtrol 3" Camshade for $19.00, thanks for the info.
Please post a photo of your camera with new LCD shade.

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Mar 7, 2012 11:37:49   #
Jambulee Loc: San Antonio del Mar,Tijuana,Mex
 
Nikonian72 wrote:
Jambulee wrote:
I found an LCD shade at B&H a Camtrol 3" Camshade for $19.00, thanks for the info.
Please post a photo of your camera with new LCD shade.


Once I get it I will

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