mslynn

Thank you!

mslynn

Thank you!

mslynn

Thank you!

mslynn

Thank you!

mslynn

Thank you!

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

Take a look at my floral images at http://www.flickr.com/photos/gene_lugo/

SteveMcBill

A ball-head doesn't usually work well for macro as it can (and often does) allow creep when using a heavy camera/lens combination. To lock everything down and to provide micro adjustment of framing you need to consider a geared-head - possibly the Manfrotoo 405 - see here: https://www.wexphotovideo.com/manfrotto-405-pro-geared-head-10889/

For extra depth of field to encompass the whole subject 'in-focus' (depth of field reduces as the magnification increases) then consider Focus Stacking - take a look here: https://www.heliconsoft.com/heliconsoft-products/helicon-focus/

Cheers and good luck - Steve

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

Have you used a Manfrotto 405? They are sloppy, when you put a load on them there is play in the mechanism, and they can drift off their setting.

Read #6 and #7 in this review:

https://photographylife.com/reviews/manfrotto-405-pro-geared-head

I have had similar issues with other Manfrotto geared heads.

And it seems others have had issues as well:

https://www.flickr.com/groups/1302788@N24/discuss/72157633390011178/
https://www.flickr.com/groups/44315269@N00/discuss/72157644623243593/


And the play issue is discussed in this thread:

https://www.talkphotography.co.uk/threads/anyone-use-a-manfrotto-405-pro-digital-geared-head.266091/

I have used the Arca-Swiss C1 Cube as well as the Linhof 3D - and these are indeed flawless, and perform as a geared head should. However, I doubt the OP is going to spring for $480 for a 405, or even $235 for a 410 much less $1700 or $2000 for the Arca and Linhof respectively.

The Arca Z1 that I currently use is decent - but so is the Sirui K40X. It does not drift and it does have a functional "sweet spot" where you can set the friction to be able to move the camera, yet when you stop moving it the camera stays put. Few low-cost ball heads can do this. I've attached a video of the K30X - a smaller slightly less expensive head, with an 8.5 load on it - a Sigma 150-600 Sport and a D800 - to illustrate my point that a good ball head doesn't drift if used correctly.



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Sirui K30X sweet spot
Attached file:
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SteveMcBill

Yes, I own and use a Manfrotto 405 for stacking macro shots and, so far, have been happy with it. In the review you posted the reviewer does state the following: "Does it mean that I do not recommend the Manfrotto 405 Pro to our readers? No, of course not. While it does not work for me for the above-mentioned reasons, it works very well for many photographers. A number of medium format and DSLR shooters rely on this head for their photography needs and are quite happy with their choice. The versatility of the head is very impressive and the fact that it is always locked and does not fall to the side like ballheads do when loose is very important in keeping gear protected and safe. Those features alone are worth the money for many. Lastly, not everyone needs the absolute rock solid stability that I require for my setup." - I think for many, if not most, people thay would find the head acceptable and useable.

The Arca-Swiss C1 is definitely 'better' BUT at a heavy cost.

Blurryeyed Loc: NC Mountains.

Personally I don't use or like tripods for macro work because I generally am shooting living things and they move around, even a flower never seems to hold still even in the slightest of a breeze. For depth of field you are generally shooting at an f-stop of f/11 or smaller so you need additional light. A well diffused flash solution is the biggest step any new macro shooter can take to improve his/her photography. Focusing will always be an issue because of the extremely limited DOF when you are focused so close to a subject. Learning to hold your camera on plane with your subject to maximize the amount of your subject in focus is also very important.

(Download)


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`

Definitely use a heavier tripod and head.

Ball heads can work. I use them. But I
also use a focus rail. A pan/tilt head is
likely easier. Sometimes I use the focus
rail for left-right positioning instead of
for focusing if the subject is not so tiny.

The focus rail is most helpful when the
subject is tiny becuz at high macro ratio
you will find the focusing ring on most
modern lenses is acting way too fast for
accurate focus ... IOW kinda "jumpy" :-(

In the pic below, the focus rail is being
used for left-right positioning. The cross
arm performs top-bottom positioning.
IOW when consider the cost of a focus
rail, realize it has more versatility than
one may initially realize.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Welcome to our forum!

User ID

For moving things that IS great advice. Do you use,
or did you ever try, Trap Focus AF, where the in-focus
signal releases the shutter ? Just curious. I know not
all cameras do that, but looks like something that you
might have tried. I never did [not shooting bugs etc].

Beautiful sample you posted !


`

Screamin Scott Loc: Marshfield Wi, Baltimore Md, now Dallas Ga

If you sign up for the "True Macro" section, you will find most of us do not use tripods. I don't and while I have a pair plus a focus rail, the only time I utilize them when doing macro is when I'm focus stacking. Visit the "true macro" or "Close Up" sections for lots of invaluable info....

Blurryeyed Loc: NC Mountains.

No, I am always manually focused for macro, the OP's example is not what many would consider to be a macro shot but rather a close up. I know that the macro forum here considers anything less than 1:1 to be close up and not macro. This is site is the first time that I ever heard that strict of a definition but it does make sense. Even for close ups I use manual focus or at least a variation because I use back button focus I will allow the camera to get me close and then move the camera to get the shot that I want, for macro I am always manual, I simply focus as close as the lens will get and then move the camera. Much of my stuff is reversed lens so there is no option for focusing other than camera movement.