Posted by Paul Inglis on March 31, 2008 at 5:19 PM
Hi Everyone,
Macro shooting certainly requires a slightly different approach to the norm. So I am quite intrigued to find out what tripods and heads that other ‘Nature Marco Photographers’ prefer for this task! I am using a Gitzo G1548 coupled with a Kirk BH-1 Ball Head which I’m finding a wee bit heavy for the job!
Part 2 of 2 in a few days!
Many thanks,
Posted by Andy Astbury on March 31, 2008 at 5:53 PM
Manfrotto 55ProB and a 410 geared head Paul - I first saw the setup on the Juzza website, had a go with it and thought it was superb.
You sometimes find yourself having to put the camera in weird positions that you won't be able to acheive with the Gitzo.
But I don't think any one setup can be all things to all folks.
Agree with Andy re tripod, I have one and it's fantastic, mounted on that I have an arca swiss mono ball, all I use this set up for is landscapes and macro and it works just fine. I do also have the G1548 for my 600 and would agree it is a bit overkill for macro work!!
Regards
Rob
Posted by Andy Shepherd on March 31, 2008 at 6:04 PM
Beanbag(s), 1548 + BH + Sidekick, Kirk window mount + BH + sidekick. Sometimes get the bad tempered deckchair out too ... oops sorry mean the Uniloc. Gotta watch you don't get the fingers trapped in that tho' .
Posted by Paul Inglis on March 31, 2008 at 6:16 PM
Benbo & Uniloc are great tripods once you're used to them...they're like wrestling with an octopus until then tho'. FWIW, The Uniloc can make a very flexible lighting stand too
I think the only crucial requirements for a macro tripod are that it is solid and can get low to the ground. Similarly, the tripod head doesn't need to be as sophisticated as those required for long telephotos because the weight of macro lenses is obviously much less and you don't generally need to pan the lens (unless tracking dragonflies in flight etc). For macro I use a Velbon Sherpa (can't quite remember the model) with a simple Velbon pan/tilt head. Much cheaper than some of the other alternatives and it has always coped admirably
I use the Uniloc Major 1600. I have had this tripod for 6 years now and its the only one I use for all my photography. And I agree they can be a pain at first, but once you get the hang of them they are superb and I would'nt use anything else for macro. Good look with the macro and look forward to seeing your shots.
Thanks for your input! I'm surprised no-one mentioned the Manfrrotto Neotec Tripod as I heard it was quick and easy to set-up, rock solid and has a nice low level working capablities!
As for heads this seems as varied as other aspects, will have a look into all the suggestions made and post back, on what I decided in the end!
Discussion
13 repliesMacro shooting certainly requires a slightly different approach to the norm. So I am quite intrigued to find out what tripods and heads that other ‘Nature Marco Photographers’ prefer for this task! I am using a Gitzo G1548 coupled with a Kirk BH-1 Ball Head which I’m finding a wee bit heavy for the job!
Part 2 of 2 in a few days!
Many thanks,
You sometimes find yourself having to put the camera in weird positions that you won't be able to acheive with the Gitzo.
But I don't think any one setup can be all things to all folks.
Angle finder comes in mighty useful too btw
Agree with Andy re tripod, I have one and it's fantastic, mounted on that I have an arca swiss mono ball, all I use this set up for is landscapes and macro and it works just fine. I do also have the G1548 for my 600 and would agree it is a bit overkill for macro work!!
Regards
Rob
I also use the 055PROB with a 488RC4 ball head.
Andy...
Phil.
Matt
I use the Uniloc Major 1600. I have had this tripod for 6 years now and its the only one I use for all my photography. And I agree they can be a pain at first, but once you get the hang of them they are superb and I would'nt use anything else for macro. Good look with the macro and look forward to seeing your shots.
Thanks for your input! I'm surprised no-one mentioned the Manfrrotto Neotec Tripod as I heard it was quick and easy to set-up, rock solid and has a nice low level working capablities!
As for heads this seems as varied as other aspects, will have a look into all the suggestions made and post back, on what I decided in the end!
Cheers!