I need a sturdy and easy-to-use tripod to use with a Canon Powershot S3 IS and a Canon A620. It will be mostly used for macro shots of small skeletal parts (indoor use), and possibly some wildlife shots (outdoors):
At present we're using a SLIK Compact and we'd like something comparable or better.
Thanks in advance for any advice :-)
Al Scusi
Favorite Answer
Looking at what you want to achieve I recommend the following:
Slik tripods have multi adjustable legs ie they can be independently positioned to get stability this is very useful in a home studio as it means you can use the tripod in confined spaces.
I have often done top down work by using a leg against one wall and 2 on the floor. That allows me access to the camera and controls that a traditional three legs does not.
They are generally very light yet strong.
You may download a brochure in pdf form here >>http://www.sliktripod.co.uk/pages/downloads.html
If your budget extends to it I recommend the Slik Pro 713AF. This particular tripod is almost two thirds the weight of a normal light tripod as it uses Carbon Fibre rather than Aluminum.
The Trigger head is very versatile and allows small adjustments when doing macro with a fixed focal length available
Most importantly the head can be mounted underneath the tripod to give you a copy or overhead macro stand.
Another answerer mentioned bellows. Your current set up does not include a camera with a removable lens, so bellows are out as the lens goes one end of those bellows.
Your need apparently is more for Close-Up photography rather than true Macro.
However, should the time come that you take up a DSLR plus bellows this tripod will remain a good friend as it can take
greater weights of camera and lens than the cheaper alternatives.
Others things you may want to look at are reflectors, a Slave flash [one that is triggered by your camera flash] to reduce shadows and if you go to DSLR you can look at Ring Flash too. These items reduce the contrast across the image allowing the camera to record more detail within a smaller gamut [range of colours]. When you come to edit and enlarge that reduction in contrast will pay off. Your pics will have more detail to play with.
Other manufacturers worthy of considering are Manfrotto and Benbo.
Anonymous
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Stephen
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Anonymous
i use a benbo with the flexble center column (it meams you can mount the camera upside down and shot from many different angles,
for macro its brilliant, get the trekker model if weight is an issue: http://www.patersonphotographic.com/benbo-tripods.htm