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What would be a good tripod for macro photography?
I'm sick of blurry pictures from camera shake. I just can't sit still enough half the time. I don't want to have to use an aperture of 2.8 for most of my pictures and I don't want to put my ISO over 800. Is there a good tripod out there that will allow me to get shots close to the ground? My current tripod's lowest setting is about 3 feet, so it does not work.
I'm shooting with a Pentax K20D, so the tripod has to be able to support a DSLR.
I don't know what kind of tripod I have, but one of the screws fell off, so its not the sturdiest thing. It also has a few other problems with movement, even when everything is tightened. I'll invest in a new, lighter tripod like the one I already have, in the future.
Chris: I can still use it, but I have to adjust a few things to get it to stay still. It still works great for landscapes without having to adjust anything. Just tilting the head and raising the head is a problem. The legs are sturdy. That is the main reason why I want a new tripod for macro.
5 Answers
- EDWINLv 71 decade agoFavorite Answer
Perhaps one of these will help with your macro photography.
Velbon DF-10ML w/3-way panhead (quick release), minimum height 11.5'', supports 5 pounds, $27.95 at B&H.
Velbon DF-Mini w/3-way fluid panhead (quick release), minimum height 14.9'', supports 5 pounds, $34.95 at B&H.
"The Pod" Camera Platform w/1/4-20 screw, measures 3-3/4" in diameter x 1-3/4" tall. $13.95 at B&H.
Here are a couple of regular tripod to consider when you replace your broken down one.
Benro "Travel Angel" A-169MB w/BH-0 ballhead, supports 8.8 pounds, maximum height 59.2'', minimum height 15.3'', $166.95 at B&H.
Benro "Travel Angel" A-169MB w/B-0 ballhead, supports 17.6 pounds, maximum height 57.9'', minimum height 13.9'', $224.95 at B&H.
- Anonymous5 years ago
Do not buy your tripod based upon price. You should only buy one tripod in your lifetime, so pick a sturdy one, one that can hold at least 7 kg, more if possible To shoot macro using a tripod, you will also need some kind of focusing rail, so you can move the camera/lens combination toward and a way from the subject to achieve focus where you want it.
- 1 decade ago
I use a SLIK something-or-other. It cost about $100. Pretty cheap. The key ingredient for your work is that it has a reversible central column, so you can flip it upside down and lower the camera all the way to the ground.
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It's a SLIK Sprint Pro GM. I see that B&H doesn't have it, so it might be a discontinued model.
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Just to clarify (I'm bored), others models have this feature too. They're fully adjustable so I doubt you'll get the legs in the shot unless you're using a fish eye, you'll never *not* get the angle you need, etc. It's a fairly light wight deal so I'd be hesitant to use the central column in the upright position - a bad idea anyway - but it works just fine for this kind of thing. Sometimes the best solution so simple that you overlook it.
- Candid ChrisLv 71 decade ago
You didn't state what tripod you are using but there are extension arms available for most, if that would help you.
Body bracing and breathing is an exercise you should practice for macro.
ADDED: 'a screw fell out.... not the sturdiest' , OKAY, that's NICE.
An un-sturdy tripod is like a drunk horse, ride it while parachuting only.
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