just realized how crappy my tripod is

Kinetic

Kinetic

Active member
So I received my first macro lens ever today!

A sigma 105mm F2.8 for my Nikon D70. I've never shot macro before, and holy shaking batman, I couldn't hold my hand still at all for these macros. Of course you need a tripod. So out comes my $12 tripod from target. OMG it was impossible. I used a remote shutter release (IF) and it still came out blurry. Plus I couldn't get the angles I wanted.

Crappy.

I need tripod recommendations. Something light so I can carry around, but SUPER sturdy. Under $200 would be nice too.

Thanks
 
I've used manfrotto tripods and like them a lot, there are several models to choose from, just place the list in price order and look at the ones in your price range: (I look at rated lbs first, should probably aim for 10lbs at the very least)

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=breadCrumb&A=search&Q=&ci=5138

When it was time for a more macro-friendly tripod I ended up getting the Giotto MT-9180 with a Manfrotto 488RC0 head.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/con...s&Q=&sku=296589&is=REG&addedTroughType=search

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/con...s&Q=&sku=272989&is=REG&addedTroughType=search

You could get a cheaper head and remain in the budget... The tripod itself is neat, legs are 3 sections so it closes up nicely and is still quite sturdy. Has a quick setting ring for leg spread to go from high, mid and down to the ground easily. The center colum can be set to just about any orientation which makes it very practicle for macros, specially if you do any straight down shots.

Here are the specs for this tripod:
http://www.giottos.com/eng_public/products_product_variation.asp?ProductID=49

I tried a Benbo but.. it was weird to setup, makes you feel like one of those guys that can't open a folding beach chair :)

On the cheaper end, I thought the Slik Pro 700DX felt very sturdy and was around $120 with head and all. It's a barebones, traditional tripod if you know what I mean, but it's solid for the price. Rated 15lbs

Hope that helps
 
koden, I have given some pointers on tripod purchases on this forum a few times in the past, it's too late and I can't be bothered searching myself :D
 
Yes you would need a head for that one.

I've used bellows occasionally but never a sliding rail mount. It would be perfect for fine tuning the focus while keeping the 1:1 or desired magnification ratio. I don't think it's something I'd consider necessary for a 100mm macro lens though. I set the lens to 1:1, then move the tripod close enough to be just a little short of focus, then I use the focus ring to get the item in focus. Obviously that means I usually don't end up taking a true 1:1 shot but it's close and I'm sure once you play with the lens some you will have your own opinion about the value in such a rail. For now spend your money on the tripod, can't do much with a wobbly camera :)

Hope that helps
 
I guess with a better tripod the need for something like a rail won't be needed, though I think I might invest in one just to be thorough. I think it may be very useful since it seems like my hands just can't finely focus well enough. is it because the lens's manual focus is bad or hard to use?

Also I find it hard to know if it's in focus or not until I've taken the picture and zoomed in on my LCD screen (cheating with a DSLR, i know). When looking through the viewfinder it's VERY hard to tell. I wear contacts, and I have my viewfinder's adjustment thing all the way down. Any tips on this?

Thanks.
 
I have the same problem, I was a die-hard manual SLR person until my eyes started to lie... now I rely on autofocus a lot and when manually focusing I often take two more shots, each slightly off on either side from what my eyes are telling me is in focus. Nothing worse than to miss a good shot due to bad focus...

I don't know that the tripod and rails overlap in any way in purpose. A rail would be useless on a cheap tripod, specially considering it adds weight to the setup. A good tripod is for sturdiness and getting sharp shots, a rail is for focusing without using the focus ring of the lens itself or for very fine focus tuning that is likely beyond the capabilities of my eyes :)

But if you must have one.... I've seen some cheap used ones on ebay from time to time. Doesn't seem like there is a big market for them as they often get few bids.

Hope that helps
 
cool thanks, I'll go search on ebay for them. I didn't see anything on bhphotovideo... maybe they're categorized and named something different?

also anyone know if the rails replace a head, or if it attaches to a head?
 
[quote[I read somewhere about macro rails for fine tuning the camera position. Do you guys know about them?[/quote]
Focusing rails are only really needed for high magnification work, even then it's rather bulky, so it's really up to personal choice. I would get one if I have a MP-E65. If you do go with one, go with one that only has 1 axis of moment (fowards/backwards), you almost never need the left/right movement, and it just adds weight. Manfrotto makes a cheap and decent one.

I have heard some good words about Giotta, they are basically Gitzo clones.

also anyone know if the rails replace a head, or if it attaches to a head?
Click to expand...
Rail attaches to head.

The viewfinder can get quite dark if you add things like reversed lens or extension tube. For the older photographers, some eventually buy into the 1 series bodies for their better, brighter and bigger viewfinders. However, hand holding a 1Ds with a 180mm macro at 1:1 for 20min won't be a fun thing. Include a gym membership in camera budget :D
 
just to shop around, have you guys heard of promaster tripods? They were recommended by someone on iphotoforum.com and the dealer for them is around the block from my house.
 
awesome! again thanks so much for taking your time in helping a newbie =) I'll do research on all the stuff you've recommended.

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6804480#post6804480 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by louist
[quote[I read somewhere about macro rails for fine tuning the camera position. Do you guys know about them?
Click to expand...

Focusing rails are only really needed for high magnification work, even then it's rather bulky, so it's really up to personal choice. I would get one if I have a MP-E65. If you do go with one, go with one that only has 1 axis of moment (fowards/backwards), you almost never need the left/right movement, and it just adds weight. Manfrotto makes a cheap and decent one.

I have heard some good words about Giotta, they are basically Gitzo clones.


Rail attaches to head.

The viewfinder can get quite dark if you add things like reversed lens or extension tube. For the older photographers, some eventually buy into the 1 series bodies for their better, brighter and bigger viewfinders. However, hand holding a 1Ds with a 180mm macro at 1:1 for 20min won't be a fun thing. Include a gym membership in camera budget :D [/QUOTE]
 
I use a Uni-Lock tripod with a Manfroto ball head and its quite sturdy. I have taken it every where and the legs can be positioned for any situation. Although its a Benbo type of tripod, it only takes a few seconds to get the pod positioned. As a temporary solution (until the real tripod arrives), you can use the back of a chair and a bean bag to provide a quick low budget camera rest for shooting close-ups. Its not perfect, but it works.....Jim Z.
 
Koden, while you are looking into camera accessories and tripods may I suggest one item that I find very useful, that is a monopod. While it's not quite what you want to use at home for tank shots and macros, it's one of those things you can easily take with you where you may not want to lug a heavy tripod around. My tripod often stays at home unless it's a dedicated "photographic outing", bringing a tripod to the zoo and local park at times becomes very annoying and for many shots, a monopod gives you sufficient support.

Moving targets are also easier to follow with a monopod and you can quickly reposition yourself and the camera in seconds... worth considering.

Giancarlo
 
Hi Giancarlo,
thanks for the advice! Monopods are definately cool. They aren't as sturdy, though I guess that's not a problem for outdoor shots with a macro lens, or any lens for that matter. Would it be smarter to have a lightweight, easy to use tripod, or a monopod? I guess it depends on what I want to shoot.

I saw some tripods, like the promaster ones, that actually has it's center column turn into a monopod.

Thanks for the suggestion! I will look into these accessories.
 
I picked up a Manfrotto CF 3 section tripod base and Acratech ballhead mount last year and have had no issues with them since. Gitzo is certainly very nice but also pricey.
 
Re: just realized how crappy my tripod is

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6798689#post6798689 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by koden
...I couldn't get the angles I wanted...
Click to expand...
How about free?

Some tips:
www.ximinasphotography.com/lessons

Check under the "Techniques" section - you'll find that you should not shoot at an angle, it will make your pics blurry, even with a $700 Gitzo that I used for that sample shot.

In all honesty, any tripod is better than no tripod. Your $12 Target tripod should be fine with your technique (remote shutter release) with a lightweight camera such as the D70 and 105mm Macro.

There's other factors that also go into getting a sharp pic, do check out the tutorials. One thing to note, is how fast is your shutter speed, and what is your aperture?
 
I was playing with my aperture and shutter speed of course, but I was finding it hard to balance DOF with the water movement. I have a couple fish and no matter how still the tank is without the pumps, there is still a slight movement.

I was getting pretty good shots with F/10, though I think it might be better to goto the 20's?

I'll start playing around with it.

Thanks for the link.
 
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