 Theresa L. Witt |
Buying Tripod for Macro Photography I am looking for a tripod that is relatively lightweight and compact that I can use for travel. I would like to use it for macro photography and have the capability of going low to the ground. I think I want a ball head with a quick release. Does anyone have any suggestions? I would like to keep it under $200. I am overwhelmed at all the choices. I have a Nikon D50 and my longest lens is a 300mm. Thanks for any suggestions.
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Michael H. Cothran |
I would look at carbon fiber tripods. Gitzo and Manfrotto both offer various models. My preference is Gitzo. It is one of, if not, the finest tripods made in the world (IMHO). However, I doubt you'll find too many carbon fiber tripods in your price range. A good Gitzo with a Gitzo ball head, or a Kirk Enterprises ballhead (my choice), is as good as they come. The Kirks and Gitzos both come with the Arca Swiss Quick Release. Many of the Gitzo models also have legs that will span out straight, allowing you to literally lay the tripod on the ground. Manfrotto offers similar products, including their own QR system. These are not the best tripods you can buy (quality-wise), but they are certainly the most popular. If it's at all possible to increase your tripod budget, you will not be sorry buying a quality brand tripod. A quality Gitzo tripod will last your entire life, and to my knowledge, they still offer a lifetime warranty. I own two, one about 13 years old, and the other 21 years old. Neither were cheap to buy, but again, neither will ever have to be replaced. If you buy a cheap, or second-rate tripod, you will eventually replace it. And if you repeat your process, you may have to ultimately replace your replacement! Think about it. I truly believe it is financially cheaper to pay more for a better product one time. Good Luck.
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Glenn R. Barrows |
While carbon fiber tripods are very very nice, they are probably overkill for your application. While Bogen/Manfrotto aren't quite as nice as Gitso they are still quality made tripods and I have had one for many years without having to replace it. Try the 3021n tripod with a 488RC2 ball head. That will give you all the angles. It will support 11+ pounds and go from very low to over 6 feet high. It also has a quick release. All this for about $240 at most mail order camera stores like B&H Photo or Adorama. I have no interest in either of the 2 mentioned businesses. Good shooting... Glenn Barrows
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David S. Nadal |
Michael's absolutely right about wear and tear and having to replace, but there are some more frugal options available. Velbon makes a lightweight backpacker's model that can get you pretty low. The three-way head, however, won't secure a long lens too well...aim above the subject, lock it down, and let it drift. Amvona.com imports Asian products that are similar to Bogen/Manfrotto models...quality control can be an issue, but Amvona worked hard to keep me happy when I had a problem. Both of these options are within your price point, including three-way or ball heads.
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Larry Randall |
I started out with the Manfrotto 3021 tripod which, without a good ball head, fits your price range. It has been satisfactory but is heavy at over 5 lbs. It will go low to the ground, but not without removing or shortening the center post. I had mine cut down to about 6". Because of the weight, I recently bought a Gitzo 1297 tripod which weighs about 3.4 lbs. It's made of basalt (that's right, rock!) and seems a good compromise in weight and price between aluminum and carbon fiber. At somewhat over $300, it does NOT fit your price range. Also, to go really low, again you need to replace the center post with an optional short one. Regardless of the tripod you choose, there's the matter of ball heads and quick release plates to deal with. Ideally, any ball head should be compatible with the Arca Swiss system. Heads from Kirk and Really Right Stuff, among others, are very good but also expensive (The Kirk BH-3, which would be fine for the Nikon D50, costs about $250). A camera plate will run about $50. The 3021 tripod, plus the ball head and plate would cost altogether about $450, well over your preferred price but well worth it in terms of years of use. I recommend reading Thom Hogan's article on tripods at http://www.bythom.com/support.htm He makes excellent points about how buying good stuff up front will save money in the long run. Good luck in your choices.
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Stanley C. Sims |
All of the above are really good suggestion. For the price though and if you can find one, the Velbon Chaser EFL-4 ( $ 89.00) new, is a really good sturdy lightweight tripod for travel. It goes to almost ground level with the split center column removed. The weight is about four pounds with a ball head attatched. I have one and love it. I also have a very heavy duty tripod, so I can use it when I don't mind the weight.
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Melissa A. Mannon |
I have a question about all of this...I don't want it to sound flippant, but who needs to use a $500-$1000 tripod set? Who cares if your images are that sharp? Why shouldn't one just use the Velbon Chaser recommended above for $89?
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Stanley C. Sims |
Melissa, I recommended the Velbon Chaser tripod because it it sturdy,sort of lightweight, and will give you sharp images. It supports around thirteen pounds. Note, this is the Velbon EFL-4, not the new flimsy ones. I found the one I have on ebay, and consider myself lucky in getting it. I'm using the Slik heavy duty ball head on it, and it works perfectly. As for the expensive tripods, you are paying for their durability and craftsmanship, which is very hard to beat. I believe you should care whether your images are sharp or not, it makes a world of difference.
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Melissa A. Mannon |
Of course I care if my images are sharp, but would an extra $900 make my images that much sharper? Or, is it more a matter of having a tripod that will last a lifetime vs. one I will need to replace in a few years? In other words, when you say "durability and craftmanship" Stanley, what exactly do you mean? What exactly makes the expensive tripods better?
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Stanley C. Sims |
I believe Mwlissa, and I hope some agree with me, that what goes into a product is a difference maker. Better parts, better material, and etc. That makes it last a long, long time. I bought a tripod once, and I won"t call the name, but after a couple of years a leg fell off while I was in the process of extending the legs outward, The Gitzo's,Manfrotto's, and some others have a reputation that is top notch. Buyers can tell you that. What you really want is a tripod that will support your equipment without moving when the shutter is tripped, or shaking in a light breeze. I'm not a pro, but I think this is the case with the flimsy tripods.
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Larry Randall |
Melissa, of course you should use whatever equipment enables you to produce the kind of images you find satisfying. It's obvious from some of the macro images on your gallery that you do care about sharpness and seem to achieve it, so more power to you. I suppose one of the reasons for having more expensive equipment is knowing it's far less likely to fail at a critical moment, perhaps dumping your camera on the ground. It's also nice having equipment that works smoothly and reliably every time.
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Melissa A. Mannon |
Thank you gentlemen and thanks Teri for posting the original question. I'm going to look more into why some tripods cost so much...seems like you could just about get a new camera for the cost of some of these tripods! :) There must be a reason - yes, sharpness, steadiness, moveability...but at what price point does one hit "good enough"?
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Chet |
I have been looking at the Giottos MT9160 It looks just like the Gitzo G2220 except a lot less money. Philly Photo Supply sells them, they also have an Ebay store. http://store.prostores.com/servlet/phillyphotosupply/Detail?no=8
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Bunny Snow |
I also am looking for a new, relatively light weight tripod to carry around Europe, as injury keeps me from carrying heavier ones. However, I want something sturdier than my Manfrotto 3001 pod, because I know how flimsy it can be. It's not only that I need a good lightweight body for sharpness, durability, reduced vibration and such to get the most out of my lenses, but I need to protect my investment. After spending beyond $3000 on lenses, a camera body, and flash equipment, not to mention costly German filters, I don't want my camera to hit the ground on some windy day, or have some kid not look where he's going and trip over it sending my investment into the cobblestones or down onto a tile floor. A good and more expensive tripod will protect my investment and allow me to achieve better images. I'm checking out the various recommendations here at BP.com. Thanks.
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Alice Bobby |
Gazing upon the retro bowl college Giottos MT9160, I It has a same appearance to the Gitzo G2220, but costs far less. They are sold by Philly Photo Supply, which also has an eBay store.
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Coby Brian |
https://answersville.com/is-it-ok-to-wear-shapewear-everyday/
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Coby Brian |
For your needs, consider the Manfrotto PIXI EVO 2-Section Mini Tripod. It's lightweight, compact, and offers the flexibility of shooting low to the ground. With its ball head and quick release system, setting up your macro shots will be a breeze. Priced under $200, it's a great value for the features it offers. Plus, its sturdy build ensures stability for your Nikon D50, even with your longest lens attached. Happy shooting and exploring the world of macro photography with the railway simulator! https://answersville.com/is-it-ok-to-wear-shapewear-everyday/
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