Most flexible ways to manipulate the camera on a tripod during macro?

[Chillum Baba]

This sunday I shot flowers and had a really rough time because of the sweating again. The space below was to narrow to place a tripod at the appropriate height (could have manipulated heights of individual legs, but was running out of time and had to shoot many). So I couldn't use the focusing rails, even though I carried them and mostly ended up shooting handheld, which I kinda don't prefer for macros.

Even though ballheads on a tripod are flexible enough, are there any superior ways to manipulate the camera on a tripod? Currently I am using Benro A2970T + BH2 combination.

[VikramF]

Your tripod has a center column that allows you to move it horizontally along multiple axes isn't it? AND it allows you to adjust each leg height independently and you use a ballhead ... so you can go up, down, closer, further, tilt up and tilt down ...  you just want to be able to do it faster?

Head: You could get a trigger type head which is faster as you squeeze to move and release to lock. Something like the: Manfrotto 322RC2 << I've not used it extensively, just once when shooting with a buddy, but it seemed fast to use (too bulky for my needs and I prefer ballheads).

Tripod: To adjust the leg height faster than you can currently do, there are solutions like the Manfrotto 458B NeoTec Pro - where you simply pull the leg to adjust height (no knobs, fliplocks, screws ... nothing). To collapse again, there's just a single button.

Obviously both these solutions come at a cost. Which brings up another option:

Expectation: Shoot fewer shots, knowing that you will take a little more time with each shot but try and make each shot count.

[pankaj21]

Expectation: Shoot fewer shots, knowing that you will take a little more time with each shot but try and make each shot count.

+1 to Vikrams point.

Benro A2970T does give you an option to get really close to the ground & specially with the center column flexibility, you can achieve much better angles. But then of course you will have to miss some clicks out to get few but better clicks

Pankaj

[Chillum Baba]

Your tripod has a center column that allows you to move it horizontally along multiple axes isn't it? AND it allows you to adjust each leg height independently and you use a ballhead ... so you can go up, down, closer, further, tilt up and tilt down ...  you just want to be able to do it faster?

Head: You could get a trigger type head which is faster as you squeeze to move and release to lock. Something like the: Manfrotto 322RC2 << I've not used it extensively, just once when shooting with a buddy, but it seemed fast to use (too bulky for my needs and I prefer ballheads).

Tripod: To adjust the leg height faster than you can currently do, there are solutions like the Manfrotto 458B NeoTec Pro - where you simply pull the leg to adjust height (no knobs, fliplocks, screws ... nothing). To collapse again, there's just a single button.

Obviously both these solutions come at a cost. Which brings up another option:

Expectation: Shoot fewer shots, knowing that you will take a little more time with each shot but try and make each shot count.

Exactly the info i was looking for. Thanks alot. Tripod without locks (a light carbon fiber would be icing on the cake), trigger type head and fewer shot (probably the most important recommendation).

I might do a trip to hong kong late this month and will see if I could find a cost effective substitutes for the same. Else, will start saving for them (though my next tripod will be strictly carbon fiber as I find myself carrying it for quite some distances).

[Chillum Baba]

To sum it up :-

The dream set-up would be

1) A light tripod (preferably carbon fiber), with just push pull mechanism with no locks or screws. And if it's with central column which can be converted to monopod, nothing like it (something like Benro travel angel). I don't mind cutting down upon the height as I dont really use more than one lock extensions. So I carry extra weight to two extensions.

(wish someone could design individual tripods as per the need!)

2) Trigger type head (unless someone comes up with a better suggestion)

[toofan]

Doc this is the problem with tripod and macros. You will surely get better results but the time it take to set the tripod everytime is very frustrating specially in case of insects. For flowers I think you should train yourself to quickly adjust the tripod.

NC use tripod and RAM doesn't. RAM mostly shoot flowers( macro magnification) and NC insects.

[Hellwrath]

Doc this is the problem with tripod and macros. You will surely get better results but the time it take to set the tripod everytime is very frustrating specially in case of insects. For flowers I think you should train yourself to quickly adjust the tripod.

NC use tripod and RAM doesn't. RAM mostly shoot flowers( macro magnification) and NC insects.

+1000. Babaji, there are better heads/tripods available out there, but they'll only take you a small step closer. What I mean to say is that, they might make things faster for you but the results will still be around the same as you're getting. If you're getting frustrated with shooting flowers, think about insects. You'll go crazy chasing them. Patience and practice is the key. There's no work around, I feel.

Vimal,
I think Ram doesn't use tripod only in specific cases. Otherwise, I think he does use tripod.

[Image]

NC use tripod and RAM doesn't. RAM mostly shoot flowers( macro magnification) and NC insects.

Vimal, I do use Tripod for all my formal shots. The only time I handhold is when I shoot abstracts - with short focal length lenses. So, I'd say, I use a Tripod for 80% of my shots.

Chillum Baba - I cannot relate to your problem easily but do you think a Tripod with Swivelling Center Arm would help you ?

[amitk26]

Baba before you buy another tripod try out gorillapod .
Also focussing rails are pain I am yet to use mine.

[VikramF]

Chillum Baba - I cannot relate to your problem easily but do you think a Tripod with Swivelling Center Arm would help you ?

The tripod he's got - the Benro A2970T has a swivel arm and is a very, very good one.

The issue as I understand is that he feels it takes too much time to adjust the height of the legs (the legs adjustments are similar to the Gitzo) and the ball-head with its two separate knobs too takes time to adjust.

Imho, it's a matter of just using it more often to get the process faster, but I nevertheless suggested 2 quicker - out-of-the-box solutions.

[Chillum Baba]

^^^ Exactly.

@amit - pain to use right, you the precision you get is awesome.

Gorillapod is definitely on my wish list but height could be an issue. I might upgrade to a better tripod next year, though my current one is decent enough. Light weight would probably the most important factor for me while upgrading.

[Image]

Vikram, Thanks.

Chillum Baba, Its only a matter of getting used to. Once it becomes second nature, you will be able to use the tripod easily. Many of my shots are also made in difficult places and many times, I have to use different leg lengths (each leg extended a different distance) to make the photos. I don't find any problem doing that. I sometimes shoot with 3 legs folded and flat when subject is just a few inches from the ground.

[toofan]

Thanks for correcting me RAM. Your Florals are the brightest part of your skills, followed by macros.