Shooting Macros - Tripod Use?

[stefeb]

Is a tripod a necessary item when shooting macros?

thanks.

[Ephemeral]

It can help. I use a tripod with a micropostioning plate from Manfrotto that allows me the control to set the focus on an object, as opposed to hand holding. Then again, I'm shooting at a magnification of around 2:1 so I have a very narrow DOF to work with.

Check out some of Macro set ups in the Macro forum here:http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=142566

[Matatazela]

Yes.

The distance between subject and lens is critical, so I would say that you can't do serious macro without one. I would look at the Manfrotto / Bergen 055 Pro, because you can have the centre column vertical or horizontal, or reverse it so that it hangs beneath the legs, for true versatility.

[hvman]

Yes.

The distance between subject and lens is critical, so I would say that you can't do serious macro without one. I would look at the Manfrotto / Bergen 055 Pro, because you can have the centre column vertical or horizontal, or reverse it so that it hangs beneath the legs, for true versatility.
Are we talking about 1:1 and thereabouts?

If using flash then I would say NO. If you are chasing insects of any sort having a tripod is just too much hassle and by the time you setup your tripod.....you've lost the insect.

[John_B]

stefeb,
For me - If I have a flash then a tripod isn't usually needed for macro photos in the 1:1. For 2:1 or more a tripod is really needed for me although I have taken a few without but again need that flash. :)

[Twitch1977]

I shot insects at approx. 2:1 all last summer and didn't use a tripod once, and that was with a digital P&S with shutter lag.

It can easily be done, just set the camera to manual focus, and rock the camera slowly back and forth and when it's in focus take the picture. This is something you get better at with time, you just have to understand that you're not always going to get it perfect the first time.

For stationary things by all means use a tripod, it will help a lot, but if you're shooting moving things like insects I can't possible imagine using a tripod for it.

Kurt

[ScottE]

A tripod is not necessary, but you will generally get sharper pictures if you use one. When you are focused very close it does not take very much movement of the camera to appear to make big movement of the subject.

[PhotosGuy]

Is a tripod a necessary item when shooting macros? Sometimes it's a help, especially for "stacking" shots. Sometimes not.
Sometimes using it as a monopod is a help. Mostly, I don't use anything, though.

How "Macro" do you intend to go? For general stuff that's not quite macro, I like the 70-200: A walk by the river. (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=103744)

[stefeb]

Thanks to all for your replies. I'm going to try some shots as is (without a tripod), and see how it goes. Not opposed to getting one in the future, but wasn't sure if I would be wasting shots by not using one at all.

Thanks again.

[Mark_Cohran]

It certainly helps, especially when natural light is the only source. With macro flash, such as the MR14EX, it's perhaps less necessary. A tripod will always help you to get the sharpest image, but at the cost of mobility.

Mark

[Matatazela]

Are we talking about 1:1 and thereabouts?

If using flash then I would say NO. If you are chasing insects of any sort having a tripod is just too much hassle and by the time you setup your tripod.....you've lost the insect.

I have to agree with this. The focus issue really applies to insects that are moving, and a tripod is not going to help a lot in that situation.