Carbon Tripod recommendations for Macro

[Surefire_Spanky_Light]

I am looking at getting a good tripod. I want something light but sturdy. I looks like I will need to go with a carbon tripod since light weight is a priority. I want something for mainly macro photography, but will us it for low light landscapes too. I will have the need for something to get very close to the ground. I also want something that will handle a 100-400mm L when I get one. I am looking to spend about 275-325 with the ball head. Is there anything that fits the bill?

[eosster]

How about a leveling tripod from Gitzo.

[DocFrankenstein]

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=206495&is=REG

I have the aluminum version of it. Which is not much heavier than the CF one IMO

Very versatile tripod.

[Surefire_Spanky_Light]

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=206495&is=REG

I have the aluminum version of it. Which is not much heavier than the CF one IMO

Very versatile tripod.

Is the G-2220 Explorer the Aluminium version of the one you linked to? I like the weight of this one.

[steven]

Yes the G-2220 is the aluminum version of the G-2228.

[DocFrankenstein]

Yes, G2220 is the aluminum version of G2228

The price difference is 540-220=340$

The weight difference is 220G - ironically :D
The length difference when folded is 3 inches

You must really care about the weight of your setup to get the carbon fiber version.

BTW: I carried G2220 about 30 mins today with no hand fatique, and it had a 3049 head on it too!

Good luck with your choice.

[Surefire_Spanky_Light]

You must really care about the weight of your setup to get the carbon fiber version.


Yea I need to go light because of back problems, but for no more weight that I save I am going to go with the g-2220 for 219.00 at bh photo. I am looking at the Bogen Manfrotto 486RC2 Compact Ball Head with Rapid Connect System 2 to go with it.

[ScottE]

I have a Manfrotto 468RC ball head, but use an Acratech Ultimate ball head on my Gitzo 2228 tripod. The lighter weight of the Acratech is the main reason, but it is also a little smoother and locks without any movement. That is important for macro where you have to make very fine adjustments.

Scott

[Surefire_Spanky_Light]

Thanks for the help everyone. I ended up getting a Gitzo 2220 and the Manfrotto 486 ball head. I went with a cheaper head to save money right now, but this seems like a good solid platform with a total weight around 5.6 lbs. and it will support up to 13 lbs. It is two different worlds compared to a cheap tripod!

[nosquare2003]

I believe that the head requirement for macro photography should be higher!

[MarkoPolo]

I have the 2220 and I think you will love it. One suggestion: the leg "levers" will snap quite loudly if you are not careful. You can put small amounts of the soft velcro right where they hit and get rid of most of that sound. Seems awfully loud if you out in the wildnerness!

[DocFrankenstein]

I believe that the head requirement for macro photography should be higher!
I can only agree. In fact, I beleive a geared head is nessesary if you put significan efforts towards your macro work.

From what I've seen, the manfrotto is a very nice instrument for that.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/images/items/109828.jpg

[Surefire_Spanky_Light]

I may go with another head at some point. I can see why a geared head would be great for macro. However this one adds a pound and half over what I have now. This would not be a big deal if I am working near the car and not on a 2-3 mile hike in the woods. I did some test shots and I did not get any shake.

I just noticed I did not tell you why I need to go as light as possible without breaking the bank. I had back surgery two years ago and still have some back pain from it. So a pound may not sound like much, but it can make a huge difference in my case on a 2 mile hike. The last waterfall hike I went on in Aug 2003 I had a bag that road wrong on my back and hard climb to the base of the falls. I could not walk for 2 days after that :( . I think I may have built my back muscles back up, and I am determined to get back to hiking and nature photography, but the sad fact is I will have limitations.

[nosquare2003]

Yes, back problem is a problem. But for macro shots, your lens may be pointed at odd angles while a very slight movement will spoil your image. Moreover, you may have to do fine adjustment. That's why I suggested a better head. However, a lightweight good head isn't cheap. You may have read the recent head thread:
http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=65863

By the way, you may also consider to buy the angle viewfinder if you have not. It will save you for bending your back for some lower shots.

[J Rabin]

Hands down the Gitzo Explorer. The Aluminum 2220 is good and light, without being too light for stability and wind vibration dampening. The carbon version of the Explorer dampens vibration a bit better, at higher cost. I tried to save money, and bought the Giottos carbon 8160. It's a Gitzo Explorer knock-off. It's good. Just good. If I had it to do over, I should have just bought the Explorer, and would if I had it to do over.
The vibration dampening and stability comes from the legs, but the head is MISSION CRITICAL. I have not found a single decent cheap ($100) head. Gotta spend the bucks on a good ball, like Markins, Really Right Stuff, etc. and do it right the first time if you're buying a Gitzo to do macro. Hope this helps.

[Surefire_Spanky_Light]

Thanks for the tips. I have looked at the Acratech Ultimate ball head and its weight would work for me I have seen it recommended for macro too. Since I am just now getting back in to photography and having to rebuy everything I am going to need to wait a few months to pick this up because I have reached the limit where my wife may physically hurt me if I buy anything else. :lol:

[DocFrankenstein]

I have reached the limit where my wife may physically hurt me if I buy anything else. :lol:
It's about this point where you'd think of stopping for a few days. Just do product reseach. :lol: