What tripod / head for Macro ?

[Thor_50D]

Hi everybody

What tripod & head do you recommend for Macro photography ?
I want sturdy legs < 2kg and a head to enable additional focusing (forward / backward fine movement).

[Warl0rd]

Beside using rails I don't know any head capable of moving forward or backwards...

[luigis]

The Novoflex rail system and a tripod that can use the central column as a sidebar. (Manfrotto 055 proB for example)

[Thor_50D]

OK, so I did some Googling (some = whole yesterday afternoon), and came up with the following:

Slides:


Manfrotto 454 Micrometric Positioning Sliding Plate $ 85
(Replaces 3419) - Two can be super-mounted two get 2 axis movement

(Velbon) Hakuba Magnesium Macro Slider $ 100

Velbon Super Mag Slider $ 100

Novoflex Castel Mini - Focusing rack $ 250

Olympus Focusing Rail USA


Rotators:


Stroboframe Vertaflip PHD (Prof/Hvy Dty) camera rotator $ 50



Of course, one important quality of the above is weight, and I noticed that slides aren't very light (around 1 lb at least).

If anyone gets additional info, pls post here.

[andrewcollier]

Macro focusing rails - a comparison of different market options
This is worth looking at
http://www.thephotoforum.com/forum/photography-equipment-products-news-reviews/177630-macro-focusing-rails-comparison-different-market-options.html

I have just bought the Velbon rail, but not got it yet. I have found several threads saying the Manfroto has a lot of movement, but the Velbon is solid.

[Thor_50D]

I have just bought the Velbon rail, but not got it yet. I have found several threads saying the Manfroto has a lot of movement, but the Velbon is solid.

Hi Andrew,

which Velbon would that be ? The double (Macro) or the simple (Super Mag) one ? Give us some feedback after you test it a bit.

[LowSpark420]

What is a "low cost" tripod that could be used for Macro. I don't think the Sunpak 7500TM Platinum Plus tripod is gonna work.

[Thor_50D]

What is a "low cost" tripod that could be used for Macro. I don't think the Sunpak 7500TM Platinum Plus tripod is gonna work.

I have the http://www.adorama.com/SLMPV.html on my wishlist at Adorama. I think it might be good.

[Snydremark]

I'm currently using this leg/head combo and it works reasonably well for macro shooting, Manfrotto 055XPROB (http://www.amazon.com/Manfrotto-055XPROB-Tripod-Legs-Black/dp/B000UMX7FI/ref=pd_cp_p_0) + 488RC2 ball head (http://www.amazon.com/Manfrotto-488RC2-Rapid-Connect-System/dp/B00009R6N0/ref=pd_cp_p_2). Being able to switch the center column to a horizontal position and slide back/forward works *somewhat* like having a focus rail, but there's no fine adjustment with that part. However, the legs also go out to completely flat, or 4 positions in between. If the 055 is too heavy, they make a slimmer model. (http://www.amazon.com/Manfrotto-190XPROB-Section-Aluminum-Tripod/dp/B000N7VPRW/ref=sr_1_10?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1259464848&sr=8-10#moreAboutThisProduct)

[Greg_C]

I'm using a Manfrotto 190ProB with a RRS BH55. Nothing but praise for the BH-55. I wrote a review on it here on POTN. Clicky here (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=625719).

[orionmystery]

How about the Bogen - Manfrotto 3275 / 410 Compact Geared Head?

http://www.amazon.com/Bogen-Manfrotto-Compact-Release-Supports/dp/B00009R6H9

[gfdfgdfg]

How does the RRS BH55 compare with the Manfrotto 3275 / 410 Compact Geared Head?

For now I think I'll get the Manfrotto 055XPROB, but I'm a little confused on what head I need. What other parts would I need for the RRS BH55, or is the head enough for now?

I was on a budget, but I don't know if I want to get stuck with irritating tripod heads if I can help it :)

[ceriltheblade]

just my 2c

i have (as my signature notes) the 488rc2 head (not a pan head or a geared head) with the xrpob 055 AND a no name double slider. I like the combination. Sometimes if my lens is a bit too long, there can be some slippage (i.e. 100 non L, with 1 set of kenkos and reversed 50)
so the legs are sturdy (and heavy)- which you asked for
in regards to the head - are you looking for the micro aspect of your photography? do you mean 10X and more? I don't believe that most heads/tripods would be your best solution. Macro? i believe that for the 60mm macro that any good head would work.BH, manfrotto, markings....all excellent choices...

but again...you have to chose the tool appropriate to your demands. What are those demands? :)

[stover98074]

I may be the odd one out - I looked into a sliding rail and manfrotto makes a nice one.

In the end I went with a bellows that had a sliding rail built in (Asahi Pentax AutoBellows) on a M42 mount. It is slightly more expensive than the manfrotto rail, but you can add enlarging lenses for very little money.

The bellows allows for a very easy way to set magnification and control critical focus.
http://stover98074.smugmug.com/Flowers/Macro-Flowers/IMG1615/839506281_8RHc6-S.jpg

[Overread]

I've owned and used the manfrotto focusing rail/macro rail.sliding rail and I have to say I find the design very poor and tricky to use well - especaily when doing higher magnifiaction photography. For 1:1 and landscape work its ok but not outstanding.
By contrast a cheaper set of 4 way rails from ebay (also trading under the name Adorama focusing rails) are far better in design and give a much smoother motion when used. The next level up from there is Novoflex focusing rails which are top quality and very high in price.