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