Tripod For Macro?

I just bought some kinko extension tubes for the Canon 100mm F/2.8 IS lens and have had fun messing with it. I realize I'll need a ring flash eventually for freezing insects and what not, but one thing I'm having trouble with is getting close to certain things.

For instance in Yosemite I wanted to capture some moss growing on a rock, but because of the angle of the rock and what not, I was unable to get as close as I needed to.

Are there specific tripods which allow you to get closer to said things. Whether it be flowers, moss, etc? I currently use a Manfrotto MT294C3 Series 294, 3 Section Carbon Tripod, but couldn't figure out how to get closer to the moss while using it.

Should I be looking into a specific tripod for Macro Photography? Do I need to look for better shooting angles?

Being a sports and nature photographer this is a bit new to me so I'm trying to understand what I need to buy, or perhaps what I'm just doing wrong.

Thanks!

Any tripod with no or very-short centerpost, with legs that spread independently out to ground level, will give you the flexibility you need.

Assuming your tripod is tall enough for you without using the centerpost, you can shorten the centerpost. My tripod came with a too-long centerpost, and I cut it down to the length I needed. https://photography-on-the.net …/showthread.php​?t=1324360

I've never done macro photography, but I would think that a tripod with an articulating center column would help with positioning for awkwardly placed subjects. I use one for shooting objects indoors and it's very useful, and there's a current (short) thread running on it. Benro make a range of the tripods but they can be difficult to find. There's a link in my post in that thread to Benro's page for their Versatile range.

Benbo, a UK company make a similar design that may be even more useful for your application but I have never seen or used a Benbo. They are sold in the US,

Actually, I've never needed any articulation in the column. Independent legs that can go low and a ballhead (along with a 100mm macro) have been enough for me. I used to think that I'd end up with a Benbo, but in practice I've never needed it.

sawsedge wrote in post #17459571
Any tripod with no or very-short centerpost, with legs that spread independently out to ground level, will give you the flexibility you need.

Assuming your tripod is tall enough for you without using the centerpost, you can shorten the centerpost. My tripod came with a too-long centerpost, and I cut it down to the length I needed. https://photography-on-the.net …/showthread.php​?t=1324360

John.

Roughly, what length is the centre post now that it has been altered?

I have a Manfrotto 190 Pro, on that one the centre column articluates and the legs splay out so I can get the head to about 2 inches from the ground

I still have a Giottos tripod with an articulating center column. It's actually quite nice as the angle can be varied.... it offers more than just a horizontal position.

That said, I bought a very fine RRS tripod a couple of years ago now. It doesn't have a center column at all. I thought I would really miss the flexibility of the articulating center column but I haven't used that tripod since I got the RRS. This includes various macro sessions.

I really should sell the Giottos. I changed out the clamp on the otherwise great Manfrotto Hydrostatic Mag ball head to an Arca Swiss compatible screw clamp from Kirk and it made a world of difference with that setup. I got rid of the droop, sag, or whatever your favorite term is for that annoying, Manfrotto RC2 quick release clamp tendency.

killwilly wrote in post #17465462
John.

Roughly, what length is the centre post now that it has been altered?

About 8 inches, giving me 5 inches of travel.

sawsedge wrote in post #17465851
About 8 inches, giving me 5 inches of travel.

Many thanks.