Which tripod

[RogerTheCat]

I have a budget of £200 and want to treat myself to a tripod. I will use it mainly for wildlife/nature photography including macro work. I have a Nikon D100 usually use a Sigma 150mm Macro lens but at some point may buy the Bigma. I have spoken to my local camera shop who recommend the Manfrotto MN 055ProB Tripod and the Manfrotto MN 322RC2 Horizontal Grip Action Ball Head.

The tripod seems ideal but the head is to me a new design that I have no experiance of. Has anyone used it and what are your views?

Alternatley can anyone sugest and alternative tripod and head combination in my price range that will be suitable to use with the camera gear listed above?

[Boddie]

I find a monopod works better for Macro. I fing tripods a bit fiddly for Macro work. How about everybody else?

[glsammy]

I'm with you Boodie, I can't get on with tripods, especially with Macro work. You've often got to get into some unusual positions, which can be awkward with a tripod. I always use a Mono-pod which does just fine.

[Kev Lewis]

I have that tripod and it is a solid piece of kit, but I have to agree that a monopod with a MN 322RC2 Horizontal Grip Action Ball Head would be my choice for macro. If you get a macro image with a tripod it will normally be better than a monopod but the set up time and disturbance normally means the subject has long gone.

[Alan]

Hi Roger

I use a tripod for most of my shots even macro, and if I need to get it in an awkward position, I fold the legs together and only extend one of the legs so it effectively becomes a monpod.

If I do handhold, I often use flash for macro work. It doesn't have to be full power, but just enough to fill shadows etc. Something like:

Flash compensation minus 2 stop to minus 0.7 stop. Experiment though!

If the head your talking about is the one where you grip it to move the head, I've heard they're not to good when in the horizontal position.

There was some discussion about tripods and heads not long ago, look at the follwing thread:

http://www.wildaboutbritain.co.uk/fo...ce-please.html

[RogerTheCat]

Originally Posted by Alan

Hi Roger

If the head your talking about is the one where you grip it to move the head, I've heard they're not to good when in the horizontal position.

There was some discussion about tripods and heads not long ago, look at the follwing thread:

http://www.wildaboutbritain.co.uk/fo...ce-please.html

They are talking about the 222 head which looks like a joystick. I saw it in the camera shop today and just did not like the look of it so dismissed it without even trying it

[jerryh]

Hi Roger,
No-one's mentioned Benbo tripods yet. This is Warehouse Express's Benbo page
They may not be suitable for your kind of photography, but if you need to get low down, it's second to none.
See the attached photo. That's a Canon 30D and Sigma 150mm macro set up on it for size.

I've only just got the DSLR, so don't have any shots taken with the Benbo to show you, but some years ago I used to use the Benbo with my old 35mm gear to great effect.

Pros:

1. As I said, for getting the camera low to the ground it's brilliant.
2. The bottom half of the legs is waterproof so no problem putting a leg or two in the pond if the shot demands it

Cons:

1. It is rather large and heavy, no denying that. If you're on a very slow shutter speed, that can be a pro, of course.
2. It can be difficult to get used to the way to set it up. Once you've developed the technique it's actually very quick to get in position.

For photographing low plants and fungi, it get's you right down to the same level, giving a great perspective. If that's your subject, I recommend a Benbo!

Jerry

[eeyore]

Originally Posted by RogerTheCat

They are talking about the 222 head which looks like a joystick. I saw it in the camera shop today and just did not like the look of it so dismissed it without even trying it

I have to admit that the 222 does take a bit of getting used to - i borrowed one from a mate ages ago and it was hate at first site , until i'd used it for a while , by the time i gave it back i loved the thing, and went straight out and bought one. IMO one of the best heads on the market , if it could cook I'd've married it

that said i dont get on with a tripod for macro either , i generally either use the 222 on a monopod , use a beanbag or low pod , or shoot hand held.

[eeyore]

Originally Posted by jerryh

Hi Roger,
No-one's mentioned Benbo tripods yet. This is Warehouse Express's Benbo page
They may not be suitable for your kind of photography, but if you need to get low down, it's second to none.
See the attached photo. That's a Canon 30D and Sigma 150mm macro set up on it for size.

I've only just got the DSLR, so don't have any shots taken with the Benbo to show you, but some years ago I used to use the Benbo with my old 35mm gear to great effect.

Pros:

1. As I said, for getting the camera low to the ground it's brilliant.
2. The bottom half of the legs is waterproof so no problem putting a leg or two in the pond if the shot demands it

Cons:

1. It is rather large and heavy, no denying that. If you're on a very slow shutter speed, that can be a pro, of course.
2. It can be difficult to get used to the way to set it up. Once you've developed the technique it's actually very quick to get in position.

For photographing low plants and fungi, it get's you right down to the same level, giving a great perspective. If that's your subject, I recommend a Benbo!

Jerry

IMO

pros : they get you low to the ground - as a beanbag does for much less wonga
cons: setting them up is like fighting with an octopus

I looked at one , tried it in the field then decided no way and went back to my manfroto gear

[jerryh]

Originally Posted by eeyore

IMO

pros : they get you low to the ground - as a beanbag does for much less wonga
cons: setting them up is like fighting with an octopus

I looked at one , tried it in the field then decided no way and went back to my manfroto gear

IYO - fair enough.