Low Level Tripod for Macro

[FungiJohn]

Hi All

Recently I contacted Manfrotto with the suggestion of a cut down version of the Manfrotto 055 classic tripod for low level fungi macro.

The suggestion was a shorter two section leg and a more solid head adaptor.

Unfortunately nothing as yet has appeared ... but there is something out there already in the form of:

Kirk Enterprises : MLB-1 Mighty Low Boy

Does anyone have experience / own this model?

John

PS Gitzo (Now part of the same company as Manfrotto btw) have a low level version which could support a small car but costs about £260

[Lancashire Lad]

Hi John,

I too have been casually on the lookout for a compact low level tripod, and was aware of the Kirk "Mighty Low Boy". But didn't like the fact that to use it at its designated lowest height, the legs are fully horizontal.

I think that this would actually prove to be a disadvantage in many instances as it would be possible for the tripod to wobble around if there happened to be a slight convex nature to the ground upon which it was intended to be used.

In such circumstances, the tripod would have to be locked at the 75 degree setting, thus slighly raising its operating height. (exact details of which, unfortunately are not provided on the Kirk online spec. page).

My other best option to date, is the recently introduced Velbon ULTRA REXi L(A). That one has a closed length of 36cm, fully open length of 153cm, minimum height of 9.5cm, and maximum supported weight of 4Kg. The legs are 30mm in diameter, and it weighs in at only 1.31Kg.

Unfortunately, for whatever reason, it is not yet available in the UK (Although it can be ordered from overseas) - Info can be found on pages 17/18 of Velbon's downloadable products brochure: -
http://www.velbon.co.uk/newvelbon/pd...0Jan%208th.pdf

At the minute, its between those two, but I'm edging towards the Velbon. However, I'm not really in a great hurry, and will probably wait until the Velbon is available locally to give it a hands on try out.

Regards,
Mike.

[FungiJohn]

Hi Mike

I don't think the fully horizontal issue would be a big issue really, especially if used with a 'pan and tilt' type head, which is what I use.

The tripod should also hold firm between angle locks.

I might just give it a try!

John

PS The company have emailed me to say that WExpress have it in stock ... but I've just checked and they don't

I've now asked them for the total price including shipping to UK

[Lancashire Lad]

Keep us posted if you do, on how it performs.

I'm edging towards the Velbon because it opens out to a much taller height, which would give a good all round performance.

I'm currently using a Manfrotto 055XB as my main tripod, with a 405 geared head, but I chopped the centre column down so that when used at lowest level, I could always use the "proper" solid mount plate, rather than the extra (and in my opinion more flimsy) second plate that is supplied with the tripod.

I don't think that I would be entirely happy going out with the Kirk, and being restricted to subjects at 28" height or lower.

Regards,
Mike.

[FungiJohn]

Originally Posted by Lancashire Lad

Keep us posted if you do, on how it performs.

I'm edging towards the Velbon because it opens out to a much taller height, which would give a good all round performance.

I'm currently using a Manfrotto 055XB as my main tripod, with a 405 geared head, but I chopped the centre column down so that when used at lowest level, I could always use the "proper" solid mount plate, rather than the extra (and in my opinion more flimsy) second plate that is supplied with the tripod.

I don't think that I would be entirely happy going out with the Kirk, and being restricted to subjects at 28" height or lower.

Regards,
Mike.

Hi Mike

$190 + Shipping for FedEx Int is going to be around $70.00

So it looks like I'll be looking at a second hand 055CLB classic and taking the saw to it

I'm using the 'plastic' adaptor on my 055CLB classic with no problems ... yet! plus the Manfrotto 391RC2 Head, which apart from poking my eye out during the first 3 months is proving very good for getting the right composition irrespective of angle.

If I need to go higher I'll borrow Les's tripod

Best Regards - John

[slimrbp]

Not sure how short you need the column to be but Manfrotto do this:

Manfrotto Short Centre Column 055X black - Tripod Accessories

[FungiJohn]

Originally Posted by slimrbp

Not sure how short you need the column to be but Manfrotto do this:

Manfrotto Short Centre Column 055X black - Tripod Accessories

Hi Richard

Much shorter I'm afraid! To give you an idea, my present setup using the adaptor adds only 1" of height plus the head.

Thanks anyway

John

[slimrbp]

In that case I recomend a bean bag

[FungiJohn]

Originally Posted by slimrbp

In that case I recomend a bean bag

I've not yet found one with a stable pan and tilt

[Boddie]

Originally Posted by FungiJohn

Hi All

Recently I contacted Manfrotto with the suggestion of a cut down version of the Manfrotto 055 classic tripod for low level fungi macro.

The suggestion was a shorter two section leg and a more solid head adaptor.

Unfortunately nothing as yet has appeared ... but there is something out there already in the form of:

Kirk Enterprises : MLB-1 Mighty Low Boy

Does anyone have experience / own this model?

John

PS Gitzo (Now part of the same company as Manfrotto btw) have a low level version which could support a small car but costs about £260

Blimey John

They have been part of the same company since 2005, at least.