tripod for macro.

[Lancashire Lad]

Originally Posted by johnf3f

IMHO the Gitzo 3320BS....

I agree that this would be hard to beat specifically for low level use. But with a price of over £250.00 (minus head), and with a maximum height of just 35cm, it is built primarily for use with long lenses in the order of 500-600mm. I personally think it would be a touch of overkill for a purely macro setup, and choice of subject would be somewhat restricted too. - Unless you were also carrying a second tripod of more standard height capability.

Regards,
Mike.

[nightshade]

Originally Posted by Kelvin cabs

Its a FOTOMATE from e-bay £10. Good piece of kit for the price, and easy to use.

I have just ordered a 4-way from UK based e-bay seller £27.90 thanks for the tip

[johnf3f]

Originally Posted by Lancashire Lad

I agree that this would be hard to beat specifically for low level use. But with a price of over £250.00 (minus head), and with a maximum height of just 35cm, it is built primarily for use with long lenses in the order of 500-600mm. I personally think it would be a touch of overkill for a purely macro setup, and choice of subject would be somewhat restricted too. - Unless you were also carrying a second tripod of more standard height capability.

Regards,
Mike.

I normally carry a Gitzo 2531 as well (just in case!), as to being "Overkill" yes it probably is. However there is a distinct lack of REALLY steady (essential for macro) low lever alternatives!
As to price - I swore I would NEVER waste so much money on a Gitzo, then I tried one. Oh dear, now I have 4 - wish I never looked.

P.S. They need not be too expensive - I picked up a used 1329 MK2 Carbon Studex + removable center column for £100 3 weeks ago, it goes low/high supports anything Canon currently make and weighs the same as a Manfrotto 55 Pro + cost less.
PPS - I paid less than £200 for my 3320BS

[Kelvin cabs]

Thanks to all of you, Ive looked at your suggestions, they all have some very good features, Some a bit to expensive. I already have a good stirdy tripod for normal height (portraits night shots etc), so will be looking at the low to mid height (from ground to 900mm ish) that way it should be a little lighter.

[nightshade]

Have you looked for pre-used tripods? I bought my Benbo as ex-display model
from e-bay. Looking on various sites there is some very good kit for sale as people find their wallet exceeds their skill and sell up to cut their losses.