What to do for better macro?!

[Geoff F]

The trouble with the Manfrotto is that it has a rather long centre column which means that the lowest it will go, as a conventional tripod is 2 ft.

However, the centre column will lift and turn into a horizontal arm which will indeed get you to around 4 ins to the base of the camera attachment plate.

The problem is that you need a 3 ft diameter clear area to splay the legs. Also, you then lack easy adjustment of rise and fall. The only way to do this is by altering the angle of the legs to the centre column support and the leg locking notches provide a rather coarse adjustment.

Probably OK for flowers, fungi, etc, but rather inconvenient for quick insect shots.

But most tripods have similar problems. I did once get a Mini Velbon for close work but even that is restricted to 12 ins which is about the same as my Velbon Luxi L.

At one time, I did consider sawing off my Manfrotto centre column which would get me to 8 ins very easily. But that rugged adjustable column with 14 ins of length is so handy for working at higher distances.

When working in undergrowth, I find it is easier to keep the leg splay rather restricted and use the centre column for extra height. But one word of warning. Although this provides a firm working platform it easily becomes unstable if you don't keep a hand on your equipment at all times. Which is why my flash unit is now glued together!

[Dillybythesea]

Thanks for all the info Geoff - I'm very grateful. Nothing's easy is it! You describe it all in graphic detail and I appreciate the warning re limiting the splay, or not, at one's peril. I will try to master those techniques you've so kindly provided before expending on anything - including trying to make better use of my current tripod.

Many thanks again, Rhona

[The_Moaner]

I find it far easier to hand hold than carrying a tripod around all day.
Buy yourself a Metz 50 A1 flash gun. Don't bother with a Flash Arm, mount it on the camera. Get an Offcut from a Matt Mountboard and have the length to stop at end of your lens. Shape it to fit Flashgun. Get a piece of foam that fits on end. Make sure light can go through it. Experiment with home made diffusers.
I use mine on a Canon 50D.
Good Luck

[Jim Ford]

Originally Posted by The_Moaner

I find it far easier to hand hold than carrying a tripod around all day.

Agreed - that's why I use the ring flash described earlier.

Jim

[Dillybythesea]

Thanks both! Am practising using tripod for shots around the garden, but yes will definitely get better flash too. Hadn't realised how much more is possible once you set speed AND dof -and use flash/ ISO to make it happen. V grateful! Rhona

[Jason Green]

Originally Posted by Dillybythesea

Having saved up diligently for ages

Do you mean Dillygently? Oh dear, I'm not helping! Now for the exit - ah, that way...

[Jim Ford]

Originally Posted by Dillybythesea

Thanks both! Am practising using tripod for shots around the garden, but yes will definitely get better flash too. Hadn't realised how much more is possible once you set speed AND dof -and use flash/ ISO to make it happen. V grateful! Rhona

If I come down to the 'Brownwich and Chilling Cliffs' for oil beetles (I'm determined to see them this year!), I'll let you know and you can try my ring flash, if you haven't got one by then.

Jim

[Dillybythesea]

Jason!

And thanks, sounds a great offer Jim!