Advice on Compact Tripod for Wildflower/Fungi Photo's.

[Lancashire Lad]

Hi all,

Looking for ideas on a suitable small, lightweight, and very compact tripod for close-up/macro photography of wildflowers & fungi, on day-long field trips.

The unit needs to have "ground level" provision to get the camera down to the shorter subjects, and a fairly small footprint so that it will physically be able to go into awkward places where some fungi like to grow.

I've checked out the likes of Gitzo, Slik, & Velbon, but am currently leaning towards a Manfrotto "Modo Mini 785SHB". Does anyone use one of these, or could recommend an alternative based on experience rather than manufacturer's product praise?

The Manfrotto holds a max of 2kg. according to manufacturer's data, which should be ok for a D80 with 60mm macro.

Does anyone use an alternative that they would think better, for the subjects involved? (Beanbags wouldn't give enough flexibility for height adjustment and would be a problem on boggy surfaces).

Regards
Mike.

I

[Hobjob]

I'm a Manfrotto man

But don't forget the usefulness of bean bags for low level work.

[Blackbrook Eye]

Coming from an engineering background, I hesitate to recommend this, as on the face of it, it should be a load of rubbish, however for the weight of kit you are using and the requirements you want, have a serious look at the Jobi gorrillapod, I have used one on several occasions (borrowed from a friend) and with a remote release it is surprisingly stable. If you find different results than I have then at least it's not cost a fortune to find out. If you are dissapointed, I may be persuaded to buy it from you.

Keith

[Tormentil]

Would this suit yer needs.... Ergorest

[Jim Ford]

Originally Posted by Blackbrook Eye

have a serious look at the Jobi gorrillapod

I've got one and they're fine for low-level work. They're light enough to carry all the time. Get the heaviest duty one, though.

(If you decide on the lighter duty one, I've got a new unopened one for sale - the 'Gorillapod DSLR')

Jim

[Lancashire Lad]

Blackbrook Eye -
I've looked at the Gorillapod ZoomSLR and it would be ideal except that it doesn't extend. Most of my shots will be within its height range, but there will undoubtedly be occasions where something that can go slightly taller would be needed. (say up to about 750mm max.). I'm hoping to get best compromise in one lightweight unit to avoid carrying lots of gear.

Just had the thought that if I end up with the Manfrotto, I might be able to cut some of the central column off so that it will go as low as poss when the legs are splayed out to maximum.

Jim Ford -
Offer appreciated, but I think I'm gonna go for a tripod option - just a case of which tripod will give the best performance within my (admittedly) restrictive requirements.

Regards
Mike.

[Jim Ford]

For low level work I often use a Uniloc System 1700 with a focusing rail. It's a bit heavy for carrying far, but is very versatile. Many people don't like them because of the idiosyncratic design and operation.

Here's a site showing one, but it doesn't show the way it's used at low level, using the column joint.

Uni-Loc System 1700 Tripod

Jim

[MagpieMick]

Hello Mike,

Have a look at the Benbo range here ;

Paterson Photographic - New Products

These should be ideal ...

Mick..

[Lancashire Lad]

Thanks for the info guys.

Jiust had a look on the net for these.

The Uniloc 1700 is on the heavy side for what I want - looking at the specs, it would be well over 3kg with a suitable head. The 1600 is the lightest they do, but even that would be about 3kg all in. (This range of gear looks like it's very well engineered though).

The Benbo mini trekker looks interesting - only about 1.5Kg. I'll try to find one locally to give it the hands on test.

I've sourced a Manfrotto Modo Mini locally that I can have a look at as well.

Up to now I think it's between these two for coming closest to what I'm after.

Regards
Mike.

[skywatcher]

Have you checked out the Velbon ultra Maz i L ? I've just bought it with fungi in mind. Stands 14 inches high when closed, central column unscrews, legs splay out almost to the ground. Lightweight but should be sturdy enough for your camera set-up. Comes with PHD 31Q head+ quick release plate.
Skywatcher

[Lancashire Lad]

Thanks for the help on this everyone.

Just to close things out, I eventually settled on the Manfrotto 785SHB.

Both the Benbo Minitrekker, and the Velbon Ultra Max are excellent in every way, but the Manfrotto closes down to the smallest overall dimensions.

I particularly favour the "trigger action" lock mechanism on the 360 degree ball joint head. (It also has a quick release camera attachment plate, wide splay legs, and split central column for the near to ground shots).

I hasten to say that I have no involvement with the company Manfrotto whatsoever, and would always advise others to do likewise comparisons.

Regards
Mike.

[delros1]

just a few to look at.manfroto tabletop tripod 709b,or the kit 345.
novoflex photo survival kit.
novoflex minipod.
hama pocket clamp/tripod.
manfrotto 331 support bracket,for monopods.
hope these few help.

[Lancashire Lad]

Thanks delros1, but I've bought the Manfrotto.

Been using it this last couple of days and I'm quite happy with it. I really like the trigger grip locking device on the ball head. Lets you angle the camera in every direction, and then locks it firm with press of the trigger button.

I've been using it for 4 and 5 second exposures in dark shade (fungi hunting) and they are coming out pin sharp.

Regards
Mike.