Macro Tripods - Ducati.ms

buell2duc · Nov 8th, 2009, 7:59 pm

I'm looking into getting a tripod, but I really want it to be able to take Macro shots.. sooo I guess I wanted to see what Macro Tripods people on here are using..

Thanks for your input

ament001 · Nov 8th, 2009, 8:02 pm

Do you mean *Macro* photography?

Edit: Ahh, its spelled right in the title. It really depends on features you want, just make sure it has a focusing rail. Lots of people retrofit whatever tripod they can get their hands on to do what they want, so if you are at least a little on the handy side that is another avenue.

**scott** · Nov 8th, 2009, 8:23 pm

I just use a regular tripod with a Manfrotto Bogen focus rail. Model #: 454
http://www.amazon.com/Bogen-Manfrott...pr_product_top

buell2duc · Nov 8th, 2009, 9:51 pm

I'm confused... and maybe it's bc I don't understand how they work. But how does a focus rail help you take Macro shots? Does those just help you move forward and back do you don't have to move the tripod?

ament001 · Nov 8th, 2009, 10:22 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by buell2duc

I'm confused... and maybe it's bc I don't understand how they work. But how does a focus rail help you take Macro shots? Does those just help you move forward and back do you don't have to move the tripod?

It allows you to adjust the distance of the camera to the subject without modifying the zoom of the lens, essentially moving the object into the correct focal length. They are good for fixed focal length lenses. Now, if the whole macro photography thing is a more or less just another facet of your photography, not a focus, and your lenses are zoom lenses you can most likely live without one, especially since the good ones are over $100.

buell2duc · Nov 8th, 2009, 11:06 pm

I realize that, as with all types of pictures... However my goal is to take pictures of relatively smaller items ie. watches, pens, etc. and I need a stable way of taking said pictures. Thus I'm looking for a solid tripod that can hold the camera downward shooting.

So I don't think a slider is what i'm looking for as they will only move the object on a horizontal plan not vertical.

ament001 · Nov 9th, 2009, 9:16 am

Quote:

Originally Posted by buell2duc

I realize that, as with all types of pictures... However my goal is to take pictures of relatively smaller items ie. watches, pens, etc. and I need a stable way of taking said pictures. Thus I'm looking for a solid tripod that can hold the camera downward shooting.

So I don't think a slider is what i'm looking for as they will only move the object on a horizontal plan not vertical.

Ok, notice how the rail is affixed to the tripod:

It allows motion forward and back from whatever your camera is aiming at, meaning if you aim down at a watch, it will go towards and away from said watch. The motion is not inherently horizontal or vertical. The rail in that pic is also good for taking 360 degree panoramas, as it allows you to put the lens itself over the tripod.