tripods are sometimes a pain in the *&&!

[slipchuck]

I mean when you want to take flower shots.
does anyone know a cheap one that can get down to flower level?
do others just use a monopod?

I take shots in low light and in order to get max depth of field, the shutter speeds can be real slow

thanks


randy

[roscot]

Hi Randy,
The Manfrotto 3021PRO gets very low. The legs splay out upto 90 degrees. The center post is removable, and reinstalls reversed, or horizontally, like a boom. You can get as low as about 10" or so. Not cheap, but it is good.

Bogen / Manfrotto 3021BPRO Tripod Legs (Black)

[alinla]

My Bogen 3001BPRO allows me to adjust it from max height all the way down & lay it flat on the ground if I want to. Plus the center column can be reversed so it is pointing down instead of up.

I think that model was replaced by the 3011. But the price is not terribly high for a good quality 'pod.

[roscot]

I own that one also, but I don't think they make it any more. I couldn't find it on their site, or at B&H. I also find it a bit light for the K10D, grip and a large lens like the the Sigma 70-200 EX.

[GaryML]

Originally Posted by alinla

My Bogen 3001BPRO allows me to adjust it from max height all the way down & lay it flat on the ground if I want to. Plus the center column can be reversed so it is pointing down instead of up.

I think that model was replaced by the 3011. But the price is not terribly high for a good quality 'pod.

The 3011 is a slightly taller and heavier tripod as compared to the 3001. The 3001 series was replaced with the 190 series. Some of the 190 series tripods allow the center column to be mounted horizontally, and the legs spread wider than the 3001 (4 positions rather than 3).

Some tripods (like some Gitzos) allow you to remove the center column and mount the head directly in a plate (that replaces the center column). Another option is a small table-top tripod. That will lower you down to about 3 inches off the ground. And you can use a beanbag right on the ground too.

Lots of options!

[Andrew Faires]

I use the Manfrotto 190pro (this is the cdn model number). Legs go to 90 degrees, the centre colum will act as a horizontal boom and it will get down about as low as you need to (probably 4 or 5" without the camera on. It's not cheap, but it's versatile and pretty light for hiking as well.

[Mike Cash]

I use the Slik Sprint Pro GM

Maximum Operating Height: 64.37 in. / 1,635 mm
Minimum Operating Height: 6.38 in. / 162 mm
Maximum Center Column Extension: 11.8 in. / 300 mm
Folded Length: 18.90 in. / 480 mm
Weight: 1.96 lbs. / 890grams
Number of Leg Sections: 4
Leg Lock Type: Speed Release
Maximum Load: 4.5 lbs. / 2,040 grams

Very light to carry around, comes with a drawstring bag with a strap. I use carabiners to attach it to either my camera bag or my belt. Used it on a short hike up in some local hills the other day. Just the tripod, a TLR, an old rangefinder, and a monopod.

This tripod sets up quickly and easily. The center column is reversible in case you feel like mounting the camera beneath the head....so I suppose if you don't mind an upside down camera you could get down as low as bumping the camera on the ground. In normal operations, unscrew the bottom of the center column, splay the legs (nice secure latches for that) and drop down to 6 inches or so.

Drawbacks, if one calls them that, are a simple ball head and no quick release shoe.

Advantages: affordable and versatile

[TaoMaas]

If you're wanting a tripod specifically for flower shots, get one that will let the legs spread out to 90 degrees. Center columns that reverse are nice, I suppose, but if you've ever tried to do low-level photography that way, it's can be a pain in the rear. If you put two of the legs on either side of the flower you're shooting to give yourself a clean background, then the third leg is in your way when you try to look through the camera. And, if you give yourself room to look through the camera, a leg on the opposite side comes into your shot. Also, if you get a tripod that has leg spreading, you don't want that long of a center column. You'll only be able to go as low to the ground as that center column will let you. I haven't seen one, but it seems like that Slik tripod that Mike Cash suggested might be a good alternative since the center column can be shortened. Good luck on your search. I'm semi in the market for a dedicated flower tripod myself.

[davek]

Originally Posted by Andrew Faires

I use the Manfrotto 190pro (this is the cdn model number). Legs go to 90 degrees, the centre colum will act as a horizontal boom and it will get down about as low as you need to (probably 4 or 5" without the camera on. It's not cheap, but it's versatile and pretty light for hiking as well.

This is the tripod I have, and I find it great for low-level or awkward position photography. If it was a foot higher, it would be perfect (for me).

dk

[pixelsaurus]

I have a table top tripod (Kaiser) which I bought about 30 years ago.The legs screw into the tripod barrel and it has a ball and socket head. I find the easiest way to use it is to brace the legs against my chest and use the ball and socket to set the most comfortable camera angle. There is little that I can't do with it except time exposures. It has proved to be a stable platform for me,and I carry it everywhere. I guess it is a variation of the gunpod which was popular some years ago.

[kenyee]

Originally Posted by davek

This is the tripod I have, and I find it great for low-level or awkward position photography. If it was a foot higher, it would be perfect (for me).

That's what the 3021Pro is, but it's 1lb heavier.

BTW, watch out for the black bolts on the fliplocks. I got a nasty gash on my leg this weekend from brushing against them (they go all the way through the fliplock and stick out on the other side, unlike the ones covered w/ the silver nuts)-: