I’m thinking of getting a tripod for macro photography, one with a “boom” so you can shoot from overhead, and found this (Vanguard Alta Pro 263AT Aluminum Alloy Tripod Legs with Multi-Angle Central Column System). Since this is the first tripod I’m considering buying, I have some questions:
[ol]
[li]How’s Vanguard as a brand? I always thought Manfrotto tripods were the best, from what I’ve heard.[/li][li]Do any other brands have the “Multi-Angle Central Column System”? I thought it would be quite common, but I can’t find any other tripods with it. Is there a name for it?[/li][li]Are there any other features I should look for in a tripod for macro photography?[/li][li]I see some people buy it with a “ball head”. What additional functions does this provide, and can I use the tripod without one?[/li][/ol]
I can’t recommend a model or manufacturer, but back in the dark ages when I was in high school the science teacher had a pretty common tripod with the angle mount on the bottom of the vertical telescoping tube. So the tripod straddled the sample and you tilted the mount directly downward. I was under the impression he had removed the tube and re-installed it upside down from the bottom.
I use a dozen Manfrotto products. There are higher end companies, but I don’t need them.
I’m very happy with all my tripods and such.
Ball heads offer a great deal of movement and versatility for most uses; be sure to get one that will support whatever camera/lens you have. Too small, and it’s like a Ford Focus pulling your boat. Yeah, it may work for a minute, but you really need a big truck.
The bigger ball you get, the more angles and positions you can hold a heavy camera/lens assembly in.
I know money doesn’t grow on trees, but tripods and heads are one(two) of those things where you buy cheap 2 or 3 times, then finally get the good stuff. Head straight for the good stuff and you actually save money!
Another vote for Manfrotto with a ball head. This isn’t the exact tripod I have, but it works similarly in that the tube comes out and goes in sideways so you can get very close to the subject. Also, the legs extend to just about flat so it can get very close to the ground. This is the head I use, I don’t think I would ever use anything different. Any angle, anytime, just squeeze the trigger and point it where you want it.
The brand name isn’t the driver you want to focus on (although I love Gitzo if you’re looking for a manufacturer recommendation) you’ve got to decide how important a few features are.
weight. Are you planning macro photography within a few steps of your car or are you planning to carry it all over creation. The main reason I love my gitzo is that it weighs less than half of my previous tripod.
Stability. This one works with weight and material - to get both stability and low weight the cost is going to go up. Know what your camera and heaviest lens weighs before you shop.
Compactness. If you’re going to travel with it this one is more important than you think. I didn’t think so and as a result when I travel with my tripod I need to take my largest suitcase and it still only fits diagonally and with the head removed. Sure I saved $50 when I bought this model vs the one that folded down smaller but it’s a bigger hassle every time I fly.
If all three are important and cost isn’t - well this is my dream tripod although the Explorer line is probably better for Macro.
If none are important (you’re a bodybuilder who is carrying it 20 ft from your car only and your camera only weighs 8oz) then you just need to go expensive enough that the center column is reversible/configurable.
The reason I got my nice Manfrotto is because before that I had some cheap $40 piece of junk and I got tired of just about knocking it over every time I tripped over one of the legs. A bit of weight isn’t a bad thing. I think mine is made of steel. If I had to guess, the body and head probably weigh 15 pounds. It also has foam rubber on two of the legs so you can toss it (camera attached) over your shoulder to move around.
