Tripods for macro photography

[robinkaspar]

If you haven't read Bryan Peterson's "Understanding Closeup Photography" you should run out and do so. Another great book by this author.

In it Bryan talks about tripods and the kinds of features you should look for when shopping for a good one but doesn't endorse any particular manufacturer. One feature he mentions is "click-out" legs because it affords you the ability to go almost down to the ground. That's the kind of flexibility I'd like to have. On page 30 there's a picture of his camera on a Manfrotto tripod and sure enough, the lens is almost to the ground in a vertical (180?) position.

My question is what is the technical term for "click-out" legs? I didn't get anything when I Googled it like that. I went to the Manfrotto website and checked out the specs on their high-end carbon fiber models because I expect his is one of those. The only feature that suggests what he's talking about are "leg angles." Each model has 4 angles and they vary slightly from model to model.

Anyone have any ideas? Of course, I'd like to have the model he's got and I'll probably have to win the lottery before I can afford it, but I need to identify it first. And maybe there are other really good tripods out there that have this feature.

Thanks for your help
Robin

[Car2n]

Manfrotto 190XPROB for shorter people
Manfrotto 055XPROB for those 6' and up
Not only will the legs spread right apart (flat), the center column will go vertical as well. Your camera can kiss the ground with either of those tripods.

You'll need a head too. I'd suggest the 488RC2 (or the 486RC2 for lightweight camera/lens)

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[Bluenoser]

I have 3 tripods, a Gorilla Pod which is great for Macro, lets me get down real low. My other two are Manfrotto. A light weight one for smaller lens and a heavy duty one for my big lenses. The two Manfotto Tripods both have 4 position legs, not sure what it's called. They go all the way out so they are practically pointing away from the Tripod. This is a feature that I definitely wanted when I was purchasing my tripods.

The models of mine are

785B & 055XB

You can view them on their website.

[dakwegmo]

Another vote for the 055XPROB. The versatility of this tripod is excellent. The center column that shifts to horizontal, and the legs that lay flat, it's a great tool for macro photographers. I use a 322RC2 Head. The pistol style grip is great for quickly recomposing shots, which is a really nice feature when tracking bugs or other moving objects.