tripod for macro tips

[mapgirl]

I've used my Slik for years and am now ready (frustrated enough) to buy something more substantial. But I'm mired in the realm of TOO MUCH INFORMATION! Or maybe just too many options. So I could use some advice.

I mostly use the tripod for botanical macro and landscape shooting.
I prefer flip locks.
I need leg angles that are independently adjustable.
In order to get very close to the ground, I assume I don't want a center post.
I'm used to a 2-way cheap pan/tilt head, but should I consider a ball head?
My load is only about 3 to 4 lbs
I'm about 5' 5"
I can't really spend more than $450 total.

Any thoughts, advice, warnings are greatly appreciated!

[Rentham]

I just bought Manfrotto 055XPROB legs and a 054 Ball head with the Q2 Quick Release system. My needs are different than yours, but this combo might be a nice fit for you. Independent leg angles that can go up to 88 degrees, center column that can go horizontal, flip locks, etc. I love the ball head. 360 degree pan, portrait angle, and selective friction adjustment.

[ceremus]

Originally Posted by Rentham

I just bought Manfrotto 055XPROB legs and a 054 Ball head with the Q2 Quick Release system. My needs are different than yours, but this combo might be a nice fit for you. Independent leg angles that can go up to 88 degrees, center column that can go horizontal, flip locks, etc. I love the ball head. 360 degree pan, portrait angle, and selective friction adjustment.

+1, the Manfrotto 190XPROB is worth looking at also. Same basic features as the 055X, including the horizontal center column, but it comes in a pound lighter for having a lower load capacity, 11lbs vs 15lbs, respectively.

[Elmo]

My Micro tripod is also the 055XPROB. IT has a center column but it swing out to horizontal to all it to be out of the way for height consideration as well as it gives better access to reach over to something. I do not like a ball head for macro I prefer a 3-way head I now have a Mon 804RC2 head which does most things well.

Also it is heavy enough to use as a standard tripod, if i do not extend the center column toooo far, But as I am 6-4 that is always a temptation.

As an after thought you might want to look into the 410 geared head, that will be my next upgrade to this unit.

[PhotoRebel4]

I gotta vote for the 055XPROB as well. I got one for Christmas and I absolutely love it. The flip out center column is such a great feature and so easy to use. It fits all your criteria as well.

It's a little heavy, which many complain about, but I like a heft to it. It's steady and rock solid. I use mine with a Manfrotto 496RC2 ballhead and love the combo.

[mapgirl]

Thank you all for your responses!

Originally Posted by PhotoRebel4

I gotta vote for the 055XPROB as well. I got one for Christmas and I absolutely love it. The flip out center column is such a great feature and so easy to use. It fits all your criteria as well.

It's a little heavy, which many complain about, but I like a heft to it. It's steady and rock solid. I use mine with a Manfrotto 496RC2 ballhead and love the combo.

This is the combo I'm considering after reading the posts here and using the Manfrotto site's "configurator."

I'm curious to know how each of you came to your decisions?

[Elmo]

The legs choice was simple, it was the only thing sturdy and offered the configuration I wanted for Macro at a price I could afford at the time.

As for the head I find I do not do well with ball heads as they tend to shift in use. For me the 3-way offers better control, little in-use-drift and is cheaper too.

[mapgirl]

I'm back to being a little concerned about the center column and stability once I've got it swung out to the side for low to the ground shots. Thoughts?

Also I'm not sure whether I want to go to a ball head, stay with a pan and tilt (which has frustrated me in the past, but mine is old and cheap) or look into geared heads. Thoughts?

[Doug Sundseth]

The classic tool for stabilizing a tripod in studio is a sandbag.

If you're planning to use the tripod in the field, a bag for rocks obtained locally might be your best bet. Other choices are to use your camera bag, your daypack, or your water bottle as counterweights.

[Elmo]

Originally Posted by mapgirl

I'm back to being a little concerned about the center column and stability once I've got it swung out to the side for low to the ground shots. Thoughts?

Also I'm not sure whether I want to go to a ball head, stay with a pan and tilt (which has frustrated me in the past, but mine is old and cheap) or look into geared heads. Thoughts?

When the column is horizontal it has a wide contact area with the top and has been good for the stuff I do.

As far as a head I am not much on tilt-pan heads (single control arm) I do like the 3-way (e control arms) they can be a pain until you get used to them. The geared head is the same as a 3-way except it has geared movement not twist and tighten for positioning. this can make them a little slower for big moves but give very accurate control in framing.

One thing I forgot. the 055's normal leg position is a little to steep when using the column horizontally. Keep the colum half extended or fray the legs out more.