Macro tripod set up recommendations
Hi to the Epz massive,
Once again I need advice. My lovely sisters have offered to buy me a set up for my tripod for macro work (I reach a landmark birthday this year). I have plenty of tripods, but no dedicated head or slide rail. My question is which setup should I go for?
With thanks,
Adam
Once again I need advice. My lovely sisters have offered to buy me a set up for my tripod for macro work (I reach a landmark birthday this year). I have plenty of tripods, but no dedicated head or slide rail. My question is which setup should I go for?
With thanks,
Adam
I considered a rail a few years ago but discovered that the alternative was to use software. I use Helicon remote which is excellent if you wish to capture focus stacks. I use an iPad to run Helicon Remote and it controls my camera via WiFi. Taking a shot of a stationary object like fungi, I place my camera on a bean bag normally but do have a tripod if needed. I can then focus on the near point then set the far point and Helicon will calculate the number of exposures needed to achieve that full depth of focus for the aperture set. It will then take the shots moving the focus via the camera electronics. If you are taking objects that move then focus stacking is probably not feasible nor will using a tripod. Just also bear in mind that controlling your camera from say an iPad means that you do not have to get into confined spaces or crawl on the ground because the live view is on the iPad so you can sit comfortably elsewhere (but in WiFi range) to set focus and trigger capture sequence. You have access to all the main Camera settings.
Dave
Dave
Quote:Does this only work with an IPad - not a laptop?
Sounds amazing.
Kate
There's an app which you can use on your phone and a version for laptop, but the biggest drawback with the remote is that it only works with Canon and Nikon...no other camera makes.
If it helps at all...
I bought myself a 2- rail set off eBay. I use it in conjunction with a geared head. Gives me control in all directions.
Cheap and cheerful.
Unbranded.
But works a treat.
Hope you enjoy, whatever you end up with.
Oh, and happy special birthday, whichever one it is. 😉 😊
I bought myself a 2- rail set off eBay. I use it in conjunction with a geared head. Gives me control in all directions.
Cheap and cheerful.
Unbranded.
But works a treat.
Hope you enjoy, whatever you end up with.
Oh, and happy special birthday, whichever one it is. 😉 😊
Hi Adam,
I use A Manfrotto 410 junior geared head and Manfrotto 454 Focusing rail for the occasions I want to take a
a still macro. A working setup that is very good as long as you remember to always lock everything properly before you shoot. I always use shutter delay as well.
Moving objects are a different skill set and a lot will depend on your lens and skill. I am still practising after 60 years
David
I use A Manfrotto 410 junior geared head and Manfrotto 454 Focusing rail for the occasions I want to take a
a still macro. A working setup that is very good as long as you remember to always lock everything properly before you shoot. I always use shutter delay as well.
Moving objects are a different skill set and a lot will depend on your lens and skill. I am still practising after 60 years
David
Quote:Does this only work with an IPad - not a laptop?
Sounds amazing.
Kate
When I first bought the S/S, I was using a Tesco's Hudl and was able to transfer to the iPad when I later bought this. You could use a Laptop. If you have any specific queries, I found the company very helpful.
I was using it with a Canon 5DMkii originally but upgraded to a Mkiv and Helicon remote recognised this.
Dave
Quote:Hi to the Epz massive,
Once again I need advice. My lovely sisters have offered to buy me a set up for my tripod for macro work (I reach a landmark birthday this year). I have plenty of tripods, but no dedicated head or slide rail. My question is which setup should I go for?
With thanks,
Adam
You have not said what type of macro you want to accomplish.
For wild flowers a tripod with a column that can be angled close to the ground is useful.
NiSi makes a good focus rail Arca Swiss compatible for about £100.
Focus stacking taking several images at slightly different distances to achieve know that the field is relatively easy with a focus rail - though you have to lock everything firmly down so as not to spoil the alignment between shots. An increasing number of camera bodies now have a facility to move the focus in camera.
Cameras that blend the sharp part of each imaging in camera are still a relative rarity.
Once the images are downloaded the sharp bits have to be merged in computer software. PhotoShop can do this to a decent standard if you have it.
Helicon and similar systems are useful for stacking up to several hundred images although they are expensive to buy – and - like PhotoShop - useless if you cannot take a series of photos without the tripod unintentionally being moved.
For wild flowers a tripod with a column that can be angled close to the ground is useful.
NiSi makes a good focus rail Arca Swiss compatible for about £100.
Focus stacking taking several images at slightly different distances to achieve know that the field is relatively easy with a focus rail - though you have to lock everything firmly down so as not to spoil the alignment between shots. An increasing number of camera bodies now have a facility to move the focus in camera.
Cameras that blend the sharp part of each imaging in camera are still a relative rarity.
Once the images are downloaded the sharp bits have to be merged in computer software. PhotoShop can do this to a decent standard if you have it.
Helicon and similar systems are useful for stacking up to several hundred images although they are expensive to buy – and - like PhotoShop - useless if you cannot take a series of photos without the tripod unintentionally being moved.
My Jammie dodger picture I took yesterday and posted today was 9 images merged in photoshop.
I set the camera on a tripod and using the camera in live view I used the touchscreen to select the focus points until all areas were taken in focus. I'm still learning like the rest of us and never tried a rail but might have a look at what can be done with one, at the moment I'm happy with my setup
Steve
I set the camera on a tripod and using the camera in live view I used the touchscreen to select the focus points until all areas were taken in focus. I'm still learning like the rest of us and never tried a rail but might have a look at what can be done with one, at the moment I'm happy with my setup
Steve
Quote:My Jammie dodger picture I took yesterday and posted today was 9 images merged in photoshop.
I set the camera on a tripod and using the camera in live view I used the touchscreen to select the focus points until all areas were taken in focus. I'm still learning like the rest of us and never tried a rail but might have a look at what can be done with one, at the moment I'm happy with my setup
Steve
Your pictures look very good to me, It was a Macro expert who had used a rail for many years who recommend not using a rail, mainly because they are expensive and while OK for table top not so suitable for taking shots outside e.g. fungi. I can see how you could do this just using the touch screen manually but the advantage of using software like Helicon Remote is more comfort. You have to tell in the nearest and furthest point in focus but it calculates everything from then. Also Helicon Remote can help in capturing HDR sets. This used to be particularly helpful and it can set any number of exposures required whereas my previous camera was limited to 3 exposures. The remote is also an advantage if say taking shots of a cathedral ceiling; no need to lie on the floor.
Dave
Thanks again for all the input here.
I've been dabbling with a variety of different macro subjects for some time and have tried focus stacking with some success using the technique Steve mentions. I admit that that I found this rather hit and miss and I will likely look at the Helicon remote set up that Dave mentions.
I use a Benbo tripod for my macro work with a manfrotto ball head. However, I am thinking of still buying a focus rail to allow for micro adjustments to the composition (something I find frustrating with my current set up), and for focus stacking (should I not get on with the software approach).
I did read somewhere that the Canon 5D MkIV I use for macro has a focus stacking option - does anyone know if this is correct? I've found no documentation to support this and I'm wondering if its a firmware update or hack (the former I'd use, the hack I wouldn't).
Adam
I've been dabbling with a variety of different macro subjects for some time and have tried focus stacking with some success using the technique Steve mentions. I admit that that I found this rather hit and miss and I will likely look at the Helicon remote set up that Dave mentions.
I use a Benbo tripod for my macro work with a manfrotto ball head. However, I am thinking of still buying a focus rail to allow for micro adjustments to the composition (something I find frustrating with my current set up), and for focus stacking (should I not get on with the software approach).
I did read somewhere that the Canon 5D MkIV I use for macro has a focus stacking option - does anyone know if this is correct? I've found no documentation to support this and I'm wondering if its a firmware update or hack (the former I'd use, the hack I wouldn't).
Adam
https://www.canon-europe.com/pro/stories/macro-focus-stacking/
David
David
Quote:I did read somewhere that the Canon 5D MkIV I use for macro has a focus stacking option - does anyone know if this is correct?
No I'm afraid the 5D MkIV doesn't have that facility. As a former professional macro and close up photographer I agree with Dave_Canon and I use exactly the same set up i.e. tablet and Helicon Remote, unless you are going over 1:1 a rail has little benefit, I do use a motorised rail with the MP-E65 as the increments are often very small and the motorised rail is very accurate, again it is controlled from the tablet and can be used outside with a battery box.
I do have a couple of manual rails, an expensive Kirk one and a cheaper Velbon.
As for heads I use a geared head which allows accurate positioning.
