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Tripods for Macro Work: Bogen 3021PRO vs Gitzo Explorer G2220 vs Uni-Loc Minor 1600
I'm shopping around for a serious macro tripod for mushroom photography
and have pretty much narrowed it down to either the Bogen/Manfrotto 3021PRO, the Gitzo Explorer G2220, or the Uni-Loc Minor 1600. The Gitzo Explorer seems to be kind of the standard in macro photography. The Bogen 3021PRO is $50 less and seems similar, but I've heard vague reports that its not as versatile as the Gitzo Explorer and hence more difficult to set up. The Uni-Loc Minor is about $25 more than the Gitzo G2220, and features a single-bolt setup similar to the Benbo Trekker. (Uni-Loc is supposed to be much sturdier than Benbo, however.) The single bolt is supposed to be awkward at first and requires you to study the instruction manual, but is supposed to be a super-fast setup once you get the hang of it. Uni-Loc has a "System 1700" tripod that's supposed to be even more versatile, but at $65 more than the G2220, its starting to get out of my price range. Opinions on the above tripods and which would be best for field macro work? In particular, what can I do (or do faster) with the more expensive Gitzo or Uni-Loc models that I couldn't do with the Bogen? Also, what do you recommend in terms of a tripod head for the above tripods? I'm still not sure whether I want a pan head or a ball head - I've heard differing recommendations for macro work. I am trying to set up a macro system on a reasonable budget, so I find the expense of a good ballhead somewhat distressing. What would be the problem with using a simple Bogen 3262 (= Bogen 484) if I'm not going to have a lot of weight on the tripod? Any recommendations for a decent ballhead for under $150 (preferably under $100) would be greatly appreciated. I should probably mention the camera setup, since that would determine what kind of head I would use. Its a Canon Elan with a 90mm macro lens and I may at some point use a Speedlite 420EX flash and softbox mounted on an off-camera bracket with it. Peter -- If replying by email, be sure to remove KILL SPAM from return address. |
#2
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I will be buying a 3021 for general work but I was able to get an old
Kennett Benbo model 1 off of Ebay recently and I love it. It does take practice to get used to it but, it's a great pod and very sturdy. The down side is it's huge even fully closed. this is not a attach to the backpack hiking pod. I've never used the 1600/Trekkers but have heard they are subject to vibration. FYI in order to be really comfortable with the unit I've been using it for all of my shooting. It's really very versatile but, I think a standard tripod is better in most non macro situations -- Ray Creveling http://www.blackcatblog.com "Peter Werner" wrote in message news I'm shopping around for a serious macro tripod for mushroom photography and have pretty much narrowed it down to either the Bogen/Manfrotto 3021PRO, the Gitzo Explorer G2220, or the Uni-Loc Minor 1600. The Gitzo Explorer seems to be kind of the standard in macro photography. The Bogen 3021PRO is $50 less and seems similar, but I've heard vague reports that its not as versatile as the Gitzo Explorer and hence more difficult to set up. The Uni-Loc Minor is about $25 more than the Gitzo G2220, and features a single-bolt setup similar to the Benbo Trekker. (Uni-Loc is supposed to be much sturdier than Benbo, however.) The single bolt is supposed to be awkward at first and requires you to study the instruction manual, but is supposed to be a super-fast setup once you get the hang of it. Uni-Loc has a "System 1700" tripod that's supposed to be even more versatile, but at $65 more than the G2220, its starting to get out of my price range. Opinions on the above tripods and which would be best for field macro work? In particular, what can I do (or do faster) with the more expensive Gitzo or Uni-Loc models that I couldn't do with the Bogen? Also, what do you recommend in terms of a tripod head for the above tripods? I'm still not sure whether I want a pan head or a ball head - I've heard differing recommendations for macro work. I am trying to set up a macro system on a reasonable budget, so I find the expense of a good ballhead somewhat distressing. What would be the problem with using a simple Bogen 3262 (= Bogen 484) if I'm not going to have a lot of weight on the tripod? Any recommendations for a decent ballhead for under $150 (preferably under $100) would be greatly appreciated. I should probably mention the camera setup, since that would determine what kind of head I would use. Its a Canon Elan with a 90mm macro lens and I may at some point use a Speedlite 420EX flash and softbox mounted on an off-camera bracket with it. Peter -- If replying by email, be sure to remove KILL SPAM from return address. --- Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free. Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com). Version: 6.0.768 / Virus Database: 515 - Release Date: 9/22/2004 |
#3
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I will be buying a 3021 for general work but I was able to get an old
Kennett Benbo model 1 off of Ebay recently and I love it. It does take practice to get used to it but, it's a great pod and very sturdy. The down side is it's huge even fully closed. this is not a attach to the backpack hiking pod. I've never used the 1600/Trekkers but have heard they are subject to vibration. FYI in order to be really comfortable with the unit I've been using it for all of my shooting. It's really very versatile but, I think a standard tripod is better in most non macro situations -- Ray Creveling http://www.blackcatblog.com "Peter Werner" wrote in message news I'm shopping around for a serious macro tripod for mushroom photography and have pretty much narrowed it down to either the Bogen/Manfrotto 3021PRO, the Gitzo Explorer G2220, or the Uni-Loc Minor 1600. The Gitzo Explorer seems to be kind of the standard in macro photography. The Bogen 3021PRO is $50 less and seems similar, but I've heard vague reports that its not as versatile as the Gitzo Explorer and hence more difficult to set up. The Uni-Loc Minor is about $25 more than the Gitzo G2220, and features a single-bolt setup similar to the Benbo Trekker. (Uni-Loc is supposed to be much sturdier than Benbo, however.) The single bolt is supposed to be awkward at first and requires you to study the instruction manual, but is supposed to be a super-fast setup once you get the hang of it. Uni-Loc has a "System 1700" tripod that's supposed to be even more versatile, but at $65 more than the G2220, its starting to get out of my price range. Opinions on the above tripods and which would be best for field macro work? In particular, what can I do (or do faster) with the more expensive Gitzo or Uni-Loc models that I couldn't do with the Bogen? Also, what do you recommend in terms of a tripod head for the above tripods? I'm still not sure whether I want a pan head or a ball head - I've heard differing recommendations for macro work. I am trying to set up a macro system on a reasonable budget, so I find the expense of a good ballhead somewhat distressing. What would be the problem with using a simple Bogen 3262 (= Bogen 484) if I'm not going to have a lot of weight on the tripod? Any recommendations for a decent ballhead for under $150 (preferably under $100) would be greatly appreciated. I should probably mention the camera setup, since that would determine what kind of head I would use. Its a Canon Elan with a 90mm macro lens and I may at some point use a Speedlite 420EX flash and softbox mounted on an off-camera bracket with it. Peter -- If replying by email, be sure to remove KILL SPAM from return address. --- Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free. Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com). Version: 6.0.768 / Virus Database: 515 - Release Date: 9/22/2004 |
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