Shoot with tripod or without tripod when doing macros?

[Limsbros]

It seems that there i no hard and fast rules, or rule of thumb. Use whichever method that yields the best pictures and don't hurt your pocket.

 

[evilorgi]

shooting macro without a tripod is hard leh... the i'm always unable to get a suitable shutter speed for handheld.

 

[Numnumball]

shooting macro without a tripod is hard leh... the i'm always unable to get a suitable shutter speed for handheld.

Actually, for shorter focal length like 60mm, 1/160 is good enuff and 100mm and above need to go max sync flash (1/250) to get a steady shot but u compromised on the ambience..

In short, Tripod is pretty much essential in macro photography

 

[VainKid]

Just curious why hardly people suggest monopod instead? I felt sad after buying a 180mm macro but I have no tripod

 

[madmartian]

Just curious why hardly people suggest monopod instead? I felt sad after buying a 180mm macro but I have no tripod

A tripod can double up as a monopod

 

[parampita]

Tripod too heavy for me. I prefer to carry less equipment and travel light. Even bag is small one for macro, just enough for cam + flash + batteries.

 

[nothing]

Hard to say. Tripod for static subjects - flowers and trees. Handheld +flash for fast-moving subjects - butterflies, dragonflies, etc.

 

[kriegsketten]

I don't use flash, hence tripod is a definite must.

 

[ovaltinemilo]

shoot macro with tripod helps with shake and also make it easier on your hands...

 

[kriegsketten]

Hard to say. Tripod for static subjects - flowers and trees. Handheld +flash for fast-moving subjects - butterflies, dragonflies, etc.

Agreed... When doing Macro - it depends on subject you're shooting. Stationery objects, always prefer with tripod. Fast moving objects - hand-held preferable - or at least with a monopod. Individual preferences still...

 

[thaBuzzed]

Agreed... When doing Macro - it depends on subject you're shooting. Stationery objects, always prefer with tripod. Fast moving objects - hand-held preferable - or at least with a monopod. Individual preferences still...

I'm pretty new to macro photography -did my first shoot just last weekend. I went armed with both my tripod and diffused flash. I ended up shooting handheld for 99% of my shots. Was hitting about 1/125 - 1/160 with the flash which worked ok with my 100mm and sharpness viewed at 100% was sufficient I guess. The one shot I did attempt with a tripod -microscopic spider on a branch was completely out of focus because the whole thing was moving. I'm really tempted to leave the 'pod behind for the next shoot! I'm not lazy to carry it around as long as it is put to use...

How do you guys manage in situations where the wind is blowing and shaking the whole darn thing you are trying to focus on? (its hard enough handheld using AI servo to try and keep focus on track!).

I have heard about those clamps one can attach to the tripod and then the other end onto whatever you are stabilizing or holding -do any of the local stores have it? What is it called!!?

 

[zac08]

Just a poll to survey what is the general setup by macros shooter.

Looks like I am spreading the macros "poison" .:bsmilie:

Depends on what kind of macro I'm after. For butterfly shooting, I go on the move and only use a monopod at the max.

If it's still life macro where the insect or subject doesn't move much, then I'll employ a tripod.

 

[lotus188]

i hand held, manual focus, but after a while, my arms cant take it & need to take a break. btw i take flowers only.

 

[Cowseye]

Till today, I still dunno how to properly deploy a tripod such that I can be near enough to the subject while not scaring them off. Always feel so dumb when I stretch out the tripod legs or deploy them on the ground and the subject just flew away without giving me a chance....

 

[Narsuitus]

I use a tripod when shooting in the field under natural lighting.

I shoot macros handheld when shooting in the field with electronic flash units.

I use a copy stand when shooting macros in the studio.