Gorillapod?

[kat]

I enjoy taking macro shots but since my hands are not the steadiest I think I really need to start using a tripod. I do own one (pretty basic) but I don't think it's really suitable for macro as it cannot get low enough.

What tripods do you recommend for macro? I hear manfrottos are good but I am a little worried about the weight... Someone mentioned gorillapods. Has anyone any experience using them? Are they any good or are they a waste of money / time?

[Richard T]

hey Kat

For outside macro I'd advise a proper steady tripod (i have a manfrotto but they are many others available) For indoor shots or for really low down shots a gorillapod will probably do. I have the slr gorillapod that can take a little weight but have not really used it much

[MarkOne]

I found the gorillapod SLR ( the big one) complete rubbish when putting a 1d and a 180 macro lens on it ......... keeps creeping down with the weight ........ for table top stuff and normal macro, I would recommend the Benbo trekker ......... you can adjust this to any angle and nearly flat and it is solid as a rock ..........

Benbo Mini Trekker (BEN108) - Warehouse Express

[Richard T]

I must admit I have not put my 7d on it! It was ok with my 350d though

I dont think it would hande that weight but it depends on your body and lens

[IanClark]

I think the Gorilla pod is much better suited when not using a longer lens. Even though I have the SLR Zoom one as well, I have found that if you don't have the legs just right, it does creep down. You have to have one leg under the lens and bent in such a way that it fully supports the weight of a lens. bend the tip of it in on itself as opposed to out otherwise it does sink.

I find however that the gorilla pod works very well when it's gripping around bars. I've used mine a number of times like that. Camera FIRMLY around my neck though.

As for Manfrotto tripods, there are Carbon fibre equivelents that are much cheaper than they were.

[kat]

Thanks guys - sounds like the gorillapod may not be all that after all :-(
I had been thinking of getting the SLR Zoom one, to be used with a 450D and the Canon 60mm macro lens