leslienicolephoto

Hey all, I do quite a bit of overhead photography. I need tripod set up advice. Primarily, I’m trying to figure out where to put my money to have a decent set up that is easy to use (emphasis on easy) and not too expensive (under $300. Under that even better). For now, I’ve cobbled together a system from things that I already have that works OK, but has inconveniences. I took my Benro MC-63n6 Monopod with a Really Right Stuff head and clamped it to my tripod with a Manfrotto Super Clamp. Tripod is a Bogen 3205 with a Bogen 3047 head. This is OK. Could be more stable. Takes time to get it level because the monopod and quick release plate are not easy to align. My biggest problem is that the Really Right Stuff quick release angle plate that I have was for a Canon 40D. It fits my 7D OK but on my 5D MKIII, it isn’t great. It can screw on, but it’s angled and slightly gauging the camera body. Also, difficult to put any cables at the side of the body. Here are my considerations / options - EG. Where do I put my money? Is this set up worth putting more money into it or starting fresh? I could order a Really Right Stuff plate for the Canon 5D MKIII - but it will have to come from America (I live in France now) so with shipping it’s going to cost probably at least $70. The plate for the Canon 5D doesn’t have the angle, so it won’t be such a hassle either. I could buy a different head for the monopod. Again, cost somewhere between $35 - $200 depending on head. I could buy an actual tripod arm with head - again, cost over $100 I could buy one of these new tripods with the easy to use lateral arm like K&F Concept or Benro Go Plus. Thanks for your input.

Thank you all for your great suggestions and experiences. This was really helpful. I've decided I am going to sell the 7D and 60mm Macro EF-S and get the 100 Macro L. @paddler4 I spent time yesterday researching the articles comparing to the non-L. Very compelling data! As I do sometimes like to shoot out in nature without a tripod I think I'll go for the L.

I'm a big believer in rockin' what you've got and I'm not automatically dismissing older camera equipment. Obviously there were beautiful camera/lenses before DSLR. I've had my 5D MKIII for years now and continued using my 7D with the 60mm figuring I would someday get the 100L macro but that what I had was fine. It was only in the past 6 months or so that I realized that I could be using my 24-70 L with the 5D MKIII for larger florals / still lifes. The minimum focusing distance is just under 15" - that means a subject a little bigger than a letter sized paper can be photographed. It was only after I started to use the 5D that I realized that the quality was better. I have the basic tenets of photography down. I understand focus points, DOF, camera shake, motion shake, etc. - all the considerations for sharpness and focus. it's also more than sharpness. there is a beautiful luminosity from the L lenses. By old equipment - I didn't mean all old equipment would be bad - but in MY case, the 5D MKIII and L lenses really are better than my older to me 7D with an EF-S lens. I've done test shots in the studio - on a tripod - mirror lockup - cable release. Focusing with the Live Preview. The L lenses on the 5D Win. :-) That said, I think I've made some pretty nice images over the years with the 7D / 60mm macro and wouldn't hesitate to recommend the combo - but I think there comes a time for many a photographer when you might realize that to get what you want, an investment in the best quality is the next step. That's where I am right now.

Thanks for that perspective. Very helpful. I've realized how illogical it is that I'm using my old equipment for my most important work! ;-) I do want to hold out for the L lens though. I love crisp detail.

Thank you, John! My portfolio here is outdated a bit - need to replace old images, but yes - I spend a lot of time on PP. I don't want to put too much of a personal plug in here, but if you are interested, I have posts on my process on my blog, French Kiss Textures. Also posts on the store blog.

Thanks for that perspective, John. I agree! Once you see how much better the quality is on the FF you don't want to go back!

I spent the morning testing each of my lenses at their minimum focus distance as well as with the 25mm extension tube I have. Shot on tripod, cable release, mirror lockup. My Findings: I was quite surprised at how close in I could get with my 70-200 f.4 L lens. I was also very surprised to find that the 70-200 f.4 L was way sharper than the 60mm EF-S for the same subject size! I tested twice to make sure I didn't bump during shooting. The 70-200 mm isn't as easy to use (as a macro) though for overhead shooting for example. 25mm Extension Tube: I hated the extension tube! Almost impossible to focus on the 24-70 2.8L. Plus, you have to be way too close to the subject. 4" Ditto for the 85mm 1.2 L - really, really difficult to focus and horrible focus loss at the edges. It was better on the 70-200 f.4 L lens. Good at 100mm focal distance and 12" from subject. Still sharper than the 60mm macro. However at 200mm focal distance had bad focus fall off on the edges. A 12mm extension tube might be better. I didn't know what I was doing when I bought the 25mm. This testing was great. I know know my equipment better and I now have a chart with how close I can get and how far I will need to be. (I used an old printer documentation to mark up and focus on.) I still absolutely need that 100mm 2.8L Macro, but I can get by with what I have for a lot of my close up work. Will I sell my 7D? I'm still not sure! I hate selling equipment but I also really want that 100mm macro ASAP!

I'm a fine art photographer, so I rarely need a back up camera - I like to have my 40D with the 28-135 kit lens as a camera laying around to use for snapshots of the pets. It's a nice, versatile lens for non-pro use. The 7D, I'm mainly thinking of using it for the video camera for courses and webinars I want to start doing. I need to learn more to decide what's best for this usage. Actually, the lens I want is a crucial missing link. I shoot mostly close up and macro and the only macro I currently have is the EF-S 60mm.

No camera rental nearby. Would have to be by mail. Yes, this is what I'm afraid of - regretting selling. I should just start saving up for the 100mm Macro. I don't shoot events professionally, but there have been times when having 2 cameras was useful. I visited monet's garden in Giverny France and it was nice having the 24-70 and the 70-200 (although heavy to carry!). I shoot in RAW and process in Lightroom. It's actually kind of interesting pushing myself to see what I can photograph with the equipment I have. There are lenses that I under-utilize like all my Lensbaby lenses, my 85mm, I've even been using the scanner. My "limitations" are making me get to know my equipment better. I'm actually fairly covered except in the 1-2 medium large flower set ups. Unless I want to use my 60mm on the 7D. Hey, say Hi to the Bay Area for me. I miss it!

Just need to think out-loud on this and get the input of those of you more gear experienced than me. I have a 40D, 7D, and 5D MK III. I have the 24-70 2.8L, 70-200 f/4 L, and the 85 1.2 L. I shoot mostly studio florals. For years, I've used my 7D with a Canon 60mm Macro (not L) and was pretty satisfied. Recently, I realized I could use my 24-70 2.8 L with the 5D MK III for a lot of my close-up work. Larger plants, bouquets, etc. The quality is so much better! I just don't want to use the 7D / 60mm anymore! The colors aren't as luminous and look slushy in comparison. I really want the Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM Lens - but I don't really have the budget for it at the moment. I do have a 25mm Canon extension tube - but that's too much macro (and too close). I was thinking of getting the 12mm, but I read a review recently that the 24-70L didn't perform as well with an extension tube. I was thinking maybe I should sell the 7D and 60mm macro. This would put me pretty close to affording the 100mm macro. I'm just wondering if I'll regret selling the 7D. It's pretty rare that I need a 2nd body. (by the way, my portfolio is a bit outdated.) Thank you for any input - thoughts.

<p>Thank you, Andrew.</p>

<p>I'd like to ask another question. You've mentioned super clamps. I do have one which is what I used to put my monopod on the tripod - but can you further describe how these are used? Will I need one with a side arm as well or do they come with a way to attach to the tripod?</p>

<p>Thank you, Andrew - very helpful. </p> <p>A big thank you to everyone. You've all given me great tips to not only get immediately better usage, but to start planning for a future tripod set up. I wouldn't have thought of these on my own. The skills and generosity on this forum rocks again.</p>

<p>Matthew, I don't know why I never thought of this! My tripod does have the option to click the legs really wide. I've used that feature on macros outdoors, but didn't think of using it to shoot down so that the legs aren't in the way of the shot!</p> <p>This is a very workable solution for me for now! I need to get a little level because I feel like it's still a bit hard to tell if my camera is exactly level, but it's much better. There are height limits with this and could be a little more stable, but it's OK. I don't have enough height to use my 60 mm macro lens, so I'm having to use my 24-70L lens. Maybe if I extend the center pole - but that will be less stable.</p> <p>Thank you!!</p> <p><img src="http://www.clickinmoms.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=752939&d=1438337476" alt="" width="700" height="858" /></p>

<p>Hi Jos, I wonder if the European sizes are different than the American? I brought this tripod from America. I noticed on the <a href="http://www.bogentripodparts.com/parts/head3047.htm">replacement part catalog</a> that they list an American standard size and a European standard size.<br> A1 3049 Hex QR Plate 1/4 $19.99 (standard USA size) <br> A2 3048 Hex QR Plate 3/8 $19.99 (standard European size)</p>

<p>Hi Andrew, thank you for your comment. I don't mind investing in equipment, but also don't have money to throw around if an upgrade isn't needed. Until I started doing this kind of photography, my tripod was sufficient, so I never thought much about tripod specifications. This tripod is pretty solid for straight-forward tripod work, but I'm realizing that it has limitations. It really is a pain trying to use it as I'd like. Mind you, I am using it with a monopod as a side-arm right now, but it's so shaky and hard to get correctly aligned.</p> <p>I'm going to try a few of the suggestions for inverting the post or angling the legs to see if that works. I have on occasion placed the tripod itself horizontally on a table with a bag of sand to weight it with my set up on the floor and that works in some cases.</p> <p>I am going to start researching a heavier set up. Maybe I can find a second-hand set up. Just need to know what to look for. Thanks!</p>

<p>A couple of you mentioned a copy stand. I used to work in a professional photo lab doing copy work so I've used copy stands, but 2 considerations.</p> <ol> <li>Do they make copy stands larger than for artwork around 9x12? I guess I could make one - but then would the camera extend out enough? It's something to explore. When I worked at the lab, we had a huge copy camera for larger artwork with a glass frame that tilted on horizontal rails. Not something I could have at home and only for 2D.</li> <li>Aren't copy stands more for flat work? The work I want to do is mostly flat - but not 2 dimensional. There are 3D items. Bottles, flowers, fabric, etc. </li> </ol> <p>By the way, anyone know what the French call a copy stand? </p>

<p>Matthew, you've made my head spin, LOL. I am going to have to look up the different plates you mention and try to wrap my head around your other suggestions. I knew this forum would have great suggestions for me to think beyond what I know.</p>

<p>Hey Stephen, great idea about the weight on the center post. I'll have to try that. I'm sure that would really help.<br> I'll also try to replace the cork as well. I was looking at the <a href="http://www.bogentripodparts.com/parts/head3047.htm">replacement plate</a> for this and it looks like it is missing a washer as well. I wonder if that is hindering me. (I was going to order this, but the shipping to France is going to be $30 - so considering it.)<br> I think I'll spring for the center arm, but just wanted to think of all options before I did.</p>

<p>I'm wondering if I need a new tripod or maybe just a new quick release plate.<br> My Canon 5D MK III tends to slip from position and I want to get a sidearm extension for doing overhead photography. I'm wondering if I should get a side arm for this tripod or consider getting a new tripod that has a side-arm feature. I don't want to spend money if it's not needed, but would also like a set up that isn't so shaky and frustrating when using a side-arm. (I currently use my monopod attached to my tripod - not working very well.) I'm not a professional product photographer, but I do fine art flat arrangements frequently.<br> I have a very old Bogen 3205 tripod. The specs I've found is that is supports 11 lbs or 6 kg. The head is a Bogen 3047.<br> <img src="http://www.clickinmoms.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=752413&d=1438269410" alt="" width="700" height="879" /><br> The quick release part the cork is old and coming off. I wonder if I could put new cork or rubber?<br> <img src="http://www.clickinmoms.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=752414&d=1438269552" alt="" width="600" height="600" /></p>

<p>Thank you, Benoit. Appreciate your answer.</p>

<p>Update. I filed a report to Facebook and they removed it.</p>

<p>Ian, I have written to them, I've sent them links showing it's mine, I've sent them links to copyright laws. They are still refusing. This is the first time someone has refused to remove an image.</p>

<p>This week, a friend told me that a site was using one of my images as their profile image.</p> <p>I sent them a friendly message saying I appreciate their liking the image, but that it was mine and to please remove it.</p> <p>Their first response was that they found it on Google, and there was no copyright on the image, therefor it was copyright free. I sent them links to where I have the image on my Flickr page and the copyright notice next to it. Unfortunately, years ago when I first started uploading images, I didn't put watermarks on my images. Now I always do. This image was taken 4 years ago.</p> <p>They refuse to remove it and keep demanding that I give them the copyright registration number. I've sent them things that show that a work is copyrighted when it is created and they still refuse to remove it. They even stated that even if that is the law in America, it doesn't pertain to the world and they are in Mexico.</p> <p>Yeah, this is showing me that it's time to go through and replace all images that are not watermarked and to start registering my images. I started a business and I've been so incredibly busy the past years I've had little time for maintaining my own images.</p> <p>This is the first time I've had someone refuse to remove an image, so it's a wake up call to clean up my online presence and take care of copyright registrations.</p> <p>Anyway, besides the obvious lessons to be learned here - what should I do now?</p> <p>Should I report the image to Facebook as a violation?</p> <p>Should I first register the image just to be on the safe side?</p> <p>I'm so upset and angry over their refusal to acknowledge my rights to my image, but I know that I may need to step back and think about if it's better to take the high road in this case or to stick in there. It's getting really ugly.</p> <p>As further information - this image is more than just a snapshot. It's clearly an intentional image and was requested by Getty. I didn't want to do an exclusive contract at this time - but just to illustrate that this could have been an image where I had an exclusive license contract.</p>

<p>I'm an American citizen living in France. I pay taxes in America. I was about to register my images on the American copyright site and suddenly wondered if it matters that I'm physically living in France and the work was created in France? I think it shouldn't matter would it?</p>