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Re: [OM] Macro questions

Subject: Re: [OM] Macro questions
From: William Biesele <william@xxxxxxxxxxx>
Date: Thu, 01 Feb 2001 20:17:46 -0700
dtlocke wrote:
<snip>
" What would be a good head to go on the 3401 if I'm shooting at stuff
on the ground?  I'd also like to be able to use the 3401 & head
combination to hold a small telescope.  The scope weighs 8 to 10 pounds,
and I'm talking about using the 3401/head with the center column in the
normal, vertical mode for that.."

IMHO: The only heads that work well for scopes are geared heads. They
work reasonably well for macro work; except they are taller than other
heads. I use a Bogen mini geared head for a spotting scope and for most
macro work. Depending on your scope this may or may not be a good
choice. Make sure it will be comfortable to use with your scope, i.e.
eyepiece height and location. The geared heads also work well for
framing macro subjects where small movements of the head cause large
movements in the viewfinder. The height, especially when combined with a
macro rail, leads to shooting down on ground level subjects. The choice
of macro lenses changes the angle of the lens to the subject. Longer
lens, 90mm or 135mm, with greater lens to subject distances make side
views easier.

"Also, I didn't have any luck finding a bogen "crazy arm" online -- any
help there?"

It's a "magic arm". I have one and use it to get closer to the ground.
Real fidely (touchy, lot of readjustment) to get focus and framing
right. For the minimum camera/lens height consider a board with a camera
stud or small ball head.

Consider a focusing rail for macro work, moving the whole tripod to
focus or rough focus is a pain. Velbon makes one with front to back and
left to right movement; it is not as smooth as the Oly macro rail and
stage. Or Olympus made a 'macro slider' for the Pen line which has a
lower profile than the OM gear; again not as smooth as the macro rail.

Does anyone know of a commercial camera board? How do they work for
macro work such as wildflowers?


TIA

Bill Biesele

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