Mini Tripods Solutions for Macro 4x5?

[Mudrunner]

Does anyone have a recommendation (or success) with miniature tripods for macro photography?
I am shooting 4x5 and I find that a full size tripod takes up a large footprint when the legs are fully splayed. It is often hard to fit into some situations , but I do need to get close to the subject and that is often close to the ground. I was looking at something like the large Ultrapod, since it is quite compact. For reference, I am using a Toyo 45a (about 6lbs).

Thanks in advance.

[abruzzi]

Not that I've tried, but I have some table top mic stands where the base is a 12inch disk of cast iron--pretty heavy. It wouldn't be too hard to adapt a 3/8-16 to the top. I bring this up because all the "mini tripods" I've encountered are super light weight, and I'd worry about stability with so little weight. I'd actually be looking for the heaviest mini tripod I could find.

[Mudrunner]

Not that I've tried, but I have some table top mic stands where the base is a 12inch disk of cast iron--pretty heavy. It wouldn't be too hard to adapt a 3/8-16 to the top. I bring this up because all the "mini tripods" I've encountered are super light weight, and I'd worry about stability with so little weight. I'd actually be looking for the heaviest mini tripod I could find.

Thanks...I have some mic stands as well....I really like the concept, but not the idea of lugging those around back country.

[Pieter]

A studio pedestal stand (way bigger and heavier than any tripod) has a base that will fit under most any table or surface you have for your still-life setup, allowing you to position the camera close. Otherwise, a tripod arm like Manfrotto makes can help, as long as you use some counterweights (I usually use small sandbags).

[Ari]

FLM CP10-A1: https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/searc...rch=yes&sts=ps

[Tin Can]

I have a few new things from SmallRig

This mini tripod is very strong, the legs to spread farther out and down than they show

I also use a Majestic tripod and head with a Horsemen rail to reach outer limits

[ethics_gradient]

If you're talking a few inches off the ground, try a sandbag.

[Mudrunner]

If you're talking a few inches off the ground, try a sandbag.

I was considering that....or an empty bag I can fill with dirt or snow when I get to a site. I wonder how stable it is when running through various adjustments? Have you tried this option?

[Bob Salomon]

Does anyone have a recommendation (or success) with miniature tripods for macro photography?
I am shooting 4x5 and I find that a full size tripod takes up a large footprint when the legs are fully splayed. It is often hard to fit into some situations , but I do need to get close to the subject and that is often close to the ground. I was looking at something like the large Ultrapod, since it is quite compact. For reference, I am using a Toyo 45a (about 6lbs).

Thanks in advance.

Go to the Novoflex web site and check their solutions.

[r.e.]

The Pedco Ultrapod that you're considering is very inexpensive. My apologies if what I'm going to say involves more than you want to spend. I have a very good tabletop tripod, but I don't think that that class of tripod is stable enough for a 4x5 camera. I'm attaching some photos of a Really Right Stuff Ground Tripod. The photos show it supporting a Blackmagic camera and zoom lens, but it's also rock solid with my 4x5 (Arca-Swiss). Benro and Induro make very good, less expensive versions. Benro and Induro are closely related companies (the ground tripods are almost identical), and I've read that the Mac Group owns both. This is an item where I would not hesitate to buy aluminium rather than carbon fibre.