The full sized VEO 3+ Series and travel sized VEO 3T+ Series incorporate Vanguard’s market leading multi-angle central column that can move almost 360° in any direction. This delivers a degree of versatility that can’t be matched by a traditional tripod. It’s a great all-round solution that can be used for macro photography and much, much more.
In this article we focus on explaining why the Vanguard multi-angle central column is great for macro photography.
Why do I need a tripod for macro photography?
While some macro photography can be done without a tripod, especially on a moving subject, getting in close to a subject can magnify the smallest error. A little too much movement can blur the image, and it can be difficult to compose the perfect image at the magnification (and the position) needed to get in close. The right tripod can get round these issues and improve the final photo.
#1 - Take the camera to the subject
Macro photography often involves getting down low and while many tripods without a multi-angle centre column can get down low, this can be cumbersome. For example, setting up a low angle adaptor often involves removing the head from your tripod and attaching it to the low angle adaptor which takes time.
Even if you can get down low with ease, you still have to position the tripod legs so the tripod is stable and the legs don’t interfere with the subject or sneak into the final photo, while trying to angle the camera for the best shot.
The multi-angle central column on the VEO 3+/3T+ Series can rotate 360° and tilt almost 360° for the most precise control on the market. This means you can set the legs in the most stable and convenient position, then simply move the central column to deliver the best angle for your shot in seconds. This reduces the setup time of your photoshoot and allows you to adjust the position of the camera and tripod with ease.
#2 – Attaching a monitor
Most cameras now have a display screen, but the quality of the image can be limited due to the size of the screen and the position the camera needs to be in to capture your photo. The multi-angle central column on the VEO 3+/3T+ Series includes a multi-mount adaptor that can be fitted to the centre column and turn it into a multi-mount with a 1/4” thread. This allows you to attach a monitor to get a better view of your subject. For the best results, we would recommend attaching a small ball head to the adaptor as this allows you to set the monitor at the most comfortable angle for you to view. This will often be supplied with the monitor, but if not you could use a VEO CSM DLX to adjust the angle, or any ball head with a 1/4" thread for complete control.
#3 – Comfort
Macro shoots can take time adjusting the position of the camera for the best shot, or setting up the lighting, generally low down to the ground. The multi-angle central column on the VEO 3+/3T+ Series gives you a much wider range of positions and allows you to consider your comfort, as demonstrated by Courtney Victoria (Vanguard Ambassador) below.
Other things to consider when choosing a tripod for macro photography
Getting down low will involve adjusting the leg angles. Both the VEO 3+/3T+ Series include a solid aluminium push button system that is incredibly easy to use, even in cold and wet conditions using gloves.
You may also need additional sources of light to optimise your angle, especially if you’re shooting in low light driven by the weather or the location. You can use the multi-mount adaptor (as shown below), but both the VEO 3+/3T+ Series include threads in the centre column canopy that can fit a “magic arm” with a 1/4” or 3/8” thread that you can then attach and direct a light source from. We would recommend the VEO TSA DLX tripod Support Arm as all the tripods and this support arm incorporate the non-twist bayonet fittings that guarantees a secure fit. Alternatively you can use a VEO Clamp combined with a VEO TSA DLX tripod Support Arm, or a table tripod, for more flexibility in positioning the light source.
The choice of tripod head can be down to personal preference, though we would always recommend an Arca compatible model as this is becoming an unofficial industry standard. Both the VEO 3+/3T+ Series focus on Arca compatible ball heads and we would recommend the “dual axis” version for macro photography as this gives another dimension of control when composing your photo. We do offer 3-way pan heads, but the handles could interfere with the positioning of the camera.
The other style of tripod head you may choose to consider for macro photography is a geared tripod head. This allows more precise control at higher magnifications where a small movement can make a significant difference. We don’t manufacture these at this time, but we do offer “tripod only” options which can be securely attached to the tripod head of any brand using an industry standard 1/4” or 3/8” thread. Simply look for models that end in “AT” (aluminium) or “CT” (carbon fibre)
Using the VEO 3+ tripod for macro photography
In this video, Jeremy from Vanguard gives an overview of how the VEO 3+ 263CB 160S can be used for macro photography:
What is the difference between the VEO 3+ Series and the VEO 3T+ Series?
In a nutshell – size. The VEO 3+ is 3-section and is designed to go up 25-30cm taller, while the VEO 3+ has 4-sections to fold up 25-30cm smaller. This does lead to a couple of small differences in the physical design, but these don’t materially affect the operation of the tripod.
Models recommended for macro photography
Travel Sized Kit:
- · Good: VEO 3T+ 234AB - Aluminium tripod with 23mm legs and dual axis ball head
- · Better: VEO 3T+ 234CB - Carbon fibre tripod with 23mm legs and dual axis ball head
- · Best: VEO 3T+ 264CB - Carbon fibre tripod with 26mm legs and dual axis ball head
Full Sized Kit:
- · Good: VEO 3+ 263AB 160S - Aluminium tripod with 26mm legs and dual axis ball head
- · Better: VEO 3+ 263CB 160S - Carbon fibre tripod with 26mm legs and dual axis ball head
- · Best: VEO 3+ 303CBS - Carbon fibre tripod with 26mm legs and dual axis ball head
Tripod Only:
- · Travel Sized: VEO 3T+ 264CT - Aluminium tripod with 23mm legs
- · Full Sized: VEO 3+ 263CT - Aluminium tripod with 30mm legs
- · Full Sized: VEO 3+ 303CT - Carbon fibre tripod with 30mm legs
In Summary:
Whether macro photography is at the heart of your photography style, or it’s an area that you’re looking to develop, Vanguard’s multi-angle central column in the full sized VEO 3+ Series and travel sized VEO 3T+ Series is a great solution and it’s versatility is second to none.
You may also be interested in:
- Vanguard Ambassador Courtney Victoria's top tips for macro photography
- Vanguard Ambassador Matt Doogue's top tips for macro photography