alternative to Benro KB-2 & other gear

[rookie2]

does Manfroto make a version similar to the Benro KB-2 head?
I have found a nice slinger bag (lowepro 100AW Slingshot) available out of the US - has anyone used and/or purchased one in OZ - they look ideal for quick and easy comfortable shoots with more than just the basic gear.
finally I bought some Triplus digital extension (made in Japan) tubes but cant find them anywhere on the net - is this a bad sign or just 'limited' merchandise - everyone else talks about Kenko tubes.

thanks for any feedback

"(photo) gear does not maketh the man....nor great photos"

wannabe photographer
R2

[Glen]

Manfrotto does not make arca swiss gear, they use their own proprietry attachment and quick release system rather than the high end standard which is arca swiss. Why would you buy Manfrotto over Benro? Benro is better and cheaper. Benro tripods are modelled on Gitzo's, the next step up from Manfrotto.

Also, Welcome

[rookie2]

why did I buy Manfrotto - I was advised to buy the best tripod I could afford at the time..it happened to be the Man. 190B Pro & uniball head. I am just getting my feet wet into this digital photo world and wanted to get good solid gear first up but certainly not in the 'high end' of everything...I have a wife and teenagers to consider!!

Can I still use the benro gear on the Manf. tripod or are the systems incompatible?

thanks
R2

[pippin88]

Tripod threads are pretty standard, there are only two sizes AFAIK and you can get adaptors to go between.

[Glen]

Rookie, the Manfrotto is a great tripod used by many members here. The Benro has just come out and is cheaper and better, but only available through one place, these forums. The Benro head will fit on your Manfrotto tripod, but why bother as you already have a head on your tripod. If you are not happy with it, then the Benro would be a great alternative.

[rookie2]

I sometimes wonder. I know new gear will not overcome my many shortcomings in this new field but my attempts at macro on the w/e were really frustrating with stabilising the camera and having to move everything in and out a few mms each time and then losing the focus again...hence Paul (earlier thread) suggested the Kb- 2 might be a good alternative down the line ..more stability and easy to make small adjustments....

I think I'll work on some of the other aspects of macro (lighting etc) and then explore the head issue again if I really get into it.

I once took a lot of great travel photos with a Ricoh KR 10 and tamron 80 - 210 (way back in the 80s)

since changing to digital SLR I am still trying to recapture the sharpness and consistency of those photos ..maybe I'm just a nostalgic who thought they were better photos than they actually were.


its all good fun...

[moggy]

There's nothing wrong with your kit, you'll find the problem is you and you'll just have to keep taking pics untill you get it right. I know because I'm travelling the same path myself, consistency is the goal!

Bob.

.

[rookie2]

appreciate that Bob.
I'm just wondering if my impulse to buy a set of (apparently) pricey extension tubes on the w/e was warranted at this early stage and if I should now trade/swap them back in for a true macro lens (S/H Nikon 2.8 105mm AF) and be happy with that.
Seems I could buy cheaper Kenko tubes at a later stage and enjoy more 'freedom' learning the tricks of the trade with more consistent results with a dedicated Macro lens (may even buy an older model manual one) PS...rarely is an impulse purchase a good one...I was just dying to get into some macro ...and I had a rare free afternoon to do my own thing

[Glen]

Rookie, there are 3 main options here, a dedicated Macro lens, a magnifying filter (diopter) or a reversing ring for your 50mm. Do a search and see which fits your pockets and needs. A reversing ring is a cheap start before a dedicated macro lens, though with Birddys prices and depending on the length you want, 60mm, 105mm or 150/180 you may want to purchase the lens sooner as they dont have to be exclusively used as macro lenses. Not sure how good the extension tubes are behind a non macro lens, maybe others know?

[rookie2]

cheers Glen...I will take a step back (see if I can return the ext. tubes?) and do a bit more research on those options...maybe my friendly dealer will allow me try all three (unlikely)..he's a good guy but a businessman afterall so not sure if I'll be lumbered with the expensive tubes or not......
time to take a break and sleep on it
I really do appreciate all the great information and advice that is freely given here....I just need to absorb more of it and take more snaps!
many thanks
R2

[moggy]

Rookie, you need to decide also on what type of subjects you're mainly going to be taking. If it's flowers/insects then the 105mm or longer micro lens would probably do, I bought a s/h 35mm micro and regretted it. If you want to get into really small subjects ie. coin details etc. then it's a whole other ball game.

Bob.

.

[birddog114]

moggy,
You have attended to few mini meets, and didn't try all the available macro lenses prior to your purchase

Rookie2,
Yes, a 105mm is most the standard macro lens which you would like to have in your bag for macro shoot + your suitable tripod and head which will contribute to the successfully macro venture.

[moggy]

Unfortunately I bought the macro lens before I joined the group. But I've since learned my lesson (the hard way) and in future will seek lots of advice from the guys!

Bob.

.

[Matt. K]

Rookie
Those extension tubes are excellent for macro photography. You will have to manually focus your lens and arrive at a correct exposure by trial and error....a cinch using the histogram.....but don't give up. Extension tubes will provide professonal quality imagery when you get used to them.

[rookie2]

thanks Matt
i have returned them for a store credit and will do more research into SH macros or at least cheaper tubes - these were Glanz brand - same as Kenko apparently but I might get a SH set and save the biccies for something else.
I'm looking forward to getting more into the macro world - just got to be more patient and research before buying.
thanks for the feedback
cheers
R2

[Matt. K]

rookie2
Just don't fall into the trap of buying close-up filters. They give poor results. Extension tubes have no internal glass elements so do not reduce the quality of your lenses. A lens reversal ring is also a great way to get into macro without blowing the budget. Best option is a dedicated macro lens of course...but a little pricey.

[rookie2]

this was mentioned as an option but are they were hard to come by for the D70 (I'll look later tonight) - also is there any way to protect the mount side of lens when using a rev ring?- using one looks potentially very damaging if not extremely careful!

[swilk]

Rookie, the Manfrotto is a great tripod used by many members here. The Benro has just come out and is cheaper and better, but only available through one place, these forums. The Benro head will fit on your Manfrotto tripod, but why bother as you already have a head on your tripod. If you are not happy with it, then the Benro would be a great alternative.

I have had one of the Benro ball heads for quite a while now (bought it from China before it was available from this forum). I am very pleased with it. I have it on a Velbon 630 Carbon Fibre tripod and also tried it on my Feisol CF monopod. The Benro head comes with an Arca Swiss style quick release system which is incompatible with the Manfrotto QR plates. if you have a big investment in manfrotto plates you may want to think again about changing over.

[swilk]

rookie2
Just don't fall into the trap of buying close-up filters. They give poor results. Extension tubes have no internal glass elements so do not reduce the quality of your lenses. A lens reversal ring is also a great way to get into macro without blowing the budget. Best option is a dedicated macro lens of course...but a little pricey.

Actually, good quality close up filters can give spectacular results - just ask John Shaw (Author of Close-ups in Nature). Try the Nikon 5T or 6T or the Canon 500D series (NOT the Canon 500 series) which are all 2-element filters.

I have the 500D (77mm size) which I use on my Nikkor 80-200mm f/2.8 and my 80-400mm VR.

Even el-cheapo Hoya close-up filters work really well on a digicam (I used a Canon Pro90 IS) because the small sensor size means you are only using the central part of the filter's glass where the quality is highest.

Steve

[rookie2]

thanks Swilk for the technical info - I will store for later when I am upgrading. I have taken a bit of a chill pill on buying any more gear right now - Its a matter of taking heaps of snaps and learning from there before buying new gear in the false belief they will give me better shots.
I think buying a dslr has made me lazy - I have (for my first few shoots) just keep on shooting and hope I will get a few good ones from the many without taking a critical look at them while in the field.
I will probably go back and pick up my ext. tubes and work from there - a cheaper way to get into macro and I can always use on my kits lens & 50 mm and any othr lenses I buy later.
thanks again