Been out and about on my knees again...



istD, 105mm Macro, f/6.7, reflector, manfrotto 055ProB tripod.



istD, 105mm Macro, f/8, manfrotto 055ProB tripod.



istD, 16-45mm, f/8, reflector, impending rain, manfrotto 055ProB tripod.


Absolutely tipped it down after the third image. Sat to wait it out, but the light was getting worse, and no sign of rain abating.

Still, had a good time while it lasted.

Dan

EDIT: Should have added 'Polariser' to each of the captions!

Smithy,

The Uniloc is no lighter than the 055 (at least it doesn't seem to be, might just be because it's bulkier), so as an all-rounder, the Manfrotto is probably a better bet, certainly with the height advantage. I don't know how high the 190 goes, but it's definitely lighter. Best thing is to get yourself into a shop somewhere and try some out!

Cheers,
Dan

And I'm guessing it's the front one ('outside' one) that has to be linear...? That's a shame, it's the other way round for me. My linear cokin is at the bottom of a pond somewhere.

Will try it out though, see what happens.

Cheers,
Dan

I've never tried that technique - using Velvia before I went digital I never seemed to struggle to get long exposures.

You wouldn't be able to mount two Cokin type polarisers in a holder - they use a special slot that's wider than the others, so you might still have to get a screw in one for the front of the lens, then fit the cokin holder to that. I've got a 52mm one around somewhere, might have to give it a try...

Cheers,
Dan

Hi Smithy,

I have used a Uniloc tripod for about 5 years, and have found it superb for macro work - basically the same design as the Benbo, but to me it was more solid than the Benbo at the same price point. However, a few weeks back, on my first day on holiday in Cornwall, having lugged the thing from the top of a cliff to the rocky cove at the bottom, the 'bent bolt' decided to lose it's thread when I tightened the handle, and I couldn't lock it in place.

Uniloc were very good at getting a new bolt to me, arrived next day, but the handle wouldn't screw onto that properly (seems like a slightly different pitch to the thread), so I was forced to find myself a replacement, although I'll still get the Uniloc sorted.

I considered the Manfrotto 190ProB, but really wanted something that would extend to around head-height without using the centre column (I'm 6'2", hence I went for the 055 (with a head and camera on top, it's nearly up to eye level).

Took a bit of getting used to after the Uniloc, and I still find it slower to get low down, but it is nice and solid, just not as flexible. No doubt though it would have been better than the Uniloc when I was balanced on the roof of a Landrover, trying to get the legs pointing in the right direction, whilst in a blustery snow shower, getting set up for a panoramic of the view from Fingringhoe Wick in Essex. The things we do for art (or cash ).

Dan

No need to pauper yourself, well not unless you're really skint. I use a Kood one from 7dayshop.com (£15), fits the Cokin P system holder (although I've also got the Kood one of those too (£4)), so you just get the relevant adaptors for your lenses, at £3 each. I should really splash out on something a little more classy, like a Lee filter, but to be honest, I've always found the cheaper ones do the job. And having dropped/broken a couple, I'd rather spend £15 on a replacement than £200.

I have a Manfrotto 055ProB, which extends to nearly head height without using the centre column, but also goes right down to the ground by splaying the legs right out. I keep the central column mounted horizontally, as I use it more in this manner, rather than having to swap it over everytime I want to do a low-level shot.

I use a Manfrotto 488RC2 ball and socket head, which has two knobs - one that loosens the b&s and allows full movement, and another that just loosens the head and allows it to rotate. Very handy for small adjustments, and also for doing the panoramic shots - you just level the tripod (using the built in spirit level), then level the camera (using a hotshoe mounted spirit level), and then rotate the head. Matching up images is easy then.

Mac, I'll sort some out!

Dan

"Excellent work Daniel" - took me back to the days when I was knee high to a very big grasshopper

It can make just as stunning a difference as it can with 'normal' photography, in fact more so because you're often filling the frame with things that can benefit from the effect - the Toadstool shot (the bottom one) had a lot of wet leaves that were catching the light and distracting from the subject, the polariser removed most of these reflections, and cleaned up the image no end.

I have to say I use a polariser around 90% of the time.

Thanks again

Dan

Thanks guys!

Brian, you're not a teacher are you? Sounded like a school report.

These are just the sort of shots I love to take, and I think there are few places I like to be than in a damp woodland with a camera.

I think one of my most useful accessories I have is an old pair of camo trousers - I really don't mind getting the knees wet and muddy!

But the polariser makes such a difference, wouldn't be without it.

Dan

Hi Galoot,

Yes, it does make your eyes go funny - I'm assuming that's a filter you've done in photoshop, not a bad advert for the 550's lens!

I went up to Edinburgh to visit a friend, who lives in a small village a stones throw from the Firth of Forth, so I had the intention of taking shots of more rural areas, in fact the nearest I got to the city was Cramond. A few shots below, which in no way enforce the stereotype of the Scottish weather...



Toadstools, istD, Sigma 105mm macro, Polariser, tripod, flash with diffuser.



Dew-laden grass, istD, Sigma 105mm macro, Polariser, tripod.



Beecraig Country Park, istD, 16-45mm, Polariser, tripod.



Beecraig Country Park, istD, 50mm, Polariser, tripod (six images stitched in PS - original dimensions 9183x 2971).



Toadstool, istD, Sigma 105mm macro, Polariser, tripod.


Had a great time in just a few days - must go back for longer. It's not an area I've visited before, just passed through on the way to the Highlands.

Cheers,
Dan