NatureScapes.net Forums

I'm enjoying my new macro (Sigma 150) lens- using it with Nikon D750 for the most part. I almost always hand hold, but when it comes to lying on the ground for a shot, I'm not so keen on it... (not very good at getting up again either!). I'd like to get a little , light, very portable tripod for such occasions, and a remote to trigger the shutter. Have never explored either option-looks like a ton of choices out there. Any favorites? (Not costing fortune, please.) Tripod has to hold at least 5 lbs.

Thanks, as always.

There are several apps such as Camera Connect and Control that let you control an SLR with a smartphone,
even letting you see the image on the phone. The apps are inexpensive. Do a search for one compatible with
your camera.

As for getting really low without needing to get your head low to the ground, many DSLR users forget that their cameras have flip up screens with Live view. You can use a beanbag to get really low...

Stephen Feingold wrote:There are several apps such as Camera Connect and Control that let you control an SLR with a smartphone,
even letting you see the image on the phone. The apps are inexpensive. Do a search for one compatible with
your camera.

Thank you-I'll look into that. Good idea!

E.J. Peiker wrote:As for getting really low without needing to get your head low to the ground, many DSLR users forget that their cameras have flip up screens with Live view.  You can use a beanbag to get really low...

Hi E.J. I am using live view, but find a bean bag a bit bulky to carry around. Maybe there are smaller ones than mine, or perhaps I could make a little one. (Or commission my daughter who can actually sew!).

The pod red beanbag is a small beanbag that can screw into the camera tripod socket.

Hey Cindy.
You didn’t mention if you need height adjustability. Manfrotto makes a simple one called Pixi. There are a lot of options available. This one is nice, compact and strong:

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/ ... _mini.html

Here are others to consider:

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/buy/Tabl ... ni+tripods

I have used the old Bogen and it is compact and convenient to carry.  Other options from the store here at NSN include these:

https://store.naturescapes.net/skimmer- ... otography/

With code “NSN20off”, you will get 20% off until the end of the month on the Skimmer Pod.

https://store.naturescapes.net/bean-bag ... nssack-jr/

Joe

Cynthia Crawford wrote:

E.J. Peiker wrote:As for getting really low without needing to get your head low to the ground, many DSLR users forget that their cameras have flip up screens with Live view.  You can use a beanbag to get really low...

Hi E.J. I am using live view, but find a bean bag a bit bulky to carry around. Maybe there are smaller ones than mine, or perhaps I could make a little one. (Or commission my daughter who can actually sew!).

You can use a freezer bag and fill it up with jelly beans, M&M, Smarties, Maltesers, black beans, rice, sand, dirt of your choice.

DChan wrote:

Cynthia Crawford wrote:

E.J. Peiker wrote:As for getting really low without needing to get your head low to the ground, many DSLR users forget that their cameras have flip up screens with Live view.  You can use a beanbag to get really low...

Hi E.J. I am using live view, but find a bean bag a bit bulky to carry around. Maybe there are smaller ones than mine, or perhaps I could make a little one. (Or commission my daughter who can actually sew!).

You can use a freezer bag and fill it up with jelly beans, M&M, Smarties, Maltesers, black beans, rice, sand, dirt of your choice.

Hey, that's an idea! Except what happens if I get hungry and eat all the jelly beans??  I suppose it's wise to always have a pocket full for replacement....

If by low you only mean from ground level, this item is just the ticket.

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/ ... _with.html

Anthony Medici wrote:If by low you only mean from ground level, this item is just the ticket.

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/ ... _with.html

Hmmm- interesting-some assembly required, looks like. Versatile! Would not like to have to get another ball head for it, but I guess the kit allows direct connection to the camera. Bit pricey though. Do you use one?

SantaFeJoe wrote:Hey Cindy.
You didn’t mention if you need height adjustability. Manfrotto makes a simple one called Pixi. There are a lot of options available. This one is nice, compact and strong:

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/ ... _mini.html

Here are others to consider:

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/buy/Tabl ... ni+tripods

I have used the old Bogen and it is compact and convenient to carry.  Other options from the store here at NSN include these:

https://store.naturescapes.net/skimmer- ... otography/

With code “NSN20off”, you will get 20% off until the end of the month on the Skimmer Pod.

https://store.naturescapes.net/bean-bag ... nssack-jr/

Joe

Thanks for all the links, Joe. Lots of choices out there!

So...anyone using a remote that is not connected to a smartphone? I found very few that work with all 3 cameras (D500, D750, D850). Yeah, I know-super indulgent. Probably won't ever but another camera ) But I digress.
This one seems to work both wired and wireless, but has quite a few bad reviews. Always wonder about that...who to believe...

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/ ... emote.html

Doesn't Nikon make a wired remote? I'm a Canon user, and all the cameras I've owned all take the same one. I have two--a regular one, and the one with an intervalometer built in. And for my new 5D4, I have the Canon app on my phone...

-Paul

Cynthia Crawford wrote:So...anyone using a remote that is not connected to a smartphone? I found very few that work with all 3 cameras (D500, D750, D850). Yeah, I know-super indulgent. Probably won't ever but another camera ) But I digress.
This one seems to work both wired and wireless, but has quite a few bad reviews. Always wonder about that...who to believe...

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/ ... emote.html

I have a Vello wireless remote. It’s performance is sketchy. Regarding wired remotes, the Nikon MC-30 is simple and not too expensive. Google it and a lot come up, including used as low as $14(KEH) and$15 (Adorama). It performs well. The MC-36 offers more features, but is probably overkill. There is much to be said for wireless, but options are not inexpensive.

Joe

SantaFeJoe wrote:

Cynthia Crawford wrote:So...anyone using a remote that is not connected to a smartphone? I found very few that work with all 3 cameras (D500, D750, D850). Yeah, I know-super indulgent. Probably won't ever but another camera ) But I digress.
This one seems to work both wired and wireless, but has quite a few bad reviews. Always wonder about that...who to believe...

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/ ... emote.html

I have a Vello wireless remote. It’s performance is sketchy. Regarding wired remotes, the Nikon MC-30 is simple and not too expensive. Google it and a lot come up, including used as low as $14(KEH) and$15 (Adorama). It performs well. The MC-36 offers more features, but is probably overkill. There is much to be said for wireless, but options are not inexpensive.

Joe

Thanks Joe. Lots of choices, but not many that work with all 3 cameras. Maybe I need to get a simple one just for the D750, but I would like a little more functionality than a simple shutter release.  The Vello mentioned above can be wireless OR wired, and works for all 3 cameras. That's not to say it works well-that's what I was hoping to find out. 

How low do you want to go? If you want flat on the ground then the Platypod is good - you can attach your own ballhead to it, or else there is the Skimmer. If you don't want flat to the ground then I can highly recomment the Leofoto Ranger LS-223C tripod that can be purchased as a combo with the Leofoto EB-36 ballhead. Very well made kit - you may have to purchase direct from Hong Kong.

Cynthia Crawford wrote:

Anthony Medici wrote:If by low you only mean from ground level, this item is just the ticket.

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/ ... _with.html

Hmmm- interesting-some assembly required, looks like. Versatile! Would not like to have to get another ball head for it, but I guess the kit allows direct connection to the camera. Bit pricey though. Do you use one?

I mostly use it to hold floor lights for studio work. I am bringing it to Africa with me for my trip this year. It works well on the vehicle's roof.

It's designed to take any head that you own. If you're carrying a big tripod with you then use the head from that. Or pickup a small head for use specifically with it. For macro work, you might even pickup a small geared head. (though that's not a cheap option)

And the accessories aren't needed unless you want the risers (one of which is for studio lights, the NSN version is better than the other one), the silicon pad for using on your car, or the strap for using on trees. 

And you could pick up with Platypod with a cheap ball head. 

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/ ... pport.html

Paul Skoczylas wrote:Doesn't Nikon make a wired remote?  I'm a Canon user, and all the cameras I've owned all take the same one.  I have two--a regular one, and the one with an intervalometer built in.  And for my new 5D4, I have the Canon app on my phone...

-Paul

Hi Paul

Nikon makes several wired remotes. All very expensive, ($200+)  and nothing I can see that works with all 3 cameras. The one cheaper  version will work only with D750. Guess I could try the app for Nikon

Cynthia Crawford wrote:

Paul Skoczylas wrote:Doesn't Nikon make a wired remote?  I'm a Canon user, and all the cameras I've owned all take the same one.  I have two--a regular one, and the one with an intervalometer built in.  And for my new 5D4, I have the Canon app on my phone...

-Paul

Hi Paul

Nikon makes several wired remotes. All very expensive, ($200+)  and nothing I can see that works with all 3 cameras. The one cheaper  version will work only with D750. Guess I could try the app for Nikon

Ouch!  I just looked at the B&H website, and Canon has two kinds (depending on the camera).  The cheaper one is $21 and the expensive one is $47.  The intervalometer one is $135.

But it looks like they have a couple of less expensive Nikon ones as well.  One is $27 and one is $65.  Would those work on some or all of your cameras?