Tripod brackets for Macro Photography
If you’re into Macro Photography, you’re probably someone who needs to invert your tripod’s centre column occasionally. Doing this rotates your camera 180 degrees and all the controls are now in a very unfamiliar place making it rather difficult to use.
Watch this short video which will show you two ways that I solved this problem using simple and inexpensive parts.
There are two options that I have found. The more expensive option one here is the better of the two but probably more expensive, though not by much. There’s a good possibility that a photographer with a number of spare parts for “grip” might already have many of the parts for option 2, though this is the least recommended solution.
Camera Bracket Option 1- Better
- Brackets – https://geni.us/doublelbracket
- Arca Clamp – https://geni.us/utebitqrplate
- Arca Plates – https://geni.us/ArcaQRplateset
- Thread lock – https://geni.us/everbuildthreadlock
Option 1 Notes:
The Arca Plate set recommended here is for three plates of varying length. The value prospect of these is quite good in monetary terms, but in usefulness, the long plate could be remarkably hand for macro as it will enable you to slide the camera slightly avoiding the need to reposition the tripod. Note too that the bracket material is quite thin and it’s easy to strip the threads on the pre-drilled holes if you over-tighten. I would recommend using Thread Lock, following the instructions on the tube
Camera Bracket Option 2 – Basic
- Arca Plates – https://geni.us/ArcaQRplateset
- Adapter set – https://geni.us/adapterscrewset
- Cold Shoe set – https://geni.us/coldshoeset
- Thread lock – https://geni.us/everbuildthreadlock
Option 2 Notes:
It is important to put a rubber/fibre washer on the cold shoe where it clamps to the camera to prevent it from loosening and having your camera fall off. I have not included a link to such things here, you probably have something that will do the job at home – a tap washer or anything you can crush gently to improve grip. I would also recommend using some thread lock so that all the key components stay tight together as they will easily unscrew through handling. This isn’t vital, but you will soon get tired of tightening things.
For transparency, these links are all affiliate links to Amazon. I will receive the tiniest of commissions if you buy anything through these links. All items are selected for the value-for-money prospect at the time of writing. You may find better deals at other times. If you are buying these parts, I would advise that you buy more things like thread adapters and Arca mount plates than you need right now as these things are very useful for future set-ups.
These ideas are for your own adaptation and I would be interested in seeing how people change these ideas to suit their needs. However, please note that I accept no responsibility if you make one of these bracket ideas and fail to tighten things sufficiently resulting in damage to your photography or the equipment.