Tripod for botanical fieldwork

For high resolution and/or time-lapse work with small plants like liverworts, a camera support is very useful…even essential. The camera support of course needs to be stable, and two other features are particularly useful. (i) Liverworts in the field are generally prostrate and could close the the ground or other substrate. The camera support needs to allow low positioning of the camera. (ii) High magnification macro work requires fine positioning and adjustment of the camera at millimetre scales.

Alta Pro 2+ 263AT is a lightweight, 26mm, 3 section aluminum tripod with max pay load of up to 7 Kg/15.5 lbs. Features the MACC (Multi-Angle Center Column) it can be positioned at almost any angle from negative to positive to offer very flexible positioning of the camera. The addition of a pistol grip ball head allows simple fine positioning of camera.

Here's the sales patter:

• Rapid action - intuitive set-up in a matter of seconds
• Unique Perspective - MACC (Multi-Angle Center Column) for limitless shooting angles
• Never waver - firm hexagonal center column
• Position versatility - 3 section legs with 4 position angles - 20°, 40°, 60°,80°
• Rock Solid positioning - unique “locked” “unlocked” Twist-Lock system
• Level headed - bubble level control
• High work load performance – up to 7 Kg/15.5 lbs, for multi gear options
• Extra Stability - canopy suspension loop for counterbalance weight
• Alta Link - 3/8 thread bonus connection for any accessory: reflector, articulated or flexible arms, and much more
• Grip and go - non-slip, all-weather TPU grips on 2 legs
• Firm on your feet - angled rubber feet to match any terrain (spiked feet available to be purchased separately)
• Bag it – bonus tripod bag with shoulder strap included

Information about the tripod at http://www.vanguardworld.co.uk/photo_video_gb/alta-pro-2-263at.html, including product description video (2.5 mins) at http://www.vanguardworld.co.uk/photo_video_gb/alta-pro-2-263at.html

I also equipped the tripod with a pistol grip ball & socket head for easy fine adjustment of the camera. The GH-100 enables you to position your camera quickly, with:

• Dual-locking quick shoe mechanism,
• One-handed, maximum comfort and convenient operation,
• 72-click point panorama
• 360-degree horizontal movement and 90-angle tilt

Information about the pistol grip ball and socket head can be found at: http://www.vanguardworld.co.uk/photo_video_gb/gh-100.html