Mike
A tripod with no center post (or with the center post cut off at the quick),
and legs that spread out flat, is the usual solution. The setup I use
routinely is a Gitzo 410 with Studioball head. It is definitely sturdy and
has a wide leg base. With the legs splayed, the lens axis on a F4s is about
16" off the ground (I just set it up on the floor and measured). That's
close, but sometimes no cigar.
A bean bag will get you even closer and for a fraction of the price. A
lighter weight tripod and a smaller ball head will fall somewhere in
between.
After spending several days in the field with a friend who uses a Benbo for
flower photography, I became a convert. I put one on my wish list for this
year, yet I notice the flowers are already blooming and I still haven't
bought my Benbo.
Michael McKeag
Portland, OR USA
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
