DIY rig for macro shots


UncleFai

Senior Member
Mar 10, 2010
4,494
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Singapore
I did up a simple rig to mount my ball head so that it will stand on the table and hence use it for macro shots. Here is what it looks like:

rig1.jpg


Basically, here is what I did:

1. Bought two 1.5 inch long 3/8 inch screws with bolts from a screw specialist shop in the French Road area. The lady says she selling such small quantities to individuals as a service. Total cost $1.

2. Bought a wooden chopper block from NTUC Fairprice - $7.50.

3. Bought 4 rubber leg stubs from a dollar shop - $1 each.

4. Bought a 3/8inch drill bit from a hardware shop at Balestier Road - $3.50. This and the screws are the hardest components to find.

5. Bought a set of 3 counter-sunk drill bits from a dollar shop - $5.50. Also pretty lucky to find it.

6. Drill the main hole.

7. Drill counter-sunk hole so that at the end, my screw + bolt will cause enough protrusion on the other side of the chopping block to engage the ballhead's female thread. The screw by itself is too long.

And that's it!

Another shot of the rig (using my phone):

rig2.jpg


Tested it out with my sgcamerastore Beginners Studio Kit (a softbox + two standing lights). Here is one of the shots:

cs55.jpg


I hope some one will find this info useful.

Have fun!
 

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Well done
 

I just do it handheld since i have lightings it shouldn't be a problem right?
 

Nice setup. It looks more stable than on tripod
 

Sgdevilzz said:
I just do it handheld since i have lightings it shouldn't be a problem right?

For macro lenses (i use the 105mm) you need to go manual focus to get the exact spot of focus right. Plus you need to try various aperture sizes hold down the DOF preview to see if the defocus is what you want. And no worries about shutter speed coz it is so stable so I have the freedom of using any aperture I like.

I tried using my tripod. The advantage is that I can adjust the height. But with this rig I find that I can sit comfortably down, eye stuck to viewfinder and tweak all I want. With the tripod, I can put a chair coz the legs got in the way. To stand and bend down for a long time is too much for this old man who has a back injury before.
 

For macro lenses (i use the 105mm) you need to go manual focus to get the exact spot of focus right. Plus you need to try various aperture sizes hold down the DOF preview to see if the defocus is what you want. And no worries about shutter speed coz it is so stable so I have the freedom of using any aperture I like.

I tried using my tripod. The advantage is that I can adjust the height. But with this rig I find that I can sit comfortably down, eye stuck to viewfinder and tweak all I want. With the tripod, I can put a chair coz the legs got in the way. To stand and bend down for a long time is too much for this old man who has a back injury before.

Have you tested it outfield? Is it still useful while you take bug shots?
 

the rig is meant for indoor use, so it's not exactly relevant to ask him that

That's exactly why i ask him if it works well for outfield as well. Wouldn't it be good if you can use it outdoors as well?
 

spree86 said:
That's exactly why i ask him if it works well for outfield as well. Wouldn't it be good if you can use it outdoors as well?

I only completed it last night so minimal testing. But I intended it for indoor use. I guess for bug shoots, a tripod or monopod would be more mobile. Not sure coz my bug shooting "gang hu" is very limited.
 

Good job! :)

You forgot to include your transport $ for running from place to place to get different items...............:bsmilie:
 

nice diy.... can the chopping board hold the weight? esp the balance?
 

ymmij said:
nice diy.... can the chopping board hold the weight? esp the balance?

Can leh. The hole for the screw is one third way into the board.