Macro video is bloody tricky!

[Z Gear]

I decided to have a crack at macro video on my GoPro because not every dive is filled with sharks and dolphins! I'm using a Backscatter Macromate Mini Lens which allows the GoPro focus at 3 - 4 inches (the image will be become blurry at shorter and greater distances). Accordingly, narrow FOV is the best setting for the GoPro.


So, put the lens on and stick it in narrow FOV and you're good to go? No, it's a bit more complicated than that.


You need light, but not too much. I'm using two Sola 2000 video lights on the lowest output setting which is 500 lumens. Too much light results in burnt images. The downside is that marine life and especially macro life doesn't enjoy being in the limelight and generally moves as fast as it can away from it. Also, I doubt that such bright light is doing these animals any good.


Stability is another issue. It is hard enough to get stable wide angle shots, with macro video, it is even harder. If I pursue this, I would seriously getting a small tripod.


Here's my first macro video after working this out. It's not great, but it's a start.


[video=youtube;xwcpQSep5zk]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xwcpQSep5zk[/video]

How did you manage to get such a stable shot with out a tripod? Thanks for sharing your video!

 

[MB NZ]

elbows on sand and not breathing much!

 

[Randy g]

I used small cheap tripod last weekend at BHB. Getting that close takes some very sloooow diving. I used my hand light (LD60) to light up the areas. I played with the 3 power settings and enjoyed my first time shooting macro.

The SRP does work great. My wife has that setup and she really enjoys it.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8XxLCIozU5g

 

[Allison Finch]

I dislike locline arms and the price of the SRP tray is a bit too high, IMO, and geared for the locline flex arms alone.

Both ikelite and Sharkfin make, essentially the same tray. The Ike tray, bare except for the GoPro mount (allows you to add your own handles and arms) sells on Ebay for 44.00

Ikelite Steady Tray for GoPro 2601 03 Wings New | eBay

and the Sharkfin comes with handles that allows you to use any arms you want for 60.00

Sharkfin Tray Underwater GoPro Tray Action Camera Tray | eBay

 

[RockyHeap]

Both ikelite and Sharkfin make, essentially the same tray,and the Sharkfin comes with handles that allows you to use any arms you want for 60.00

and even both of those, or anything other, is basically a triangle you can cut out of plastic plexiglass, delrin, alum, or fiberglass coated epoxied pizza box............then add your own handles and mounts.

keep it simple. or just pay the price to play with zero hassle.


not rocket science, the rest is $ price point.