I am beginning the search for a tripod and head, with macro being my primary focus. The macro needs to be able to go flat on the ground and the ball head will need to be able to support a body (Nikon D50), 200mm macro lens with extension tubes and rail.

Any suggestions ?

Dave

whats wrong with hand holding like the rest of us do

i use a manfrroto 190pro black with a 460 magnesium 3 way head for landscapes and very ocasionally macro, very versatile head alowing all angles to be adjusted individually. folds almost flat to ground. but not low enough to shoot dewdrops

phil

Sorry Dave -the closest I come to using any kind of support is a carbon fiber monopod, and I don't even have a head for it. I just hold onto it with my left hand and use a couple of fingers to hold onto the lens. A cheap trick that allows me to rapidly change the angle I'm shooting from just by moving my hand, and I primarily use it for closeups. 99.9% of all my macro is hand held.