When it comes to macro/close-up photography, there are a few tripod features that you will need
that are indispensable.
Since the majority of your macro work will be down on (or close to) the ground, you will need a
tripod whose legs can be spread out very wide so you can get down low.
Center Columns
An alternative to a tripod that can spread its’ legs out all the way is to get one with a center
column that can be reversed. This will allow you to have the tripod legs positioned higher, but
still have the camera at ground level.
A reversible center column is just what you probably imagine it to be... rather than going up,
you reverse the column and have it hanging down between the tripods’ legs. Or, you can attach a
head to both the top and the bottom of the center column. A reversible center column will allow
you to get your camera all the way down to ground level.