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01/30/2009 02:23:12 AM · #1 |
Just some advise please;
I am shooting primarily nature/outdoors, have heavy lenses, wants a carbon base, needs a head but not sure ball or 3-way(valid opinions will be appreaciated). Money wise about $500 total.
I have read up some but the point is that practical advise is almost always more valuable than sales talk/marketing. Help please? |
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01/30/2009 08:01:30 PM · #2 |
| I'll swallow my pride and bump this ..... really, no advise from nobody? Ouch. |
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01/30/2009 08:05:17 PM · #3 |
| i have a ball head, and its pretty cool. i have a pretty heavy lens myself, at least for me it is. its a relatively expensive head but i got it used for much less then the new price. i would probably go for something better then your average ball head if you can afford it. thats my two cents, not sure if it helped any:/ |
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01/30/2009 08:08:37 PM · #4 |
//www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/549561-REG/Manfrotto_by_Bogen_Imaging__190CXPRO4_4_Section_Carbon_Fiber.html
Cant go wrong with Manfrotto. The Grip-Action Head is nice for when you are on the move but for landscapes I am not sure it is the best thing. Although I have used it for landscapes many times, you just end up doing a lot of cropping.
Message edited by author 2009-01-31 01:08:56. |
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01/30/2009 08:10:23 PM · #5 |
| yeh manfrotto is always a good brand. i ment to include that in my post |
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01/30/2009 08:17:04 PM · #6 |
Manfrotto for sure. I hate ball heads for landscape work. Some of the very expensive ones are ok cuz you can lock the angle and still pan them aro0und the post, but any ball that pans off the ball loses your level as you move it. I much prefer the 3-way head. Manfrotto makes a nice, simple, sturdy one with spirit levels built in for all 3 planes. That's what I use...
R.
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01/30/2009 09:12:00 PM · #7 |
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01/30/2009 09:18:50 PM · #8 |
Agreed on the legs, but this is the head I use, and what I'd recommend for landscape/architectural type work. I only recommend the ball heads for action work from a tripod... That's my personal preference. Others may disagree.
Manfrotto 3-way RC4 head
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01/30/2009 10:47:28 PM · #9 |
Originally posted by Bear_Music:
Agreed on the legs, but this is the head I use, and what I'd recommend for landscape/architectural type work. I only recommend the ball heads for action work from a tripod... That's my personal preference. Others may disagree.
Manfrotto 3-way RC4 head |
No doubt that would be a great choice for landscape or architectural work. I suggested the 322RC2 because I have one and I'm very pleased with it. It's not the best choice for panning, but it's quick and easy to adjust and stays where you put it. The only drawback I've found is that it isn't very small or lightweight.
It all about tradeoffs...
A lightweight compact ball head is ideal for hiking or backpacking.
Manfrotto by Bogen Imaging 486 Compact Ball Head $59.95
Manfrotto by Bogen Imaging 468MG Magnesium Hydrostatic Ballhead $234.95
And you simply can't beat a fluid head for smooth panning.
Manfrotto by Bogen Imaging 503HDV Professional Video Fluid Head $324.95
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01/31/2009 04:39:47 AM · #10 |
Thank you, to each and every one sharing ideas, that is exactly what I needed. Will go with the manfrottos. ;-)
Message edited by author 2009-01-31 09:40:38. |
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02/01/2009 01:11:04 PM · #11 |
We have removed several posts from this thread for being lewd, off-topic, or quoting a hidden post.
User  Limecomb, this is your warning. We understand that you are new; posts to existing threads should be on-topic. Thanks for your cooperation. |
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02/01/2009 01:11:58 PM · #12 |
| I agree on the Manfrotto 190CXPRO4, I just love it. I want to get another head for mine, I currently have the Manfrotto 488RC0 ball head. |
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02/01/2009 01:12:42 PM · #13 |
Originally posted by L2:
We have removed several posts from this thread for being lewd, off-topic, or quoting a hidden post.
User Limecomb, this is your warning. We understand that you are new; posts to existing threads should be on-topic. Thanks for your cooperation. |
Sorry me bad. |
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02/04/2009 12:56:51 PM · #14 |
Just yesterday I bought the Manfrotto 190XPROB tripod and Manfrotto 804RC2 3-way head for $241.98 US.
I went with a 3-way head simply because I find adjusting each dimension separately is more precise for me than doing all 3 dimensions at the same time with a ball where it is easy to foul up. The 190XPROB is not carbon fiber so is about .5 kilo heavier than the 190CXPRO4. But tripod and head pack nicely in my camera backpack for hiking.
Manfrotto (or rather Bogen-Manfrotto) is the way to go, no doubt. I believe this amazingly adjustable yet sturdy tripod will be perfect on long photo safaris in rugged, wild country. |
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02/04/2009 02:08:12 PM · #15 |
Originally posted by Artifacts:
Just yesterday I bought the Manfrotto 190XPROB tripod and Manfrotto 804RC2 3-way head for $241.98 US.
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I have those legs, too. They're a little heavy, but they're sturdy and reasonably cheap.
I had the Manfrotto 488RC2 ball head, but replaced it with a sturdier Markins M10. I could never quite get the Manfrotto to lock down without moving. The Markins is solid as a rock. |
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02/04/2009 02:49:31 PM · #16 |
Regarding the ball head for landscape stuff--I've found it works pretty well and I appreciate the simplicity. Rather than spend time leveling my tripod I like to set it in a secure position and then level with the ball head. I'll qualify my statement by saying that the focusing screen on my 5D helps me greatly with horizon leveling. And I don't use it for panorama shots. My .02.
To  Ann, did you consider the lightweight Markins Q3? I'm currently using the Manfrotto 486 but want to upgrade and stay as light as possible. 5d/17-40 is my standard combo. The Q3 is basically the same weight as the 486. |
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02/04/2009 03:55:18 PM · #17 |
Originally posted by mpeters:
Regarding the ball head for landscape stuff--I've found it works pretty well and I appreciate the simplicity. Rather than spend time leveling my tripod I like to set it in a secure position and then level with the ball head. I'll qualify my statement by saying that the focusing screen on my 5D helps me greatly with horizon leveling. And I don't use it for panorama shots. My .02. |
It's amazing how close to perfectly level one can get using the Mark-I Human Eyeball. It's such a cool tool! I just wish I could order a new set. My old ones are... old. :D
Besides, I'd much rather trim a few pixels in PS to level a horizon than waste time trying to level the tripod... every time I move it.
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02/04/2009 05:40:52 PM · #18 |
| I have two of these guys and I like 'em a lot. Plenty of support without adding a lot of weight. Also on the light side for the wallet ;) |
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02/05/2009 12:35:34 AM · #19 |
Here is what I currently use:
Giottos MT9371 Tripod It's aluminum, because I couldn't afford CF, and still wanted high strength. It is heavy in my eyes, but it also does NOT move. Design is similar to the Gitzo Explorer series. One thing I definitely don't like: Because of the way the center column locks when you change the angle, there can be some "slop" when you are tightening it in certain angles. Also, the feet are a combination spike/rubber foot, where you can take off the rubber foot to reveal the spike. I haven't messed with this too much because the rubber feet didn't seem to want to come off at all with a decent amount of force. Honestly, I think it's a dumb design and my crappy old sunpak has a better design to integrate the two types (rotate the rubber foot causes the steel spike to protrude). Other than these problems, I really like it, and it came with a decent case and handy strap which I've put through a good amount of use.
Acratech GV2 Ballhead/Gimbal With Arca-Swiss QR
This ballhead is phenomenal. Locks superbly, exceptionally fluid movement, and weighs under a pound while still able to support 25 lbs.
I called and spoke with the company personally for my order, and they had awesome customer service. Can't say enough about these guys. I've also heard great things about their Ultimate Ballhead.
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02/05/2009 01:35:07 AM · #20 |
| After handling/touching/seeing/feeling/observing and whatever else, I decided on the following Manfrotto products: 055CXPRO3 carbon fibre tripod and the 468MGRC4 ballhead. Thanks again. I read somewhere that a true photographer would rather discuss his tripod/head than his camera/pixels/lenses. How true do you think it is? |
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02/05/2009 02:49:14 AM · #21 |
Originally posted by docpjv:
After handling/touching/seeing/feeling/observing and whatever else, I decided on the following Manfrotto products: 055CXPRO3 carbon fibre tripod and the 468MGRC4 ballhead. Thanks again. I read somewhere that a true photographer would rather discuss his tripod/head than his camera/pixels/lenses. How true do you think it is? |
Definately much more important than pixels. Probably as important as camera/lenses, depending on the subject of course. Not everyone sees the light however. I know plenty of folks with $3000 setups using $50 tripods :(
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02/05/2009 07:26:46 AM · #22 |
Originally posted by mpeters:
To Ann, did you consider the lightweight Markins Q3? I'm currently using the Manfrotto 486 but want to upgrade and stay as light as possible. 5d/17-40 is my standard combo. The Q3 is basically the same weight as the 486. |
Judging by my experience with the M10, I think the Q3 would be a great head for a lighter setup. I got the M10 because I have a Wimberley Sidekick, and plans for some heavier lenses. I was planning on getting a Q3 for my monopod. |
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02/05/2009 09:57:00 AM · #23 |
Originally posted by docpjv:
... I read somewhere that a true photographer would rather discuss his tripod/head than his camera/pixels/lenses. How true do you think it is? |
If correct than I'm no true photographer. I'm of the opinion that what matters head and shoulders above all else is your glass!
Camera, pixels, tripods and any other accessory you can think of pales by comparison. Your lens makes the image. Everything else just helps it out. |
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02/05/2009 10:02:46 AM · #24 |
Originally posted by Ann:
Originally posted by mpeters:
To Ann, did you consider the lightweight Markins Q3? I'm currently using the Manfrotto 486 but want to upgrade and stay as light as possible. 5d/17-40 is my standard combo. The Q3 is basically the same weight as the 486. |
Judging by my experience with the M10, I think the Q3 would be a great head for a lighter setup. I got the M10 because I have a Wimberley Sidekick, and plans for some heavier lenses. I was planning on getting a Q3 for my monopod. |
Thanks Ann!
 Mick, haha. My Mark-1 eyeballs have been augmented by Focus Dailies for some time now. Wish I could get a new set! |
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