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Forums · UKNP

Tripod and head advice

Discussion

9 replies
Posted by Daniel Read on December 31, 2007 at 12:08 PM
I'm in the process of deciding on a new tripod and head. I wont be using long telephoto lenses, so I'm really thinking about low weight set-up. I bought a Unilock System 1700 tripod a couple of years ago, and whilst it's a good sturdy tripod, it's just too heavy to take around with me that often (and it would also help if i had an extra pair of arms to set it up properly!). I'm on a lowish budget, so I've pretty much decided on the Manfrotto 055XPROB tripod, so it's the head I'm not sure on. Are there any major advantages for a ball head over a three way head, or is it just a matter of preference? The Manfrotto 322RC2 looks interesting, does anyone have any experience with this? Any advice gratefully received!

Have a happy new year everyone :toast:

Dan.
Posted by PhilH on December 31, 2007 at 12:14 PM
Hi

Have a look at Benro ball heads....

(could also look at their tripods...) The ball heads are good value and seem to work as well as the very expensive equivalents....

Phil

Posted by Ian Hardy on December 31, 2007 at 12:51 PM
Hi Dan,

I had the 322RC2 and found it to be an excellent head, but im sure other manufacturers models are also as good.

Ian
Posted by Sean Bolton on December 31, 2007 at 12:53 PM
Hi Dan

I use Manfrotto tripods and heads. For general all round use the 055 is excellent. Also consider the 190 which is a slightly smaller and lighter version of the 055. A small ball head such as the 486 or 488 is again a versatile option and can be used for most applications.

For landscapes a geared head is often prefered e.g. the 410 or 460.

My Manfrotto 190+486 has been going strong for several years with no sign of giving up despite the abuse it gets from me.

Sean
Posted by Rob Husband on December 31, 2007 at 2:49 PM
Dan

I've got the Manfrotto 055XPROB tripod, and have found it great and very versatile - can get a really low angle and centre column positions add more flexibility.
As for head choice I've got the 488 ball head which is strong enough to easily hold 100-400 and can do Sigma 500.

Hope this is of some use.

Best regards

Rob
Posted by Rob Howard on December 31, 2007 at 3:01 PM
Hi Dan,

055XPROB is a very good tripod, I have a Arca Swiss Mono Ball on mine which works fine with my 16-35 f2.8, 300 f4 and 70-200 f2.8 on my 1D MKII's

Regards

Rob
Posted by Paul King on December 31, 2007 at 3:41 PM
before you look at Benro look at the reviews and the breakdown of parts....there are some real dangers with these items, unless they have changed?
Posted by Andy Shepherd on December 31, 2007 at 4:08 PM
Hi Daniel,

I use a Man055ProB with a 488RC4 head for my smaller lenses , a good combination IMHO.

Regards

Andy... :smile:
Posted by Daniel Read on January 2, 2008 at 4:14 AM
Thanks for the advice everyone. I think the best thing for me to do is go back to the camera shop and try out a number of different heads to see what suits me best.

Cheers,

Dan.
Posted by Elliott Neep on January 2, 2008 at 5:33 AM
The 055s are brilliant tripods although slightly lumpy on the weight side. I used one professionally (055PROB)in the field for years and it was great (until one of the legs was bent stopping a fellow photography falling out of a jeep). They are built to last and, with the lighter workload and care, should give you a lifetime of service. I was not too impressed with the heads - especially the 3-way. I had the 329RC4. You may be OK, but I have heavy lenses and the could not cope. I invested in a Really Right Stuff ball head (RSS55) and I love it - it is rock solid even with a 300 2.8 IS bolted to it. :wavey: