Dehowie From Australia, joined Feb 2004, 1023 posts, RR: 45 Posted (7 years 6 months 2 weeks 3 days 3 hours ago) and read 3348 times:
G'day
Just looking for some input as i need to replace my old tripod which suffered a painful death.
I am after something good and solid for my 100-400L to sit on for some night shots.So hopefully it should be solid,stable and trustworthy!.Any help on what head to get as well please.
I am looking at Manfrotto stuff but i am undecided on the head as to whether go for one of the multihandle heads or something like the 322 which is a single release style?
Anyway any help,experience and recomendations will be most appreciated.
PS Money is an object so i am not going Carbon in the legs dept.
Thanks
Darren
Airbus Lover From Malaysia, joined Apr 2000, 3248 posts, RR: 12 Reply 3, posted (7 years 6 months 2 weeks 3 days ago) and read 3273 times:
I'd say go for a Manfrotto leg and Manfrotto ball head.
Either the 190 series leg (preferably 190Pro) with the 486 ball heads (preferably 486RC2 with universal quick release plate) or if you require higher loads but also heavier weight, then go for the 055 series leg and 488 series ball head combination.
Personally I use a 190Pro with a 486RC2, it does cost quite a bit but it's really flexible. Fine for my 10D+100-400L but only thing is that it takes longer to set up than those normal tripods.
Contact_tower From Norway, joined Sep 2001, 536 posts, RR: 1 Reply 4, posted (7 years 6 months 2 weeks 2 days 23 hours ago) and read 3256 times:
A pro photographer (studio) once told me, that he got put off ball heads after he inadvertently released the lock on the ball. The camera tilted forward hard, and broke the EF 70-200 2.8 lens.
AKE0404AR From United States of America, joined May 2000, 2533 posts, RR: 53 Reply 5, posted (7 years 6 months 2 weeks 2 days 22 hours ago) and read 3247 times:
Darren,
well I was in the same situation as you, 2 years ago. Thus went to my pro shop and asked what was best for me.
2 hours later after trying out most of tripods in question, I left with a Gitzo.
(1504 with a Centre Ball Head G1378M / center column G1285)
Why.....
1.) because I wanted to have something which last for years. Gitzo gives you a 10 year warranty for all parts.
2.) Each part can be ordered individually
3.) The tripod extends up to 99" (253cm) ....fences don't bother me anymore even when I mount the 400 f2.8 on it.
Well, it was not cheap, but you get what you paid for. Excellent quality.
Dehowie From Australia, joined Feb 2004, 1023 posts, RR: 45 Reply 6, posted (7 years 6 months 2 weeks 2 days 15 hours ago) and read 3195 times:
Thanks for the excellent information particularly the info on model no's etc which is what i have been looking for.
Thanks
Vasco 99" wow that is one tall tripod when extended.
I have heard gitzo are the best when it comes to tripods but they also carry a weighty price but you really do get what you pay for.
Thanks guys
Darren
Dehowie From Australia, joined Feb 2004, 1023 posts, RR: 45 Reply 10, posted (7 years 6 months 2 weeks 2 days 5 hours ago) and read 3160 times:
Thanks
Really opens up the subject as to the relative merits of Ball vs other heads on tripods.
Looking at the weights the ball mounts seem to win by a wide marging but i gather that you lose a little stability compared with a 3 way head.
Plus the possibility of a loose haed screw causing your lens to drop against your tripod possibly.
Any other pro's and cons of the tw types of tripod head??
Darren
Photopilot From Cuba, joined Jul 2002, 2358 posts, RR: 23 Reply 11, posted (7 years 6 months 2 weeks 2 days 1 hour ago) and read 3137 times:
I use a Manfrotto and it's simply great. One great trick to help increase the steadiness of the pod is to hang your gadget bag from the bottom of the center post. The increased weight greatly reduces any movement.
As for heads, I use two types.
First I use a Manfrotto head, 3 way adjustable and lockable. Great for the normal "locked down" type photos such as at night.
Secondly I use a motion picture fluid head (also Manfrotto) which is dynamite when you want to be able to steady, but still swing a large heavy lens (300 or 400 2.8 EDIF) and want a super smooth steady pan action. But beware, they are not cheap.
Dehowie From Australia, joined Feb 2004, 1023 posts, RR: 45 Reply 12, posted (7 years 6 months 2 weeks 1 day 15 hours ago) and read 3109 times:
Thanks Steve.
I am leaning towards a three way head at the moment even at the expense of a little extra weight.
Fluid head sounds interesting and expensive!
I'll check it out.
Thanks
Darren
Sponsor Message: 
From Australia, joined Feb 2004, 1023 posts, 
From Finland, joined Oct 2002, 440 posts, 
From Norway, joined Sep 2001, 536 posts, 
From Malaysia, joined Apr 2000, 3248 posts, 
From United States of America, joined May 2000, 2533 posts, 
From Canada, joined Apr 2001, 2097 posts, 
From Cuba, joined Jul 2002, 2358 posts, 
Printer friendly format 
