BIG ROB Loc: Princeton, NJ 08540

Hello, everyone! I'm now shopping for a good, solid, all around, general usage, stable tripod, in the $450.00 to $550.00 range, on B&H Photo.

I'm choosing from the Manfrotto's, and I'm uncertain as to what type and specific model, of tripod head, I should purchase.

Which design type, and then specific model, would be, the BEST ONE FOR ME, and also, the MOST ENJOYABLE, TO USE?

They list 12 models of Tripod Heads; on there Website, IN THE FOLLOWING CONFIGURATIONS: Pan/Tilt Head, Horizontal Grip Action Ball Head, Light Duty Grip Ball Head, Geared Head, 3D Magnesium Head, Midi Ball Head, and 3-Way Pan & Tilt, possibly, the same as Pan & Tilt. And then, some of them, are refereed to as, "Junior," before their model names. (Whatever that means?)

The actual, listed Model's Numbers, for them, Are: #'s: 056 3D Junior Pan/Tilt Head, 324RC2 Horizontal Grip Action Ball Head, 324RC2 Light Duty Grip Ball Head, 327RC2 Light Duty Grip Ball Head, 391RC2 Junior 3-Way Pan/Tilt Head, 410 Junior Geared Head, 460MG 3D Magnesium Head, 496RC2 Midi Ball Head, 498RC2 Midi Ball Head, 498RC4 Midi Ball Head, 804RC2 3-Way Pan/Tilt Head, 808RC4 3-Way Pan/Tilt Head, and the 054 Q2 Magnesium Ball Head Deluxe Kit!

All of these heads, are Manfrotto heads, being sold, with the Manfrotto Tripod Legs, # MT055XPRO4, for between, $420. and $560.

I'm asking, what are the differences, between these various Tripod Heads? How would a knowledgeable Photographer, make a selection, from among all of these, various types, and models, of Tripod Heads? They must each, have their own strengths, and weaknesses, in their individual usages.

Is there any one out there, who understands, what the differences between these various Manfrotto Tripod Head model's are? Can you provide me, with advice, in selecting the best one, for my own, individual purposes, and to get the maximum enjoyment, from it?

I only know about Tripods; that I need, great stability, load carrying ability, and light weight, and that there is both pan/tilt, and ball head.

I would really greatly appreciate, any relevant information, even if of a broad and general nature, regarding these types of Tripod Heads and there best uses; that anyone, can contribute, toward these questions; to aid me, in making a wise decision!

Thank you, very much, for your assistance and your best advice!!!

I presently, only know the difference, between the ball, and the pan and tilt, but not even which each is best suited for!

Merry Christmas to ALL!!!

Rob. :)

Leitz Loc: Solms

For starters, what camera and lenses will you be using on a tripod?

rmalarz Loc: Tempe, Arizona

Rob, I'd go with a pan-tilt head. I've used one for a number of years and it has never failed to suffice for any need. This includes unlocking all the adjustments so I could freely follow subjects for an action shot.
--Bob

djtravels Loc: Georgia boy now

It might be better to provide us with the type of shooting you'll be doing. Sports, birding/nature, landscape? Camera and lenses don't matter, as long as you're aware of the weight requirements. You could also google each type of head and learn what they have to say. djt

robertjerl Loc: Corona, California

Just to confuse the exchange.
May I suggest the NEST tripod and head (I have the gimbal) from MT Shooter here on the Hog.
http://www.cameracottage.com/equipment

Leitz Loc: Solms

I'm thinking that camera and lenses matter BECAUSE of the weight requirements. And yes, the type of shooting will determine which type head is best.

BIG ROB Loc: Princeton, NJ 08540

A the present I'll primarily be using it with nothing heavier than Canon EF 70-210 F/4. Yet, I want it to be able to handle a lens such as EF 100-400L, or something of that order. I always prefer overkill, rather than re-buying. The body is a Canon DSLR, EOS Rebel T2i. It will be used with other's in the near future. I certainly don't want to limit myself, in any way. I want to get whatever the best type of head is...for all around and general usage with a medium weight outfit, being conservative.

BIG ROB Loc: Princeton, NJ 08540

No sports or birding! Perhaps some wildlife...but seeking all around general usage...what would a very experienced and seasoned lifetime photographer, most likely, select for himself...for all purpose, general, overall flexibilty and durability...?

BIG ROB Loc: Princeton, NJ 08540

They are too expensive!!!

BIG ROB Loc: Princeton, NJ 08540

All of these 12 models which I've listed, all handle the same amount of weight, installed on the same set of tripod legs. And I'm seeking info as to which type would be the BEST for General, All Purpose Shooting! One of them must surely excel beyond the others...

robertjerl Loc: Corona, California

You really need to click on "Quote Reply" so we know what you are replying to.

ken_stern Loc: Yorba Linda, Ca

I just went through the purchase of a new ballhead myself ---- The best advice so far has come from Leitz -- "Camera & Lenses" --- What are they & what is the most weighty combination -- plus consider what if any future Camera/Lenses combo's --- In my case I have a 15yr old Gitzo G1127 (+/- $450.00) with a max hold load of 11/12lbs along with a Manfrotto 488 (less then $100.00)-- My issue has been from the start that the ballhead would not properly hold my 100-400 L-IS lens without a lot of downward creeping --- FINALLY - Replaced the Manfrotto with an GP Acratech-- It has a nifty quick release & can be used as a leveling head along with a modified gimbal --- Now all my lenses hold tight -- Only down side is the +500.00 cost --- However the bright side is it will be the very last ball head purchase I ever make --- One other plus is that the new ball head is 10 oz lighter in weight

robertjerl Loc: Corona, California

My opinion:

for a heavy lens ball heads are a pain, I don't use them

Pan tilt doesn't react fast enough on moving subjects

a gimbal reacts quickly

As to expense, you say 450 - 550

Add $50 and you can get NEST carbon fiber legs and head. Lighter, stronger, less vibration, more weather resistant.

Nest gimbal head $298, 55# load

Nest NT-6324CTM Traveller
Legs w/Monopod $299.00, 44# load and you have a monopod too

This rig will handle anything within reason, and supports enough you can hang a pack or whatever off the bottom for more stability in wind.

Gene51 Loc: Yonkers, NY, now in LSD (LowerSlowerDelaware)

You need to specify what lenses you will be using and what subjects you will be shooting. Macro and wildlife (with a long focal length lens) will be the most demanding, and the gear to support your camera and lens in a stable fashion will exceed your budget. If you are shooting landscapes and studio, you can get by with spending less.

As far as Manfrotto heads are concerned, they use their own quick release system which is unique to them. Everyone else uses some variant of the Arca Swiss dovetail quick release. If you get a Manfrotto head, you won't be able to use L-plates, flash accessories that utilize the Arca system, etc. Also, aside from their pricey geared 3 way pan/tilt heads, ($500 for the 405 and up) their other offerings are amazingly mediocre. Avoid the pistol grip heads, they are absolutely awful to use. If you are using a really long lens, the 393 is pretty special. I have modified mine with an Arca Swiss clamp from Hejnar Photo and couldn't be happier - I routinely use it with my 600mm F4 and it does a great job.

You might want to read the selection criteria for tripods that RRS has published - It's a three part article that is extremely informative:

http://blog.reallyrightstuff.com/choosing-a-tripod-part-1/

CO

Your $450 to $550 price range will allow you to get a carbon fiber model. Take a look at the 055 series carbon fiber Manfrotto models. Not only is carbon fiber lighter than aluminum but it dampens vibration better than aluminum. Camera Labs did vibration testing on aluminum and carbon fiber 190 and 055 series Manfrotto tripods. Scroll down to the vibration results section at this website.
http://www.cameralabs.com/reviews/Manfrotto_190XPROB_tripod/

I prefer pan/tilt head for landscape photography. I got the new MHXPRO-3W 3-way head. It's precisely machined from aluminum and has no looseness anywhere. It has adjustable friction on the front/back and side to side tilt. The handles can be pushed in to make it more compact. It also has three levels.