TBPJr Loc: South Carolina

I can't vouch for how sturdy or long-lasting it really is, but I got a new Vanguard Alta Pro 263AB 100 for about $170 this past spring (my forty-year-old Velbron fell apart); it's currently available for about $150 (https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/745960-REG/Vanguard_ALTA_PRO_263AB_100_Alta_Pro_263AB_100.html). The sales pitch said it would take 15.4 pounds/ 7 kg. I like its features (it includes two quick-release plates) and it has been fine so far, but I have not really used it in any tough circumstances. I don't think you'll be disappointed under most conditions.

bigbadjohn

I like to thank everyone for their great comments and suggestions.

RichJ207 Loc: Sammamish, WA

From what I've read, this comment deserves some scrutiny. If you take a Canon EFS model (DX) lens and try to install it on some full frame Canon cameras, you may very shortly be making new friends at a Canon camera repair shop. Canon publishes compatibility tables for just this reason. They warn about mirror damage, for instance.

Just a thought.

Mundj Loc: Richmond TX

No, there is not. To use the Acra-Swiss system one most start the dovetail mount into the matching receiver and slide the mount in. You see the dove tail engage. On the Manfrotto system you cock the latch, slide the camera plate side ways to engage one side of the dovetail and rotate the camera down to the plate which is supposed to release the detent pin and fire the spring loaded latch. You then rotate the latch arm to tighten the connection. After you cock the latch and then start to engage the plate to the receiver everything is out of sight under your camera body. If you do not correctly initially align the camera plate to the dove tail, the latch system will release and you can tighten the latch but the camera latch will not be engaged. My DSLR with 300mm lens has taken a header to the tiled kitchen floor because of this. I had the oppportunity to play with several Acra Swiss type connections at MT Shooter's Camera Cotttage this summer. IMHO as a retired Mechanical Engineer with 50 years of experience, the Manfrotto system is clever and I unfortunately have several but the Acra-Swiss system is safer. If one is going to use the Manfrotto system I strongly suggest verifying the connection by first picking up the camera tripod assembly with the camera and not the tripod.

I do not have a convenient Brick and Mortar store so my purchases are made via the internet and I use the HOG as my primary source of photography information. I sincerely thank everyone who participates here. I also wanted to hopefully save someone the pain I experienced.

rdubreuil Loc: Dummer, NH USA

Rich, there in lies the rub, you're talking Canon which your 100% correct, due to Canon having changed their mount back in what the 90's (guessing), I had Nikon in mind when I made the reference to FX vs. DX lens usage based on their F mount. Sorry if this has caused anyone confusion on the subject. Besides, it's off topic anyway, the inquiry was about tripods and ball heads, of which there are as many as there are opinions about them. Recommendation on that, base it on what your intended use is, the gear you intend to support with it and your budget. Heavy equipment requires heavier more ridged support, if for travel or back packing, break down size and weight are factors. The original question was based on cost and a list that had been researched thus far, to that end I still recommend Vanguard and a good entry level is Vanguard Alta Pro 263AB w/ BH100 at about $150, at about the $200 mark you could skip the BH100 head and replace it with pistol grip GH-100 ball head and still come in a few pennies under $200.

RWR Loc: La Mesa, CA

If you really think this is the proper way to mount a Manfrotto plate, little wonder you’re having problems.


If you look real, real close, you’ll find that the Arca Swiss plate is also under the camera.


You must also correctly align the Arca Swiss plate.

I have both Manfrotto and Arca Swiss style heads, no problems with either. And I only have 1 1/2 thumbs! You should be successful using no more than two.

backroader Loc: Wherever we park our motorhome

You might look at Mefoto on Amazon. I just got a travel tripod I like for carrying around. Most colors were $199 but the yellow was only $145.