Manfrotto 055XPROB Pro Tripod recommendation (Page 2): I also would recommend whatever you get have Arca-Swiss-compatible quick release. It's by far the most widely offered, versatile...

amfoto1 Loc: San Jose, Calif. USA

I also would recommend whatever you get have Arca-Swiss-compatible quick release. It's by far the most widely offered, versatile and "universal" type of QR. Many different manufacturers use it and offer various accessories to fit.

Even Manfrotto (and Gitzo, same parent company) have recently begun offering some heads that are Arca-compatible. But they also still offer heads using their own, proprietary QR (two different types, in the case of Manfrotto). So be careful.

Pick the type of head you want for your purposes (pan/tilt, ballhead, pistol grip, yada, yada) and that provides adequate support for your gear. Then start shopping. I'm pretty confident you can find something under $100, though you may get more bang for your buck if you consider used.

Dziadzi Loc: Wilkes-Barre, PA

amfoto1 wrote:

I also would recommend whatever you get have Arca-... (show quote)

Thanks, amfoto1.

I have done a search of Adorama and Amazon for Arca-Swiss heads and am finding very pricey components. Does anyone have a more specific search query for that type. I am inclined to go with a quick release model.

LeoB Loc: Miami, FL

Check out the Sirui products. I have one of their carbon fiber tripods and head, and I'm very happy with it.

Dziadzi Loc: Wilkes-Barre, PA

LeoB wrote:

Check out the Sirui products. I have one of their carbon fiber tripods and head, and I'm very happy with it.

Thanks, Leo

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

Dziadzi wrote:

Fellow Hoggers, I was just given a Manfrotto 055XPROB Pro Tripod Legs. It does not have a head, thus the reason for this post. I am looking for recommendations on a head to attach my D7100. It will be used mostly for taking portraits. I am looking for a good quality head for under $100. I appreciate your responses. Thanks!

Assuming you are NOT using your 70-200 2.8, and you ARE using an L bracket with something like the 85 1.8, I like the speed and ergonomics of the Manfro #322 - https://www.ebay.com/itm/Manfrotto-322RC2-Tripod-Head/352299502199?epid=129773044&hash=item5206afca77:g:NZcAAOSwcJNaoGDs

Using the 70-200, (with tripod collar) a pan/tilt video fluid head would work nicely.

..

CO

You didn't say if you prefer a ballhead or pan/tilt head. I have the Manfrotto 460MG 3-way pan/tilt head. Its magnesium construction makes it lightweight yet strong. It sells for $129. I also have the Manfrotto MHXPRO 3W aluminum 3-way pan/tilt head. It has adjustable friction and its handles can be collapsed in for travel. It sells for $135. It's quite a bit heavier than the 460MG head.

I also have an Acratech Nomad ballhead that fits great on my Manfrotto 055 tripod. Its base diameter is almost exactly the same as the base of the 055 tripod. Its base is fluted so that it can be gripped more easily. I like that it has the Arca-Swiss type clamp. The Arca-Swiss clamp is very secure. I use my Kirk L-brackets with it. It's sells for $300.

WayneL Loc: Baltimore Md

Check out Sirui heads, very good for the price.

Dziadzi Loc: Wilkes-Barre, PA

imagemeister wrote:

Assuming you are NOT using your 70-200 2.8, and you ARE using an L bracket with something like the 85 1.8, I like the speed and ergonomics of the Manfro #322 - https://www.ebay.com/itm/Manfrotto-322RC2-Tripod-Head/352299502199?epid=129773044&hash=item5206afca77:g:NZcAAOSwcJNaoGDs

Using the 70-200, (with tripod collar) a pan/tilt video fluid head would work nicely.

..

Thanks, imagemaster

Dziadzi Loc: Wilkes-Barre, PA

CO wrote:

You didn't say if you prefer a ballhead or pan/til... (show quote)

Thanks, CO, I should have asked the forum which is better.

Dziadzi Loc: Wilkes-Barre, PA

WayneL wrote:

Check out Sirui heads, very good for the price.

Thanks, Wayne

planepics Loc: St. Louis burbs, but originally Chicago burbs

I use a Sirui ball head and it works great so far.

ryanwrightphoto Loc: Colorado

Honestly, you can get a pretty solid ballhead from Benro on Amazon for just over $100. I have one and I like it a lot, works great with my L-plates, holds up 20lb. too.

https://www.amazon.com/Benro-B1-Double-Action-Ballhead/dp/B004477MD8 (don't worry, not an affiliate link).

Dziadzi Loc: Wilkes-Barre, PA

ryanwrightphoto wrote:

Honestly, you can get a pretty solid ballhead from Benro on Amazon for just over $100. I have one and I like it a lot, works great with my L-plates, holds up 20lb. too.

https://www.amazon.com/Benro-B1-Double-Action-Ballhead/dp/B004477MD8 (don't worry, not an affiliate link).

Thanks, Ryan

Dziadzi Loc: Wilkes-Barre, PA

planepics wrote:

I use a Sirui ball head and it works great so far.

Thanks, planepics