Nikon_DonB Loc: Chicago

Does anyone have have any experience with these. I've asked some members already but I'm kinda on the fence here. I'm probably getting the Manfrotto 055xproB legs

The 2 Manfrotto heads are the 498RC4 and RC2. They will both hold about 17 lbs.Which model would support my D600 with the Sigma 150-500mm Bigma lens the best. The RC4 has a bigger Quick Connect shoe with the bubble levels where the RC2 doesn't. The $10.00 difference really doesn't matter at this point. I know, clear as mud.

I also checked out the Oben BA-1and BB-0 ball heads too. I kind of like their style. They also have bubble levels and will hold 17 lbs. Very Confusing.

FilmFanatic Loc: Waikato, New Zealand

You may want to consider Arca Swiss. I had the Manfrotto system and hated it. The QR plates are universal so never really fit anything properly whereas the RRS plates are unique to each camera/lens so fit much more securely.

lighthouse Loc: No Fixed Abode

RTR Loc: West Central Alabama

I bought Manfrotto 055XB Tripod Legs and 498RC4 Midi Ball Head with 410PL QR Plate back in June and so far I like them very much. As long as you get the ball head tight enough the camera won't move. I do have to tighten the QR plate more than I would like to keep it from moving around under the camera but again everything seems fine. The heaviest load I put on the setup is D5100 with 55-300 kit lens, not much compared to what you are going to do.

Nikon_DonB Loc: Chicago

Good article lighthouse. Thanks

Nikon_DonB Loc: Chicago

Thanks RTR

LoneRangeFinder Loc: Left field

No experience with the Oben. I have the aforementioned Manfrotto-- and it works fine for me. I don't, however, have any heavy prime teles. They would require something heftier, IMO.

naturepics43 Loc: Hocking Co. Ohio - USA

I know your question is (which one) but you might want to consider other options. I used that head with my D7000 & 150-500 and didn't like it. Took it back & traded for the 327RC2 which I like better but now I'm looking into a gimble head. That lens & camera combo on top of a loose ball head is a bit unrulely. I do mostly nature & BIF photos so you want something that is quick to adjust. At least with the 327RC2 you have a handle to move or pan the whole rig. Just an oppinion from someone who has purchased too much equipment that didn't do what I thought it would!

Lorendn Loc: Jackson, WY

I have the 055 and the RC4 ball with the Manfroto quick release and love the set. I added the Manfroto quick release to both my 70-200 and 100-400 as well as the camera and they work flawlessly. About 20k shots at least half on the tripod. It is (relatively) light and sturdy and with the center column out, it gets down low. I am happy with my decision, however, the ARCA-Swiss release might be a good option if you ever plan to get a big lens 300mm/2.8 or 500mm/4.

Teacher Loc: Alabama

You might want a gimbal for that bigma/camera combo.Otherwise, any good ball head will do. I have a 324RC2 and love it. Fast as lighting. I have an Oben tripod and it is very well made. I use the BA-1 for a spare.

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

I shoot a Canon 300 2.8 with 2X - use the Manfrotto 222 joystick with a 234rc on top of it. Love it - and does not cost a fortune. The 234rc is for coarse adjusting and the joystick for fine adjustment. - Not what you mentioned - but a viable option.

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

I'm sorry, I should also mention that it works immensely better if your lens/camera combo are BALANCED when you put it on any ballhead/support also. So the mount you use to attach to the lens collar - some form of adaption must be used to move the mounting point to the center of gravity of the lens/camera combo. There are some cheap ways of doing this on e-Bay. If I find one again I will post it here. A single axis macro slide is one way of doing it. Another good idea is to have a long neckstrap connection to the lens - just in case there any mishaps while in use.

Nikon_DonB Loc: Chicago

Thanks for the input, my friends.

Take 5 Cinema Loc: Canoe BC

I have 4 Tripods, 2 of the Manfrotto's 055. The nice thing is sturdy, very quick vertical adjustment (no rinky dink gear winder upper), Legs can spread out to 3 positions, fast to set up and pretty darned solid. Since I am into movies, I have a monster TV camera tripod for the set, but these are all set up with video fluid heads.

FLASH!! The Manfrotto video heads, the 701 and 501 are designed for video and have this wonderful fluid silky smooth action about it - but pan and tilt only - so don't try to tilt the camera on an angle - move the legs instead. I actually found it wonderful for still work - an entirely different feel. Indeed, I now prefer it to ball head tripods of the past fpr any still work. No kidding.

I have used the Manfrotto pistol grip for 15 years and really loved it. The big thing - super fast to set up, compose and shoot - and when timing is everything - this is tops. No good for video though. And not the best for big guns (which I don't own anyway).

But damn, except for those wonderful fluid head tripods, for following fast action, I don't think they can be beat. And right now, the choice is the video head. Yes you can lock them in place for those time exposures.

PS - shhhh - don't tell anybody but I have also used some cheap Chinese ball heads and - well, you get what you pay for. Nada.

Cheers,
Take 5

HarryBinNC Loc: Blue Ridge Mtns, No.Carolina, USA

Different strokes for different folks - I love my heavy duty Manfrotto 475B with 329RC4 3-way pan/tilt head - It takes my big heavy cameras and long lenses without working up a sweat. For light gear, backpacking or motorcycle trips, my $120 Manfrotto 394-H with integral 3-way head fills the bill. And I have had absolutely no problem with Manfrotto quick-release plates with any of my cameras over many years.

Arca Swiss makes really nice stuff, if you have lots of money and don't mind spending it.

And I hate ball heads! I have a couple of good ones that have been gathering dust for years. But that's just me - YMMV