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Looking for Feedback on Tripod and Head
Feb 19, 2021 18:20:04   #
dmeyer Loc: Marion, NC
 
I recently saw a video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YRFAwNx7QJY which really struck a note with me for my tripod use. The Gazelle Fastbowl Tripod https://www.ifootagegear.com/products/gazelle-fastbowl?variant=15669133574187&currency=USD&utm_medium=product_sync&utm_source=google&utm_content=sag_organic&utm_campaign=sag_organic and Acratech Long Lens Head https://www.acratech.net/tripod-heads/long-lens-heads/long-lens-head/?aff=5 seem to be an improvement in equipment efficiency for me once I get an L-bracket. Currently I use a Manfrotto 468MG ballhead and 290Pro tripod. Since I do landscape and am always on uneven ground, leveling the tripod legs each time I shift location is a pain. I could use the camera horizon line to level a single image, but that doesn't work on pano's if the tripod isn't level. This is a major investment for my limited travel photography so I would love to get some feedback on functionality from anyone who has used the Fastbowl tripod and the Acratech head for fixed subject/landscape photography.

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Feb 19, 2021 18:30:16   #
Manglesphoto Loc: 70 miles south of St.Louis
 
dmeyer wrote:
I recently saw a video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YRFAwNx7QJY which really struck a note with me for my tripod use. The Gazelle Fastbowl Tripod https://www.ifootagegear.com/products/gazelle-fastbowl?variant=15669133574187&currency=USD&utm_medium=product_sync&utm_source=google&utm_content=sag_organic&utm_campaign=sag_organic and Acratech Long Lens Head https://www.acratech.net/tripod-heads/long-lens-heads/long-lens-head/?aff=5 seem to be an improvement in equipment efficiency for me once I get an L-bracket. Currently I use a Manfrotto 468MG ballhead and 290Pro tripod. Since I do landscape and am always on uneven ground, leveling the tripod legs each time I shift location is a pain. I could use the camera horizon line to level a single image, but that doesn't work on pano's if the tripod isn't level. This is a major investment for my limited travel photography so I would love to get some feedback on functionality from anyone who has used the Fastbowl tripod and the Acratech head for fixed subject/landscape photography.
I recently saw a video https://www.youtube.com/wat... (show quote)


Acratech makes a great leveling head and it will fit on your 290 pro tripod.

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Feb 19, 2021 21:13:05   #
ahudina Loc: Browns Point, WA
 
Manglesphoto wrote:
Acratech makes a great leveling head and it will fit on your 290 pro tripod.


I second the recommendation of the Acratech leveling head. Very well made and very competitively priced.

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Feb 20, 2021 12:49:16   #
daplight2
 
I have a Gitzo quick leveling head that fits a Gitzo series 3,4,5 tripods (I also have a Gitzo aluminum series studex tripod for sale. I also have a Manfroto (new in box) 325N adapter that adapts a 75 or 100mm ballhead. Let me know if you are interested and I'll pm pics and prices.

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Feb 20, 2021 15:16:48   #
bwana Loc: Bergen, Alberta, Canada
 
daplight2 wrote:
I have a Gitzo quick leveling head that fits a Gitzo series 3,4,5 tripods (I also have a Gitzo aluminum series studex tripod for sale. I also have a Manfroto (new in box) 325N adapter that adapts a 75 or 100mm ballhead. Let me know if you are interested and I'll pm pics and prices.

I use a Benro 3D geared tripod head (https://www.benroeu.com/products/benro-gd3wh.aspx) and love it!

bwa

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Feb 21, 2021 09:06:35   #
dmeyer Loc: Marion, NC
 
Manglesphoto wrote:
Acratech makes a great leveling head and it will fit on your 290 pro tripod.


Did not pick up on how I might utilize this alternative while looking through the Acratech products--certainly would be a much more affordable option. Does this leveler have any tendency to slip a bit after locking down? (I had a previous Manfroto ballhead that dropped a tad after securing the position.)

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Feb 21, 2021 09:08:42   #
dmeyer Loc: Marion, NC
 
ahudina wrote:
I second the recommendation of the Acratech leveling head. Very well made and very competitively priced.


I appreciate your and Manglesphoto's introduction of this product as a solution. Liking the idea. Thanks!

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Feb 21, 2021 09:13:00   #
dmeyer Loc: Marion, NC
 
daplight2 wrote:
I have a Gitzo quick leveling head that fits a Gitzo series 3,4,5 tripods (I also have a Gitzo aluminum series studex tripod for sale. I also have a Manfroto (new in box) 325N adapter that adapts a 75 or 100mm ballhead. Let me know if you are interested and I'll pm pics and prices.


Leveling head, or leveling base?

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Feb 21, 2021 09:15:11   #
dmeyer Loc: Marion, NC
 
bwana wrote:
I use a Benro 3D geared tripod head (https://www.benroeu.com/products/benro-gd3wh.aspx) and love it!

bwa


Can you make fast initial setups with this, then fine tune?

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Feb 21, 2021 10:52:58   #
Jerry G Loc: Waterford, Michigan and Florida
 
I saw this video a few months ago and have added a bowl tripod to my wish list. I think your 468MG ballhead would work well with this tripod, after leveling the bowl make sure the camera is level then use the pan feature on the ball head.

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Feb 21, 2021 13:19:42   #
dmeyer Loc: Marion, NC
 
Jerry G wrote:
I saw this video a few months ago and have added a bowl tripod to my wish list. I think your 468MG ballhead would work well with this tripod, after leveling the bowl make sure the camera is level then use the pan feature on the ball head.


There is a glitch, though--with a Manfrotto ball head mounted, it obscures reading the bubble level on the fastbowl. (Based on the dimensions for each component that I saw.) That is why the video reviewer recommended the Acratech long lens head--it has a level at the base as well. Can't imagine why iFootage didn't set the bubble to the side of the fastbowl plate.

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Feb 21, 2021 17:04:34   #
bwana Loc: Bergen, Alberta, Canada
 
dmeyer wrote:
Can you make fast initial setups with this, then fine tune?

Most certainly! The large knob closest to the head releases the gearing for fast initial setup and the outer knob is used for fine tuning. Works the same in all three dimensions.

The head is shown on an astrophotography tracking mount.

bwa


(Download)

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Feb 21, 2021 17:10:56   #
dmeyer Loc: Marion, NC
 
bwana wrote:
Most certainly! The large knob closest to the head releases the gearing for fast initial setup and the outer knob is used for fine tuning. Works the same in all three dimensions.

The head is shown on an astrophotography tracking mount.

bwa


Thanks!

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