Manfrotto to RRS

[LooserCanon]

Hi,

Having searched the forums I think I have found the correct answer to meet my needs - just hoping someone here can confirm my thinking. I have emailed RRS but am still awaiting their response.

I have the following setup:

* Tripod: Manfrotto 055CXPRO4
* Head: Manfrotto 496RC2
* L Bracket: Manfrotto 341 Junior Elbow bracket

This setup has two problems for me:

1) I've realised I need a proper panning ballhead and;
2) The Manfrotto L bracket I have is clumsy and unwieldy, so I want to get a RRS bracket

Normal usage on the tripod will be a 5D mark II with either a Zeiss 21 or a Nikkor 14-24 mounted. I want to retain some form of quick release system.

I've only just bought the tripod so I want to keep it - and plan to put some RRS gear on it.

Given the above, would these be the correct items to buy from RRS? (It seems the ballhead will fit my existing tripod as both use a 3/8 thread.)

* BH-40 LR (Panning Ballhead)
* B5D2-L (L Plate)
* B5D2 (Plate)

Thanks in advance.

[rick_reno]

That bullhead will fit fine, why do you need two plates? The L plate should suffice, I had both and RRS was nice enough to let me return my non-L plate and trade it in on something else (I don't remember what).

[ben_r_]

Yes, you can buy a new head for your Manfrotto legs, they are pretty much all a universal mount and work interchangeably. That being said, I would highly recommend against the BH-40. For the price it is a very weak ballhead and very overpriced. You would be MUCH better off with a Markins Q10: LINK (http://www.markinsamerica.com/MA5/Q10.php). And yes the lever clamp that comes with the Markins Q10 will fit and work with the RRS L plates. You can also change it later if you feel you need to over to an RRS one. But it is a seriously better head for about the same price.

Also, as the previous poster asked, why would you need both the plates? You should just need the one L plate.

[LooserCanon]

I realise now where I was misunderstanding the plate setup.

Looking at a photo of the RRS L-plate, I saw a rectangular section cut out on the side of the plate. I incorrectly assumed that some sort of additional, smaller/rectangular plate was needed to clip into that space and complete the arrangement.

Of course that open rectangular section is for access to the camera ports/panels and in fact the entire L plate frame clips into the ballhead's QR mechanism without the need for additional plates. :oops:

Anyways...I've ordered the ballhead and L plate and unfortunately missed seeing the posts above prior to ordering. I'm hoping what I've ordered will be sufficient for the 5D II - the 1D III is generally not attached to my tripod anyway.

Thanks all for your help.

[rick_reno]

That should work fine.

[ben_r_]

So what specifically did you order?

[rick_reno]

Anyways...I've ordered the ballhead and L plate and unfortunately missed seeing the posts above prior to ordering. I'm hoping what I've ordered will be sufficient for the 5D II - the 1D III is generally not attached to my tripod anyway.

Thanks all for your help.

I think he ordered the bullhead and L plate...but I'm not positive from the "missing seeing the posts above" comment.

[LooserCanon]

I orderered the BH-40-LR and the B5D2-L. RRS support have got back to me and have been excellent. The Markins looks very good, and RRS have a 30 day return policy if I'm not happy, so we'll see.

[rick_reno]

I think you'll be very happy. I tried two Markins heads and wasn't happy with either one, they both drooped. Friend who has one has the same problem. My RRS head doesn't droop, at least not yet.

[ben_r_]

I think you'll be very happy. I tried two Markins heads and wasn't happy with either one, they both drooped. Friend who has one has the same problem. My RRS head doesn't droop, at least not yet.
Wow, youre the first person I have ever heard of say that. I own two Markins heads and have zero droop. Never really liked the look or ergonomics of the RRS heads and the BH-40 IMO is priced too high when you can get a much stronger Markins for the same price. Sorry to hear you and your friend had a bad experience, but you two are def in the minority.