Need a good Tripod

[Eric23]

Hi Guys,

I need to pick up a good tripod. It needs to be some what portable. I was thiking of a ball head. I was looking at the 055MF3 055 MAG FIBER TRIPOD 3 SCT with the 486RC2 COMPACT BALL HEAD W/RC2 R.C.SY. Would this be a good choice for a 20D with a 70-200 IS?

Thanks,

Eric

[SkipD]

While the legs would be fine, I would suggest the 488RC2 head instead of the 486RC2. I own both. The 486RC2 used to be on my most-used tripod (the 3021BPro) and now tops off my monopod.

The 488RC2 is beefier and has a very distinct control advantage - the separate lever that allows you to unlock a rotary movement without unlocking the whole ball. This allows for panning horizontally - quite useful if you are going to do simple multi-shot panoramics of a distant scene.

[Eric23]

While the legs would be fine, I would suggest the 488RC2 head instead of the 486RC2. I own both. The 486RC2 used to be on my most-used tripod (the 3021BPro) and now tops off my monopod.

The 488RC2 is beefier and has a very distinct control advantage - the separate lever that allows you to unlock a rotary movement without unlocking the whole ball. This allows for panning horizontally - quite useful if you are going to do simple multi-shot panoramics of a distant scene.

I think I will go with that one is looks a bit better. How about the Tripod is the 055MF3 a good choice? .

Thanks for the help.

Eric

[SkipD]

How about the Tripod is the 055MF3 a good choice?It looks like that unit is the carbon fiber version of the 3021BPro that I use. I have never had experience with the carbon fiber version, but I suspect it would be just fine for everyday use. I actually prefer the weight of my unit, as it adds stability. However, if you hang your camera bag from the center of the tripod that will give it the extra mass to be more stable in a wind, etc - something that I do from time to time with my 3021BPro as well.

[DimensionZero]

...I would suggest the 488RC2 head instead of the 486RC2....

I would have to agree with SkipD on this one. I just bought a tripod and after trying to decide over the 488 vs 486, I went for the 486 and got a beefier set of legs instead. However, now that I have the tripod and ballhead, I wish that I had gotten the 488 for the panning ability.

Now, this is fine if you have a tripod with a round centre column since then you can just loosen it and turn that, but the Manfrotto that I got has a faceted one which prevents me from doing that.

[Eric23]

I just picked up my new tripod and head at lunch. I got a Manfrotto 488 RC2 Midi Ball Head and a Manfrotto 055MF3 Tripod. I can not wait to go home and test it out, just a few meetings left and then I can put it to the test :).

Thanks for all your help,

Eric

[nicshow]

Eric,

I'm interested in your review of the tripod and head!?

Nic