Wow,. this new Ball Head looks good

[CyberDyneSystems]

I have the Manfrotto pistol grip ball head,. very nice and fast but it does have some things I would improve...

Turns out Manfrotto was allready on the job!

Check this out! :)

http://www.bogenphoto.com/product/templates/itemalone.php3?itemid=2529

[msnow]

I have the 3265 but I think this one is better. Is this the one you have?

[CyberDyneSystems]

Yeah,. the 3265..

The advantage of this one with heavier lenses is obvious,. the weight is less likely to tip the entire grip over...

I have been using the 3265 with a heavy 500mm f/4.5 belive it or not,. (just didn't have anything else to use) and it works o-kay all things considered... but this new pistol grip which has a lower profile,. like a normal ball head,. would be far better for those longer range telephotos.

Mind you,. I really like the 3265. It just clearly has it's weight limits!

[defordphoto]

What tripod you guys using? I gotta shop for one...

[Canuck]

CDS,
Now the question becomes, if you really can't use it ss you go vertical (ie: for astrophotography) what can u use. I'm looking tripods right now and I have tried a few and returned them w/o hassle because they were plastic. All I had to do was fish out the 10D and 120-300mm lens attached and there wasn't a problem anymore. I got some weird looks though. It amazes me how few people have seen this realm of pro sized like the 10D w/ Big Ed (D)SLRs. Idunno. I'm also kicking around the idea of a 2x Sigma TC to make that 120-300 into a 240 to 600 x 1.6 is 960mm at max zoom.
I realise I will loose 2 fstops, but I'm not bothered. That moon pic that is on this forum was shot at F7.1! See what I mean? That said, the bit you mentioned looks really cool!

[msnow]

Jim--

I've been using a Bogen 3443 (Carbon Fiber) that I like a lot.

[CyberDyneSystems]

I use a Manfrotto/Bogen 3001pro. It is a great midsized pair of legs.. (not as heavy or pricey as the ones with geared center columns etc...

It would be heavier than a Carbon fibre,. but about half price at about $100.00 even.

The older pistol grip ball head goes for $85.00,.. but that new one which holds 6 more pounds (11 as opposed to 5) is only $99.00.. so $200.00 would get you the whole kit.

I also have a monster pair of legs,. (eye level WITHOUT the center column extrended!) that I got used in crap condition with green spray paint on them....

Why'd I get them.. they were virtually free,. and under all that paint,. they are another pair of Manfortto... These will get the new Gimble mount head which is exclusively for use with the 500mm f/4.5

Canuck,. grab that 2X! For another $150.00 or so you are in 600mm teritory. Why not?

[GenEOS]

Man, this was a well deserved modification to their design. The inherent problem with the old design was control. This looks like it will help control fine adjustments and bring the overall heigth of the unit down a bit.

Maybe worth E-baying the old model and trying the new...

[CyberDyneSystems]

Oh yeah,. the reason I liked the 3001Pro legs,. is the center column can be taken fron the vertical position and installed horizontal on top of the legs,. and the lages will splay out... way far out,. sio it will double as the PERFECT "ground level macro",. or "laying on your belly in the reeds stalking" tripod.

[RichardtheSane]

CDS, I have the Manfrotto 190Pro, which as far as I am aware is the UK version of the 3001pro - for the money it is a lot of tripod. I'll have to grab that pistol grip, I nearly bought the other one but I am pleased I waited now! :D

[Canuck]

CyberDyneSystems wrote:

Canuck,. grab that 2X! For another $150.00 or so you are in 600mm teritory. Why not?

CDS,
Exactly what I thought, it will be in my next order from B&H.