tripods and heads.

[yeoness]

Ive asked before but been away and lost me way!!

I want to buy a tripod and head. What is a really good combo? Awkward positions , Wildlife landscapes etc. 100-400 usm all that kinda stuff! Ijm aiming at Monfrotto cause i like em! any inputs out there please?

Thankyou.

[SkipD]

My tripod recommendation for general purpose use is the Bogen/Manfrotto 3021BPro (known as the 055ProB outside the U.S.) topped off with the Bogen/Manfrotto 488RC2 ball head.

This is a very sturdy combination with enough height for most folks.

It is an extremely versatile tripod/head combination, with many ways to support a camera. You can put a camera over a short wall, directly above a table pointing down, inches above the ground, etc.

The 488RC2 ball head has a feature that should not be ignored. That is the separate release for "panning". You can loosen the lever and rotate the camera horizontally without releasing the ball. This is great for scenic panoramic shots.

Here’s the combination at B&H: 3021BPro/488RC2 (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=353322&is=REG&addedTroughType=search/)

[yeoness]

Hi skip
Wat about the Neotec tripod by Manfrotto?

[SkipD]

Hi skip
Wat about the Neotec tripod by Manfrotto?If you're talking about the 458B, it looks like it would do quite well. However, at more than twice the price of the 3021BPro, it would not be on my shopping list.

[AdamJL]

Manfrotto do an excellent Carbon Fibre series - ideal for the outdoor photographer especially if it involves any amount of walking/travelling.
I use a 190MF3, but they have a huge range of products. They've also just launched a new Carbon Fibre range in association with National Geographic (www.supporthexperience.com)

[PacAce]

If you think you are going to be expanding your tripod usage to include other types of heads besides the ballhead, such as the gimbal-type head, you might want to consider a ballhead that accommodate the Arca-Swiss type plates so that you don't end up with two types of quick-release systems. Just something to consider. :)

[yeoness]

i just seem taken by the neotec, no levers or screws very lighht. But the MF4 looks god too.

[JohnJ80]

i just seem taken by the neotec, no levers or screws very lighht. But the MF4 looks god too.

The neotec is really heavy.

I have sort of come to the thought that if plan to hoof your gear for a long ways, the amount of use is exponentially proportional to how light it is. For me, if it has to go a long way, the closer the whole rig is to 4lbs the better. Over 5lbs and I find I carry it much less.

For that, I find the Manfrotto 055MF4 with a decent head, to be at the upper limit of what I am willing to carry. (4.4lbs for the tripod, 1lb or so for a ballhead).

My favorite rig for landscape photography is the Gitzo 1258 plus RRS BH40. This comes in at just a hair over 4lbs and is packable. It will handle a 70-200 f/2.8 as its upper limit so you should be good with the 100-400 since they weigh the same. The load limit on this is the same as the 055 MF4 at ~17lbs. If you don't fully extend the legs, I think it will be even more sturdy.

If you feel you need more than that then the next step up in this weight class is one of the new Gitzo's (3540) at about 4.5lbs and add a ballhead. This will hold 39lbs and should be good for about anything you put on it.

Mind you, though, these are expensive pieces of gear.

The next thing to look at is the Feisol or Benro tripods. They seem to be getting a following, but there are not enough user-hours on them yet nor reviews to let us know their long term reliability. however, they are light, CF and *should* be ok. If you are the sort of landscape photographer that works from your car trunk and doesn't set up tripods in deep snow, running water, or other nasty environments, then these should be ok.

J.

[yeoness]

so assuming i go for the MF4 what about the 322 head?

[JohnJ80]

Check out the 488 or 486 heads. I think they are better.

J.