Manfrotto 190PRO B / 488RC2 Question

[kevin_c]

I have not been using my old Velbon D-700 video tripod legs and a Manfrotto 141RC 3 way pan & tilt head as much as I should, It's mainly because it's so bl**dy big & heavy!

I want a lighter/smaller unit that will not cost a fortune - about £100 max if poss.

I have already bought a Manfrotto 488RC2 ball head and this is great and also weighs less than the old 141RC (0.3kg less), It also does not have the adjustment arms to stick into me as I carry it!

Been looking at the Manfrotto 190ProB legs for about £85. I know they are not as stable, and tall as the 055, but that's the same weight/size as my Velbon (2.4kg). The 190 is only 1.9kg, and along with the 0.3kg weight saving of the new head I'm sure will make all the difference to me actually using it more.

The main question is... (at last!) Will this setup be stable enough to carry my 20D with Grip with a Sigma 70-200 f/2.8 or 24-105L fitted. I know the head is up to the job, it's the legs I'm concerned about.
I'm not usually interested in going out when it's blowing a gale, so as long as it's stable in 'normal conditions' I'd be happy.

Anyone else have this setup - are you happy with it or not?

[philbyuk]

i have precisely this setup sturdy enough for me ....with the 70-200 ive yet to try it with the 100-400, but im sure it will be good enough with that setup.

[Olegis]

I use the 190PRO + 486RC2 setup with my 10D and 70-200 f2.8L with no problems. Don't use the center column much, though.

[SkipD]

The main question is... (at last!) Will this setup be stable enough to carry my 20D with Grip with a Sigma 70-200 f/2.8 or 24-105L fitted. I know the head is up to the job, it's the legs I'm concerned about.
I'm not usually interested in going out when it's blowing a gale, so as long as it's stable in 'normal conditions' I'd be happy.If you wind up frequently needing to extend the center column to gain the height that you need, the rig will NOT be as stable as a taller tripod leg set such as the 055ProB. One should, in my opinion, choose a tripod that is tall enough to be used without extending the center column most of the time.

There are exceptions. Some tripods have very large diameter center columns that are very stiff and do not detract from the tripod's rigidity when extended. The family of tripods we are discussing, however, does not fit this description. They are far superior to the department-store cheapies, but I still would not want to work with a heavy long lens on a fully extended center column with my 3021BPro (same as the 055ProB).

[Ephemeral]

I have used my tripod with a 5D with grip and 70-200 f/2.8 IS and it's stable enough for my needs.

[kevin_c]

i have precisely this setup sturdy enough for me ....with the 70-200 ive yet to try it with the 100-400, but im sure it will be good enough with that setup.

Thanks philbyuk - I don't intend getting anything bigger than the 70-200 I already have.

I use the 190PRO + 486RC2 setup with my 10D and 70-200 f2.8L with no problems. Don't use the center column much, though.

I don't intend using the centre column, unless i really have to - Thanks

If you wind up frequently needing to extend the center column to gain the height that you need, the rig will NOT be as stable as a taller tripod leg set such as the 055ProB. One should, in my opinion, choose a tripod that is tall enough to be used without extending the center column most of the time.

There are exceptions. Some tripods have very large diameter center columns that are very stiff and do not detract from the tripod's rigidity when extended. The family of tripods we are discussing, however, does not fit this description. They are far superior to the department-store cheapies, but I still would not want to work with a heavy long lens on a fully extended center column with my 3021BPro (same as the 055ProB).

Thanks Skip, As I said to Olegis ^^^ I don't intend using it with the centre column up, I really want to get this to make me use it out and about, when I would not have taken the heavy old Velbon (and therefore maybe an 055) so I realise it's not the best choice as far as height & stability goes, but I think it will do for my uses, I'm now happy it will take the weight OK and not buckle under the strain!
I'm keeping the Velbon so if I ever do need the extra height/stability I can use it.

It's really all a comprimise I know, but the main reason I don't use the old one is because it's so big & heavy, so I'm hoping this may make me use it more.

I have used my tripod with a 5D with grip and 70-200 f/2.8 IS and it's stable enough for my needs.

Thanks Ephemeral - That's what I want to hear, I've been thinking that my next DSLR may be a FF (5D replacement next year??)

[kevin_c]

OK, an update - I decided to get the 190 and so far I'm impressed - great build quality and a lot lighter than my old setup, so with a bit of luck I'll use it more :-) I seems pretty sturdy enough for my uses as well.

I do agree with Skip's earlier comment about the centre column though, with the centre column up it does get a bit 'wobbly', but the height of the 3 section legs is adequate for me. If I were shooting at eye level all day I'd have a bad back, but I tend to use it lower down anyway.

Thanks for all the replies...

[Nick_C]

I got the 190Pro for Christmas along with the 804RC2 head as I don't like ball heads, its a great setup, a little bulky to carry but no more than any other tripod, I have got used to the lightness of my £2.50 tripod (yep £2.50) its cheap & is made by Cosmo, but it was nice & light, but this 190 is far better built, its pretty stable.

Nick :-)

[Vini]

I have the 190 pro too. As a habbit, i clip my Lowerpro mini trecker to the centre column, this makes it much more stable when the centre column is extended.

[Mick Emmett]

I tried the 190 in the shop with my 20D; grip and 100-400L on it and it was a little shaky, tried the same set up on the 055 Pro and it was steadier; not by a lot but enough to make me go for the 055 and the 486RC2 ball head with Quick release.

[Dorman]

Love my 190, should serve you just fine.

[kevin_c]

Thanks for the further comments people...

I almost went for the 055, but I was not going to loose any weight, although the new head makes is a lot easier to carry than my old one (3 way pan & tilt).

The whole reason for changing was to make it lighter, I can't afford a decent CF one (well, I could, but I'd have to go without food for a month!) so it all came down to the 190PRO or similar.

I've heard about the Dynatran ones on ebay, but didn't like the leg releases on the ones I saw, plus I didn't want to possibly get 'stung' for import taxes etc.

If the weather brightens up here (I don't think it will) I may actually get to use it outdoors! on some dull grey landscapes :-)