Anyone use the 458B NeoTec Pro Photo Tripod?

[Reptile Bob]

I'm looking for a tripod/ballhead combo and I cam across the Manfrotto 458B NeoTec Pro Photo Tripod Legs with 488RC2 Midi Ball Head. (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=Search&A=details&Q=&sku=362078&is=REG&addedTroughType=search (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=Search&A=details&Q=&sku=362078&is=REG&addedTroughType=search)). Is there anyone who has any experience with these legs? The "innovative NeoTec rapid opening and closing mechanism" seems nice, but I'm wondering if it works well in practice. Also, any comments on the 488RC2 Midi Ball Head? Will it work well on these legs or should I look at another combo?

Thanks,
Robert

[coreypolis]

yes, the legs work as described. fastest there is to put up and down.

yes the head works well with it, nice and light to go along with the light legs.

However, IMO its not very stable. Its not going to tip over, but the legs wobble quite a bit, and if I could I would trade mine in for a bassalt or cf tripod thats a bit sturdier. How often do you need a tripod up in 5 seconds?

[JohnJ80]

.... and it is a one heavy tripod. That alone is enough to kill it for me. If you are 6', this height will mean some stooping for you.

There are other choices out there that are better. Consider the manfrotto 055MF3 or 4, for example. More stable and a lot lighter and the same money - a better choice, IMO.

J.

[coreypolis]

.... and it is a one heavy tripod. That alone is enough to kill it for me. If you are 6', this height will mean some stooping for you.

There are other choices out there that are better. Consider the manfrotto 055MF3 or 4, for example. More stable and a lot lighter and the same money - a better choice, IMO.

J.
less than a pound differnce, nothing to write home about in that respect.

[JohnJ80]

I disagree. A pound is a huge difference if you have to carry it for a while especially when you are up around 6 lbs for the entire rig. Don't forget that to this you probably need to add a ballhead weighing about another pound.

For the same money, and a more stable tripod, why would you get the heavier less stable one?



J.

[coreypolis]

I disagree. A pound is a huge difference if you have to carry it for a while especially when you are up around 6 lbs for the entire rig. Don't forget that to this you probably need to add a ballhead weighing about another pound.

For the same money, and a more stable tripod, why would you get the heavier less stable one?



J.
I agree not to get this one, but theirs more to it than weight

[condyk]

The ballhead is a very good choice, the legs I have tried and they work well but personally I would go for a lighter set up and the 055 is a good suggestion, or one of the CF Gitzo if you want to spend the money. However, the neotec monopod is excellent and about the only monopod worth buying IMO because it is so usable in practice. Superfast to set up and take down. Hassle free and so you can go walkaround with it and it takes just a couple of seconds to set right and shoot. Tripods I dunno if the same speed is needed.

[JohnJ80]

I agree not to get this one, but theirs more to it than weight

With that statement, I completely agree.

J.