" Manfrotto " Tripod

[Tareq]

Hey all,

Just fast question: What are good models of 'Manfrotto' Tripods?
Just please give me models numbers and i will check them myself, we got one local reseller that sell manfrotto tripods so i will check with them.
I use one 3rd party tripod which is good enough but not so practical, so i will get another tripod of Manfrotto only, i know that Gitzo and Slik could be good tripods brands as well but i prefer to stick with one brand, and i had a monopod of Manfrotto and i use the head of this model: 322RC2, so i can use it with Manfrotto tripod when i will get one, so recommendations please? and if you can mention some heads it will be better as well.

I Want to get one steady strong tripod that can carry heavy weight such as 1D Mark2N with 400 or 600 for example, and i hope it is practical so i can use it for landscapes or natures and macros.

[DocFrankenstein]

Would you consider getting the legs separately? Gitzo is a much nicer brand.

You can screw your 322 RC2 on gitzo set of legs. 1325 is one of the best sets of legs there is IMO.

Whatever you buy, I would advise carbon fiber if you can possibly afford it. 3021 is the standard manfrotto pod, but it's aluminum. There's a CF version, which number I don't remember.

There's also arca swiss plates to consider if you ever decide that the 322 head isn't enough.

[antelopeslr5000]

I like the Manfrotto Neotec 458B. Lightning quick to extend and collapse! Not the lightest tripod on the market.

Also check out the Manfrotto 055 MF4.

[AdamJL]

0555 MF3 if you want to carry that kind of weight (stay clear of the carbon fibre ones).
But you can always just check Manfrotto's website, Tareq ;)

http://www.manfrotto.com/jsp/index.jsp

[Tareq]

I saw few models of carbon fiber Manfrotto on B&H but can't decide which one to choose, and i saw that my headball is not suitable for more weight [carry max about 5kg], so i think i have to buy new head ball as well.
So each one of you recommend me different model, can't i choose one?

[foxbat]

Manfrotto is a great brand (I have the 055MF3) but they're not known for supporting a system like you're proposing. If you must get one then the 475B is probably the one you want ONLY if you can replace the image destabilizer (i.e. the center column) with a flat plate.

Really you should be looking at a minimum of the Gitzo GT3530 but more appropriately the GT5530S (I have that one). And you'll need a Gimbal head.

[Tareq]

I see that this head ball is most used: 488RC2, should i consider it r you know something else better?

[Tareq]

Manfrotto is a great brand (I have the 055MF3) but they're not known for supporting a system like you're proposing. If you must get one then the 475B is probably the one you want ONLY if you can replace the image destabilizer (i.e. the center column) with a flat plate.

Really you should be looking at a minimum of the Gitzo GT3530 but more appropriately the GT5530S (I have that one). And you'll need a Gimbal head.

I was looking for Manfrotto as we have only one local reseller than selling Manfrotto tripods, i didn't find another local resellers that sell Gitzo tripods but i have to check with them, maybe they could afford it for me, otherwise i have to order from online and that is so expensive with shipping and TAX.

Anyway, as long i didn't buy a good tripod yes so what is the best tripod models i can get for heavy high load capacity then? just name 2 or 3 of the best so i can choose one.

[Tareq]

From Gitzo i found those 3 models, which one is the best?

- GT5530S
- GT5540LS
- GT5560SGT

I will check a good headball as well, so write down good head ball that i don't look back for another.

[Freff]

I have been looking for a tripod for a similar setup. The ideal one would have been the Manfrotto Neotec Pro Photo 458B. It has the capacity of 8kg which would suit your setup (about 7kg) a bit more if you include the head, borderline if you use the 580EX. It's the fastest tripod to erect (ease more than speed) and is relatively light. Unfortunately for me, I'm over 6ft it isn't high enough. Check it out.:)

[coreypolis]

I like the Manfrotto Neotec 458B. Lightning quick to extend and collapse! Not the lightest tripod on the market.

Also check out the Manfrotto 055 MF4.
I hate my neotec with a passion, not stable at all and bends with any real weight on it. The idea is great, but I used both the monopod (returned an hour later) and the tripod (wish I could return it).

I really liked the bassalt series.

[StealthLude]

check out whats in my signature, they seem to be very popular items on the forum.

Im very happy with both my tripod and monopod.

[DocFrankenstein]

http://www.luminous-landscape.com/essays/tripods_&_heads.shtml
http://www.bythom.com/support.htm

13xx gitzo carbon legs. Ballhead is tough.

There's markins. There's Arca Swiss. There's ReallyRightStuff.

I haven't used them, but have cheaper heads and simply don't like them.

[SuzyView]

Jon recommended a tripod to me this week. My cheap one was secure in my luggage, but broke anyway. I don't understand baggage handlers. Anyway, I bought this one from B&H:

Bogen / Manfrotto BO3021PB804K 3021BPRO Tripod Legs with 804RC2 3-Way Head & Case

I think it can hold up to 10-11 pounds.

[TomHuckWa]

Bogen 3021 bpro and a bogen 488 rc2 head Darn hard to beat. weighs about 7 pounds total. Will hold up to 16 pounds or so .

[DocFrankenstein]

Bogen 3021 bpro and a bogen 488 rc2 head Darn hard to beat. weighs about 7 pounds total. Will hold up to 16 pounds or so .
It's pretty easy to beat... there are tripods which weigh four pounds and dampen vibrations much better.

[Tareq]

anyway people, i saw few models of Manfrotto and Gitza for high load and working good, they are pricy but worth it, so i will get one of them maybe in the future.
I don't have so heavy load yet, but i don't want to reach that day when i buy heavy gear then i have to look again for new tripod, but for now i want to choose one for landscape and nature, 400 and 500 and 600 are ll used mostly in Nature and sports, so in sports i will handle 300 for awhile, for nature there is still a time to choose a tripod if i will get 500 or 600.

[august23]

It's pretty easy to beat... there are tripods which weigh four pounds and dampen vibrations much better.

Certainly not at the same price

[DocFrankenstein]

Certainly not at the same price
Certainly

[Mark_Cohran]

I use the Manfrotto 3444 Carbon Fiber tripod and the 488RC2 Head. I also have the 3021BPro. The carbon fiber legs are strong and light and I use them for hiking. The 3021 BPro is somewhat heavier. I like the latches on both sets. The head a legs are quite capable of holding my 1DMKIIN and 100-400L IS stable (that's probably my heaviest combo).

Mark

[Tareq]

I use the Manfrotto 3444 Carbon Fiber tripod and the 488RC2 Head. I also have the 3021BPro. The carbon fiber legs are strong and light and I use them for hiking. The 3021 BPro is somewhat heavier. I like the latches on both sets. The head a legs are quite capable of holding my 1DMKIIN and 100-400L IS stable (that's probably my heaviest combo).

Mark

I have a 3rd party tripod and i carry on same your combo or say 70-200 f2.8L IS and it working great, but i don't think this tripod can carry heavier in the future ( for example 400 f2.8 or 600 f2.8 ).
And this normal tripod is not spreading legs for macro or when i need to lower my camera close to the ground level.