Ball head Recommendation

[saichuen]

hi all,

i'm thinking of getting a Manfrotto monopod (679B) and a ball head (either 484RC2 or 486RC2) to go with it.

my question now is that which ball head will fit my current gears best?

i have a D30 (with no vertical grip but may get one later on), a 70-200 f4, a 24-85 f3.5-4.5, a 50mm f1.8 mkII and a 420ex.

would the 484RC2 with a quoted max load of 4kg be sufficient for my setup? or would i be better off with the bulkier 486RC2 which can take a max load of 6kg. i wonder if anyone here has any experience on this?

cheers!

[SnJPhoto]

I'm interested in hearing some opinions on the rated capacities of these things also. I'm of the belief that the rating is at best a figure of merit of build quality and not really of capacity. The reason I say this is that I have never had one of my $20 cheapo heads break from stress. Thats because the load is a downwards force I believe. I don't sling my gear around while its attached to th monopod. Does anyone?

Perhaps if this was on a tripod, I would be concerned more, since I wouldn't be there constantly holding on and stabilizing it. Opinions?

FYI - I just picked up another $25 special with level built in, from an ebay auction by Dreammaker. Its plenty strong for my uses (400 F2.8/Mk2 on a monopod)

Scott

[ohenry]

You don't want to put a ballhead on a monopod. A Bogen 3232 swivel head will work just fine. Here's what I have on mine. http://www.reallyrightstuff.com/projects/index.html

[Belmondo]

Here's a possible consideration:
I only own Bogen ball heads. I have a 486RC2, 488RC2, and the new 322RC2. The main reason I have these three heads (other than different sizes for different applications) is that they all use the same quick-release plate. This allows me to keep QR plates permanently installed on all my cameras and lenses and eliminates the need to change in the field. I can switch back and forth between my tripods and monopod almost instantly.

I also have a 3047 pan/tilt head, but that uses a different QR plate. It is mounted on ‘Podzilla,’ my monster tripod that lives in the back of the truck and only comes out when it’s very windy.

[Belmondo]

You don't want to put a ballhead on a monopod. A Bogen 3232 swivel head will work just fine. Here's what I have on mine. http://www.reallyrightstuff.com/projects/index.html

I respectfully disagree. Monopods can be used more ways that just straight up and down on the ground. I've leaned my against trees, buildings, tucked it under my arm, and many other positions. I've even found it adds stability in handheld shots when it's just hanging down below the camera and not touching the ground at all. If I didn't have a ball head on it, it wouldn't be nearly as versatile.

[scottbergerphoto]

The Ultimate Ballhead from www.acratech.net is a solid ballhead. It uses arca-swiss type plates. I use it on a carbon fibre Gitzo and a monopod.
Scott

[Belmondo]

The Ultimate Ballhead from www.acratech.net is a solid ballhead. It uses arca-swiss type plates. I use it on a carbon fibre Gitzo and a monopod.
Scott

I'm jealous. That's a wonderful unit---a bit pricey, but likely worth it.

[Boosting1Bar]

I have the 486RC2 and it's a very solid unit. It could definitely handle the loads you'd like to put on it. Just this past week I used mine with my 10D and a 70-200 f4 (was thinking of buying that lens) and it was just fine. I say get it!

[saichuen]

the reason i'm going for a ball head rather than just a swivel head on my monopod is because of the potential flexibilities it will offers. i know some has claimed that it's overkilled but i'm also thinking of using it on my tripod if i dont get an extra one. :-)

my only concern now is which to get. the 484RC2 or the 486RC2? i just need some advices from the people who has owned one of these two heads.

my guts feeling is telling me that with my current gears, the max load will be mounting the 70-200mm f4 and 420ex on the D30. so the 484RC2 will be fine, right? i might even add a vertical grip to the load later on. in that case, would the 486RC2 be a better investment for future proof?

what about the 222RC2 and 322RC2 grip? any comment?

cheers!

[Belmondo]

I have the 322RC2, and my limited experience with it has been much better the older Bogen or Slik versions.

I would probably recommend the 486RC2. You will get more flex in the lighter head with heavier loads on it.

[scubafly]

I have the 486RC2 with a Manfrotto tripod and it works great with my Canon 10D and 70-200 2.8L IS lens. I haven't tried the 484 with my setup. The 486 feels very solid.

Can anyone recommend equipment for taking panoramic photos using a Manfrotto 3021pro tripod and the 486RC2 ballhead? Am I better off starting with a completely different head? I don't want to spend more than $200. Thanks!

Tom

[Belmondo]

The 488RC2 would be a better choice. It allows panning.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/images/items/272779.jpg

The round knob is the ball release. The other knob allow the entire head to rotate. The 486 does not have this feature.

[scubafly]

DOH! Looks like I may have to upgrade. I see the 488RC4 even has a level. Thanks Belmondo. Have you taken many panoramics? I'm wondering if rotating around the nodal point is really that important?

[bolling]

I use the Manfrotto 322RC2 which is their new grip action ballhead. I use it with a windowpod and a monopod. I really like it.

[In Hoc Up2 Eyeballs]

You don't want to put a ballhead on a monopod. A Bogen 3232 swivel head will work just fine. Here's what I have on mine. http://www.reallyrightstuff.com/projects/index.html


Thats exactly what I am looking for. I sure get a lot of useful information from this site. :idea: :D