488rc2 or 804rc2 ... help quick!

[sharkii]

have been given chance by my girlfriend to pick one as I am planning to pay a visit to my photo supplier in 12 hours for my new years present! the head will be coupled with 055XPROB. mostly landscapes and lighttrails will be done with the head. any comment or opinion counts HELP! I decided on 488rc2 but due to budget I am considering 804rc2 by the way my supplier told me that he has a 808rc4 to even though its a bit more than I was thinking.. help me decide!

[SkipD]

For a field tripod and for still photos (instead of motion pictures), I suggest that you stick with your original plan for the 488RC2. You will find it extremely suitable for the tasks you have in mind, and it will be a LOT easier to carry in the field than a head with handles sticking out of it.

The RC4 quick release system (what is on the 808RC4) uses a MUCH larger quick release plate than what you would want with an EOS camera system. The RC4 is designed for medium format and larger cameras.

Make sure you get an additional quick-release plate for each camera or tripod-mountable lens that you own so that you aren't constantly moving one QR plate around to different devices that you want to mount on the tripod. That would completely defeat the purpose of a quick-release system.

[sharkii]

wow thanx for your quick and informative reply SkipD I was about to forget the qr plates they are on the list now thanx again!

[yoshiguy]

I have a 40D and a Manfrotto 055XPROB (http://coolfix.net/2007/12/20/manfrotto-055xprob-tripod-review/)Tripod just like you. I got the 804RC2 (http://coolfix.net/2007/12/20/manfrotto-3-way-804rc2-tripod-head-review/)
as there was no need for the 488 as it has bigger plate and I have no plans on getting something like a canon 1D anytime soon :D

[Celestron]

I have a 488RC2 mounted on a 681B monopod . The QR plate just fits my Rebel 300D perfectly without being too small or too big . The 488RC2 has a panning option which is very convient on a tripod when taking images to make a panaroma image . However it's a bit more costly than other BHs' and more HD .

[Nick5]

Skip is the expert on tripods and heads. I've learned much from him. So much so I have both of the heads you have in mind.
I bought the 804RC2 first.

[Anke]

Its been 18 hours, which one did you go for?

[sharkii]

sorry guys I gotta go to a dinner( to earn the tripod:) ) thats why I am a bit late with the answer but I just opened the box!
OK here you go ====>> I got a 055XPROB with a 488RC2 and I am completely happy with the two.. thanx for all your last minute inputs.

[davem720]

Great choice. I got the exact same combination for Christmas and am as pleased as punch :D

[Familiaphoto]

Great choice in deed. Been using the combo for a while now and just love it.