Practicality of Switching Tripod Heads

[EdV]

OK, right now I have the Manfrotto 3021B PRO Tripod w/ 322RC2 Grip-Action Ball Head. I've used this combination for about a year for birds, nature and landscapes and have been very happy with it.

But now I want to do more close-up/macro photography particularly of wildflowers, butterflies, etc. For this I think I would be much better off with a pan/tilt head and am seriously considering the Manfrotto/Bogen 808RC4 3-way Pan/Tilt Head possibly with a macro focusing rail - either a Velbon Super Mag Slider or Novoflex Focusing Rack Mini-Small.

So back the the title - What is the practicality of switching these heads back and forth on the 3021B PRO? Will this turn out to be such a P-I-T-A that I should just go out and buy another tripod just for macro work? If so any additional recommendations?

[PacAce]

Ed, I have that exact same tripod and what I do when I need to use two different heads is to keep my main head mounted on the center column and the other lesser used head attached to the plastic mount at the bottom of the center column. When I need to use the other head, all I would need to do is remove the plastic mount from the center column, slide the center column out and then place the plastic mount in place of the center column. Of course, you won't be able to adjust the height as easily as you can when using the center column but you can always adjust the leg height if necessary. In my case, that's not a big deal since I hardly ever raise the center column above its lowest postion anyway.

[SkipD]

Swapping heads on the typical Manfrotto tripod is easy.

Use a small screwdriver to loosen three setscrews. These are accessible UNDER the aluminum mounting plate that is at the top of the center column. Then, you merely unscrew the head from the mounting plate.

Install the new head, then snug up the three setscrews.

[canonloader]

Ed, I use the same ballhead, and I have two other 3-way heads that I can use when I want to. They all have the same threaded hole in the bottom, all the same size. When I mount them, I never tighten them up, just hand tight. It's easy to just onscrew one and put the other one on in a few seconds.

[ben_r_]

Short of having a center column for each head and swapping the way PacAce mentioned, I dont think undoing the three set screws and unscrewing the head off is very practical at all. When I have thought about it in the past I came to the conclusion that there isnt really a quick way of doing it and Id better buy a head I really like and that satisfies all my needs and just leave it on the tripod.

[EdV]

Thanks guys. I figure a pan/tilt would be too much hassle for birds that are constantly on the move. But on the other hand, I see it as being just what the doctor ordered for close-ups (particularly with an added focus rail) as well as landscapes and such. That says to me, a two-headed monster.

For starters, I will probably order the Manfrotto/Bogen 808RC4 3-way Pan/Tilt Head and probably one of the focusing rails (but I'm not sure which one yet) on Monday. Gotta choose between the Velbon Super Mag Slider at $99.95 and the Novoflex Focusing Rack Mini-Small at $220. It is my plan to use both head systems on the tripod. If it becomes too much of a hassle, I'll be back for another tripod.

Isn't it interesting how just a few weeks ago I was saying that I felt that I had what I wanted except for the 500mm f/4L IS which I can't afford right now. And since then all these wonderful opportunities to spend money have just appeared out of thin air! :D;) Gotta keep the economy stimulated. Say, think someone could talk the Feds into giving me a $5500 rebate! :D:D:D

[René Damkot]

IMO a 3 way head has little to no advantage over a decent ball head.
For real precise macro stuff, you might want to look into a geared head.

[EdV]

IMO a 3 way head has little to no advantage over a decent ball head.
For real precise macro stuff, you might want to look into a geared head.

My thinking, admittedly based on mostly what I have read, is that when you release the ball head it is free to move in all directions. On the other hand, you have greater control over direction with the 3 way. You are moving one plane at a time. Make sense??

[canonloader]

You are moving one plane at a time. Make sense??
Yes, it makes sense until you forget to tighten a knob or lever and the lens drops down and smacks a tripod leg. Which is why my grip action ballhead is never coming off my tripod. Been there, done that. Many times. ;)

[EdV]

Yes, it makes sense until you forget to tighten a knob or lever and the lens drops down and smacks a tripod leg. Which is why my grip action ballhead is never coming off my tripod. Been there, done that. Many times. ;)

Thanks for the heads up Mitch. I've been interested in close-up photography particularly of wildflowers longer than I've been into birds. I've got a set of tubes. I got a Sigma 70mm Macro for Christmas. I can't afford the 500mm f/4L IS so I need something to spend some $$$ on. I think the pan/tilt head and focusing rails will make a nice addition to the "kit".

[jrsforums]

My thinking, admittedly based on mostly what I have read, is that when you release the ball head it is free to move in all directions. On the other hand, you have greater control over direction with the 3 way. You are moving one plane at a time. Make sense??

I jsut recently got Manfrotto 468MGRC2 head http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/368325-REG/Bogen_Manfrotto_468MGRC2_468MGRC2_Hydrostatic_Ball head_with.html ....which, admittedly, I might not have gotten if it wasn't at a good, used price.

Among other features, one of the things it has is a "tension" (friction) adjustment. Regular ball heads will "flop" when unlocked. The tension/friction adjustment allows you to apply a variable amount to "drag", when the head is unlocked, so that the camera position can be easily moved, without the wide swings I was normally used to. The tension is variable so that it can be adjusted based on the weight of the camera/lens and what is best for your needs.

I was aware that most of the "pro" ball heads, such as Markins, RRS, and Arcatech had similar adjustments...but thought that ~$300 (+ or -) was a heck of a lot for a head. Since getting the 468MG, I would never go back to a regular BH or 3-way.

BTW, after saying that I have a 488RC2 and 3437 http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/186289-REG/Bogen_Manfrotto_3437_3437_3D_Magnesium_Head.html available, if anyone is interested :lol:

[René Damkot]

My thinking, admittedly based on mostly what I have read, is that when you release the ball head it is free to move in all directions. On the other hand, you have greater control over direction with the 3 way. You are moving one plane at a time. Make sense??

Yep. Key word however was "Decent" ;)

IMO with a 3 way head it's quite tough to get the camera pointing where you want it: You make a small correction along one axis, then have to make another small correction along another axis, then go back to the first again... (also because the movements are around different axis': A tilt doesn't only rotate the camera, but "swings" it as well)
You are one hand short to loosen the controls and hold the camera at the same time. A ballhead has only one control ;)

Also, a good ballhead will have a friction setting, so you can loosen it, set the camera, then tighten the ball again. A 3 way head is either loose or fixed. Holding just the handles on the head won't allow precise enough adjustments IMO.

With a geared head you can let go of the camera, so have two hands to precisely aim the camera.

Just a matter of opinion off course, but I've never liked 3 way heads.
Geared heads are sometimes usefull with heavy (view) camera's, or very tiny movements, but for most things, I'd go with a ball head any day.

[SkipD]

Yep. Key word however was "Decent" ;)

IMO with a 3 way head it's quite tough to get the camera pointing where you want it: You make a small correction along one axis, then have to make another small correction along another axis, then go back to the first again... (also because the movements are around different axis': A tilt doesn't only rotate the camera, but "swings" it as well)
You are one hand short to loosen the controls and hold the camera at the same time. A ballhead has only one control ;)

Also, a good ballhead will have a friction setting, so you can loosen it, set the camera, then tighten the ball again. A 3 way head is either loose or fixed. Holding just the handles on the head won't allow precise enough adjustments IMO.

With a geared head you can let go of the camera, so have two hands to precisely aim the camera.

Just a matter of opinion off course, but I've never liked 3 way heads.
Geared heads are sometimes usefull with heavy (view) camera's, or very tiny movements, but for most things, I'd go with a ball head any day.I fully agree with the above.

[EdV]

I understand what you are saying. (I know, If I truly understand, why am I asking this question! :rolleyes:) I am considering the 3-way pan/tilt head just for close-up/macro work and with a focusing rail. I guess (well I know) the idea came from reading John Shaw's book "Close-Ups in Nature" written I think back in the 1800s or at least in the pre-digital era. He very strongly recommended a pan/tilt head for close-up work. I would continue to use the grip-action ball head for everything else. You still think a ball head for everything?

[PacAce]

I understand what you are saying. (I know, If I truly understand, why am I asking this question! :rolleyes:) I am considering the 3-way pan/tilt head just for close-up/macro work and with a focusing rail. I guess (well I know) the idea came from reading John Shaw's book "Close-Ups in Nature" written I think back in the 1800s or at least in the pre-digital era. He very strongly recommended a pan/tilt head for close-up work. I would continue to use the grip-action ball head for everything else. You still think a ball head for everything?
Ed, if you would like to try a ballhead for a couple of days, I have two that you can borrow just to see how it works out for you. I've never tried the grip-action ball head myself but I'm sure you'll notice the difference between the two immediately. Whether it'll be for the better or worse, I can't say, but hopefully you'll find the ballhead a little better than the grip-action head. :)

[René Damkot]

You still think a ball head for everything?

Yep. But like I said: "Just a matter of opinion off course", and "Key word however was "Decent"". I don't like grip action ball heads either ;)

[SkipD]

Yep. But like I said: "Just a matter of opinion off course", and "Key word however was "Decent"". I don't like grip action ball heads either ;)Ditto.

I do not like either style of grip-action ball head either. I much prefer the Manfrotto 488RC2 on my most-used tripod.

[EdV]

OK, this is probably obvious but by geared head, I assume you ar speaking of something like this - http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/109828-REG/Bogen_Manfrotto_3275_3275_Mini_Geared_Head.html

The cost isn't that much more than the pan/tilt I was looking at.

Leo, thanks for the offer. I really appreciate t. I'll let you know.

Ed

[Dorman]

I fully agree with the above.

100%. I've never ran into a situation where I wanted anything other than my joystick/grip-action ball head.

[canonloader]

100%. I've never ran into a situation where I wanted anything other than my joystick/grip-action ball head.
I have been into photography with SLR's since the early 60's. For almost all that time, I have owned one cheap and flimsy tripod after another, with a 3 way junk head, used them maybe twice and they'd end up collecting dust in the far corner of a closet or the basement or even the shed. Not because I did not see a use for a tripod, but because the 3 axis heads were simply obnoxiously stupid designs to try and use while peeping into the hole and trying to fiddle with dorky handles, looking for the target. You know what I'm talking about.

The moment I saw the 322 head in the B&H shop, I knew my tripod had come home again. That was almost a year and a half ago and I never go anywhere without it now. Now that I'm older, that grip action handle is also a nice support to keep me from falling over from vertigo and even with alzheimers I don't have to remember to turn a knob or lever to tighten the head, just let go and it stays where it was. :mrgreen:

[Dorman]

Exactly, it is just a flawless peice of gear for my shooting needs. I don't even need to move my eye from the viewfinder to make adjustments.

[canonloader]

I think the probelm with that grip action head is the instruction sheet that comes with it. The other day, I had to explain in detail how to set it for someone who bought it months ago, so it would work from the left hand on the grip, as it should for a right handed person. I even took pictures of mine to show. They were astounded, they had it all wrong from trying to follow those instructions. It's my thought that people who got them and don't see the instant benefit, just never got it put together correctly. Ya think? :lol: