Manfrotto Tripods

[Mthorpe_Davies]

My trusty old faithful Slick died a few weeks ago. I've been looking at the Manfrotto 190Pro as a replacement with the 322RC2 head. I would like to know if anyone has any opinion on this combination.

I have looked at some really nice carbon tripods but they are just too expensive.

Also what are the advantages of a ball head over non-ball head heads.

[belmondo]

I'm not familiar with the legs you're talking about, but I do have the 322RC2 grip action ball head, and it's only okay. If I was buying a head that was going to be my only one, I'd get one that allows panning like the 488RC2. It's actually a few dollars cheaper than the 322, bud does have the added capability of panning. All the heads that end with 'RC2' use the same quick release plate, so you can always add the 322RC2 later.

[Mthorpe_Davies]

The legs are called the 3001PRO in the US. They look to be quite sturdy, I don't have a big gun (yet) so they won't be too light for my current heaviest combo, Eos 30 with grip, 550ex and 24-70 f2.8, which all up weighs about 3.5 Kg.

I had a play with the 322RC, it looks to be a good idea, better than the previous grip action ball head. I also liked the 468RC2 but it's a bit out of my price range.

[nosquare2003]

The 190 Pro is a relative light non CF tripod. It is rather sturdy for your equipment. If you really need to have a lesser weight, you'll need a carbon fibre one (especially the Gitzo).

A ball head is good for action shots but not for fine tune adjustment. (The serious action head for heavy long lens may be a Wimberley head.)

[CyberDyneSystems]

I've got the 3001 pro legs.. and love them.

They are a little small for some larger tasks.. like a big 500mm on a gimble mount... but otherwise they do all I need and remain portable.

If you have need for a slightly larger set that will do it ALL (including a big prime) but don't want to spend the $$ on a $500.00 gitzo.. then the Mnafrotto 3021pro is the next step up.

[Mark Kemp]

I have 190CL legs and they are fine - tough as old boots and not too heavy. They will easily support an SLR and bigger lenses like the 100-400.

Don't get the older ones with screw locks - get the snap lock versions, much quicker to use and still easy to adjust the tension with an allen key.

They do have those new Neotec legs as well. Only one button for full extension and retraction. Sounds good but I'm not sure what the maximum load is.

I use a 115 head, which is a bit unusual, 2 quick action levers to move the camera. It has no quick release, but that suits me and its still only a few turns of the screw to get the camera on and off. Plus it is also small and light.

[Mthorpe_Davies]

I bought the 190/3001 legs today and a 322RS2 action ball head, I know it's not the best solution but I will do untill I save up for a better one.

Speaking of better ball heads does anyone have an opinion on the 468, they look quite nice and are significantly cheaper than a ArcaSwiss, Kirk or Really Right Stuff head.