Just picked up Manfrotto 3021 Pro & 3030 quick release h

[Adam Hicks]

Is this a popular combination? I'm going to be using it for still work mainly, shooting automobiles that aren't in motion (I don't use any support for that!) I bought the head with the same quick release as is on my Manfrotto monopod so that I don't have to switch things around on my lens tripod mounts.

Any ins or outs of this setup or anything I should be aware of?

Also picked up the good ole' 50mm 1.8 just for yucks. Don't know what I'm going to do with it, but if I ever shoot weddings it might come in handy for a cheap standby.

Adam

[Scottes]

I have the 3021 Pro, but not that head.

For the 3021, I'd remove the center column unless you know you're going to need it, or could use or need the extra height. I don't like the extra weight and don't want the height, so it stays in my trunk so I have it if needed. Also with the center column on you can't go as low as possible.

You might want to get some water-pipe foam insulation for the top sections - it gets mighty cold in the winter.

[Kadath]

I'm using this combo with my film SLR now while I get the funds ready for the 20d. I like it a lot, but sometimes the stubby little handles either feel too complex to get the angles I want right, or just plain in the way of my view. I'm still getting used to it tho!

Cant gripe about the quality tho, its spot on.

Sam

[Deckyon]

I have this tripod, but not the head. I used to use the 3047 Tripod Head, but have moved to a 322RC2 Tripod Head for everyday use. I still have the 3047 for use in my "studio" - read studio as my makeshift studio in my basement.

I heavily recommend the 322RC2 head. Look into it, try it out.

All that said, I have not seen a bad product from Bogen. I do not think you can go wrong with what you have.

[Olegis]

Manfrotto 3021 Pro & 3030

I've been eyeing this combo for a while - but it's very expansive where I live, so I get by with a cheap, crappy, no-name tripod for now ... :cry: The Manfrotto 3021 Pro & 3030 seems to be very popular combo - just run a quick search on DPReview.com forums ...

[Adam Hicks]

Thanks guys, just got it all put together and I think it's going to do a great job for 'product' or portrait shots. I wouldn't use a tripod around action anyways, so this looks like it'll do the trick. It's a little heavier than I'd like, but the thing is DEFINITELY rock solid!

Now I just need to go find something to shoot with it. And try out the little 50.

Adam

[phili1]

Manfrotto has a 3001N and Bn which is lighter then the 3021. there is also a leg assembly that has a horr hole for shooting down. But you can get it for $129.00. It is good for carrying.

[cmM]

I have the same head, but with the 3001PRO legs. I love it.

[defordphoto]

I also have the 3021 legs and they are awesome. Not for hiking in the back country, but you/we will have these legs for many years. It's very versatile and almost any shot imaginable. I have the 3030 and 322RC2 heads. This is one solid tripod.

[Mthorpe_Davies]

I have the 190PRO legs with 322RC2 head, it's a great combination. Later on I might get myself a proper ball head, the 468 looks like a good one, feels good too.

[Olegis]

From what I've seen, the 3001 (190) legs are a bit shorter than the 3021 (055) - the tripod extends to 116cm without the center column. I'm 186cm - so I quess that the 3001 would be uncomfortable to work with. The 3021 extends about 20cm higher - still not enough for a tall guy like me, but still preferrable.

On the other side, the 3021 feels a LOT heavier than the 3001 - 2.2kg vs 1.9kg. These 300g sure make a great difference ...

[phili1]

3001 - height 45.7 with col. 57.1 weight 3.9lbs

3021 - height 53.2 with col 69.3 weight 5.3lbs.

When I picked it up it fell allot heavier and thought that in the field with Camera gear it was a smarter move.

The design of the tripods is identical except the hoor bar position is standard on the 3021 and the 3001 is optional. I am 5'10 1/2 and it is a slight bend forward very comfortable. I can see if your 6'4 you might want the 3021.

Ther is only a $10 difference between them. $136.95 verses $146.95

[phili1]

3001 - height 45.7 with col. 57.1 weight 3.9lbs

3021 - height 53.2 with col 69.3 weight 5.3lbs.

When I picked it up it fell allot heavier and thought that in the field with Camera gear it was a smarter move.

The design of the tripods is identical except the hoor bar position is standard on the 3021 and the 3001 is optional. I am 5'10 1/2 and it is a slight bend forward very comfortable. I can see if your 6'4 you might want the 3021.

Ther is only a $10 difference between them. $136.95 verses $146.95

[phili1]

3001 - height 45.7 with col. 57.1 weight 3.9lbs

3021 - height 53.2 with col 69.3 weight 5.3lbs.

When I picked it up it fell allot heavier and thought that in the field with Camera gear it was a smarter move.

The design of the tripods is identical except the hoor bar position is standard on the 3021 and the 3001 is optional. I am 5'10 1/2 and it is a slight bend forward very comfortable. I can see if your 6'4 you might want the 3021.

Ther is only a $10 difference between them. $136.95 verses $146.95

[jgbeam]

I have this tripod, but not the head. I used to use the 3047 Tripod Head, but have moved to a 322RC2 Tripod Head for everyday use. I still have the 3047 for use in my "studio" - read studio as my makeshift studio in my basement.

I heavily recommend the 322RC2 head. Look into it, try it out.

All that said, I have not seen a bad product from Bogen. I do not think you can go wrong with what you have.

I have the 3047 on the 3021pro but was considering the 322RC2. I've never used a ball head and was reluctant to go that direction. Having used both, can you comment on the differences? My tripod use is limited primarily to portrait and architecture.

Jim

[Deckyon]

Jim - If you are only using the tripod for portraits and architecture, then the 3047 would be the better choice, in my opinion. You have more precise control over camera position, especially important in architecture. I use my stuff outdoors and with sports (soccer & taekwondo) and the ball-type head has been immensly quicker for camera position adjustment. I still have my 3047, and I use it in the house when working with product photos. The preciseness of movement on the 3047 is top notch. I do have a bubble-level that is hot-shoe mountable on the way, so it will help with the landscape using the ball head.

If you plan on wanting a quick moving and adjusting head, I cannot recommend the 322RC2 enough. In your case, however, you may already have the better head for the job. Also, once the tripod is level, the 3047 is awesome for stitching-style panoramic shots. Horizon stays level once the head is locked except the panning motion.

[jgbeam]

The 3047's dual level tubes are what sold me on that model. I have a tough time (eyes) with circular bubble levels. I'm considering the 322RC2 for use on my Manfrotto monopod.

Thanks for the feedback.

Jim

[IanD]

I have the 3021 Pro, but not that head.

For the 3021, I'd remove the center column unless you know you're going to need it, or could use or need the extra height. I don't like the extra weight and don't want the height, so it stays in my trunk so I have it if needed. Also with the center column on you can't go as low as possible.

You might want to get some water-pipe foam insulation for the top sections - it gets mighty cold in the winter.
Hey Scott, I looked at my Manfrotto 55Pro and if I remove the center column then there is no way the head is going to mount. I can use the low angle adapter to mount the head into and then he adpator will fit on the legs but there is no way to lock the head onto the adapotor. How did you mount yours? Am I missing something here or is th solution right in my face. :?:

[Scottes]

I'd take a picture but the tipod's in the trunk...

At the top of the center column there's the triangular? piece that the camera screws onto. That piece comes off the center column by unscrewing it. You then loosen the part of the tripod that holds the center column at a 90-degree. Slip that triangular? piece into the now-wider hole and then tighten it all back up.

Viola! The head now mounts "directly" onto the tripod and the center column can now rattle around in the trunk like mine does.


PS: Make sure the screw faces up. :wink:
And let me know if this doesn't make sense....


Edit: This is on the 3021 Pro. I don't know if the 55Pro is the same.

Edit again: Yes, it is the same. It is triangular - it's the piece at the other end of the center column, the "bottom" when it's normally put together.

[Jesper]

Manfrotto, just like Canon, Nikon, Epson etc., has different names and numbers for their products in the USA and the rest of the world.

The 3021 is called 055 outside the USA, so the 3021 Pro = 055 Pro.

I had a 055 DB which I sold just last week, because I want a 055 Pro B. The DB misses features that the Pro B has: clips to lock and unlock the legs quicly and on the DB it's not possible to mount the center column horizontally (which is very useful when you want to get down on the ground with the camera). Also, on the 055DB it is not possible to mount the camera on the tripod without the center column.

I've thought about getting the 190 Pro B (3001 Pro B) which is one step lighter and smaller, and is certainly enough for a 10D and a heavy lens, but I've decided I'm going for the 055 Pro B instead. I want a tripod that lasts long, and maybe I'm ever going to try a medium format film camera...

I've ordered the 486 RC2 (3413QR / 3055S) (http://www.manfrotto.com/product/templates/templates.php3?sectionid=8&itemid=1952) ballhead with it.

Adam, with my 055 DB (3021) I had a 141 RC head, which is indeed the same as your 3030 head. I think it's a popular combination, the tripod and head were sold together for one price when I bought it.

[IanD]

I'd take a picture but the tipod's in the trunk...

At the top of the center column there's the triangular? piece that the camera screws onto. That piece comes off the center column by unscrewing it. You then loosen the part of the tripod that holds the center column at a 90-degree. Slip that triangular? piece into the now-wider hole and then tighten it all back up.

Viola! The head now mounts "directly" onto the tripod and the center column can now rattle around in the trunk like mine does.


PS: Make sure the screw faces up. :wink:
And let me know if this doesn't make sense....


Edit: This is on the 3021 Pro. I don't know if the 55Pro is the same.

Edit again: Yes, it is the same. It is triangular - it's the piece at the other end of the center column, the "bottom" when it's normally put together.
OK I tried that it it makes perfect sense. (that is scary)
With the real top mounting plate on the column there are 3 little set screws that can be tighten against the bottom of the ball head mounting base and they sort of lock everything in place. No such screws on the little triangle thingy (otherwise known as a low angle adapter I believe). Just wondering since it is made of plastic/nylon will it be strong enough to hold the weight of the 1D and assorted long glass? I checked the Manfrotto web site to see if they offered an adapter but can find one. Many a google search will turn one up.
Thanks Scott.

[Scottes]

Just wondering since it is made of plastic/nylon will it be strong enough to hold the weight of the 1D and assorted long glass?

This is how I've had my tripod set up after the second week. 2.5lb ballhead + 20D + 1.4 TC + 400mm = no problem.

I did screw the ballhead on pretty well. :wink:

[phili1]

The little thingy has a push pin that locks it to the tripod. To release it go under the color push the pin in and you release. it the screw does not come in to play with that.

[Scottes]

I checked the Manfrotto web site to see if they offered an adapter but can find one. Many a google search will turn one up.

If you find one let me know.

[Tom Camilleri]

Is this a popular combination? I'm going to be using it for still work mainly, shooting automobiles that aren't in motion


I have that combo. I use it for still work, mainly product shots for my store. It's a great tripod. The center column makes it easy to shoot many different subjects with a minimum of hassle. The 3030 head is excellent for this type of work.

BTW, does you have a case for this setup? I'm trying to locate one which will let me carry it around without removing head or knobs.