Manfrotto 804RC2 3-way head

[Tim Ball]

Anyone know how effective the counterbalance spring is in the Bogen/Manfrotto 804RC2 3-way head? I've been using an old Gitzo Rationelle No.1 head which has a tensioning handle alongside the main handle. Unfortunately this has the habit of suddenly losing tension and causing the camera/lens to crash forward when the main handle is released. The new low profile Gitzo heads are now fluid damped to prevent this but at great price. I'm using Canon 5D with up to 300mm lens.

[ben_r_]

Its pretty strong and gets a lot stronger the further it gets from 0 degrees. I dont remember if it would hold up a heavy lens like a 70-200 2.8. But even if the tension of the spring wasnt enough to hold the hold rig up it would certainly slow down the fall and thus prevent the whole "crashing" down problem youre having with your current setup.