Tripod Head Problem

[Pat]

I have a 400D and grip, a 200mm 2.8 lens with a tripod collar and I have to admit a a cheap tripod :o and found out today the setup would not fit into the head properly. I know I need a better tripod but what sort of head would I need to fit the tripod collar as well as accommodate the grip? Appreciate any advice.

[SkipD]

You have not told us enough, in my opinion, for us to understand your problem. I doubt you can get any valid answers without telling (or showing) us more.

A photo would probably help explain your problem a lot better.

[RPCrowe]

I really like tripod heads which use an Arca Compatible quick release system.

With an Arca compatible system you are able to use lens and camera plates from various manufacturers to customize your outfit the way you want it.

When using a camera-lens combination which does not have a tripod collar for the lens; the camera must be mounted to the tripod head using the camera body tripod screw socket.

This is fine when you have the camera in the landscape or horizontal position but, is not great when you need to shoot in the portrait position.

The standard practice to attain the portrait position is to tilt the camera over to its side. By tilting the camera to the side, its center of gravity is no longer over the tripod head. Instead it is hanging off to the side which is not at all stable. Another problem often encountered when tilting the camera/lens in this manner is that torque from a longer and heavier lens will tend to twist the camera and lens.

I have found that the absolute best solution comes in the form of the Really Right Stuff L-Plate. These L-plates are designed for individual cameras and even have variations which fit cameras with and without a grip. The L-Plate keeps the camera directly over the tripod head when the camera/lens is in the portrait position stabilizing the unit and preventing any lens creep. Since the plate conforms to the contours of the camera or camera with grip, it is handy to shoot hand-held with the grip on the camera. The RRS L-plate also makes a nice set-up for shooting panos in the vertical position (which IMO is the best way to do panos).

This RRS link describes the use of an L-plate better than I can:

http://reallyrightstuff.com/QR/05.html

It must be added that Manfrotto has a generic -L plate for their RC-2 Q.R. system. I have never used this plate but, it doesn't seem as slick as the RRS L-Plate because it doesn't fit each camera specifically and it seems that it might be clumsy to hand hold. However, I would guess that it is a better option than hanging the camera off to the side of the head when shooting in the portrait position. Many photographers have heads with the RC-2 Q.R. and buying Manfrotto ball head such as the 488RC2 with the generic L plate is certainly a lot less expensive than buying a tripod head with an ARCA compatible Q.R, system and the RRS custom L-plate.

http://www.adorama.com/BG341.html?searchinfo=manfrotto%20L%20plate&item_no=40

Arca compatible heads and RRS plates are usually quite expensive. However, in this case, you really get what you pay for!

[SkipD]

I really like tripod heads which use an Arca Compatible quick release system.

With an Arca compatible system you are able to use lens and camera plates from various manufacturers to customize your outfit the way you want it.

When using a camera-lens combination which does not have a tripod collar for the lens; the camera must be mounted to the tripod head using the camera body tripod screw socket.

This is fine when you have the camera in the landscape or horizontal position but, is not great when you need to shoot in the portrait position.

The standard practice to attain the portrait position is to tilt the camera over to its side. By tilting the camera to the side, its center of gravity is no longer over the tripod head. Instead it is hanging off to the side which is not at all stable. Another problem often encountered when tilting the camera/lens in this manner is that torque from a longer and heavier lens will tend to twist the camera and lens.

I have found that the absolute best solution comes in the form of the Really Right Stuff L-Plate. These L-plates are designed for individual cameras and even have variations which fit cameras with and without a grip. The L-Plate keeps the camera directly over the tripod head when the camera/lens is in the portrait position stabilizing the unit and preventing any lens creep. Since the plate conforms to the contours of the camera or camera with grip, it is handy to shoot hand-held with the grip on the camera. The RRS L-plate also makes a nice set-up for shooting panos in the vertical position (which IMO is the best way to do panos).

This RRS link describes the use of an L-plate better than I can:

http://reallyrightstuff.com/QR/05.html

It must be added that Manfrotto has a generic -L plate for their RC-2 Q.R. system. I have never used this plate but, it doesn't seem as slick as the RRS L-Plate because it doesn't fit each camera specifically and it seems that it might be clumsy to hand hold. However, I would guess that it is a better option than hanging the camera off to the side of the head when shooting in the portrait position. Many photographers have heads with the RC-2 Q.R. and buying Manfrotto ball head such as the 488RC2 with the generic L plate is certainly a lot less expensive than buying a tripod head with an ARCA compatible Q.R, system and the RRS custom L-plate.

http://www.adorama.com/BG341.html?searchinfo=manfrotto%20L%20plate&item_no=40

Arca compatible heads and RRS plates are usually quite expensive. However, in this case, you really get what you pay for!I strongly suspect the OP has a tripod without a removable head.

[joeseph]

I use a 488RC0 head and when I use the 70-200 collar I put the unit on backwards (i.e. release lever away from camera body)
would a backwards approach get over the OP's problem? dunno...

[ed rader]

I have a 400D and grip, a 200mm 2.8 lens with a tripod collar and I have to admit a a cheap tripod :o and found out today the setup would not fit into the head properly. I know I need a better tripod but what sort of head would I need to fit the tripod collar as well as accommodate the grip? Appreciate any advice.


if the screw is too small you need to use a bushing .... but that's a guess :D.

ed rader

[Pat]

Thanks for your replies - I'm going to have to take camera, lens and tripod into specialist camera store and ask for advice and probably spend a lot of money - you are right SkipD my tripod doesn't have a removable head. :(