Finally pulling the trigger for Feisol & 488RC2

[Contivity]

I finally decided to get Feisol CT-3301 and 488RC2 for my support. I ordered both items on the Memorial Day, hoping to get the item by next Wednesday for an event on Thursday. I ordered the tripod from Feisol.net and the ball head from BH. I received an e-mail on Tuesday that 3301 is out of stock, but they have the 3401 and 3402 available to ship almost immediately. I opted for the 3402 and asked if there's going to be a price difference. They upgraded both the Tripod at no extra cost and asked if I want to proceed.

I responded that I will take the upgrade and send a follow up e-mail to ask if it will fit the 488RC2. They told me that they have customers using the Bogen ball head, but can't be 100% sure if it will fit. I leave it at that, thinking that my earlier positive answer for upgrade would settle the shipment. I sent a follow up yesterday afternoon asking for tracking number. I received a call today from Michael. Apparently there's a misunderstanding. He told me that since I didn't respond to the last e-mail that I'm not pulling the trigger, while I'm thinking that since it's a positive response, then the earlier e-mail should still stand.

I mentioned to him that I need the tripod by Wednesday for next Thursday event. He told me he'd check it out and follow up. Low and behold, my shipment is upgraded to 2-days air. It's definitely one great service. My tripod, center column and shipment has all been upgraded.

Now I'm hoping that their product can keep up with their service. Once I got the items, I'll put a review on the combo.

[Contivity]

Got it yesterday and tested it. It has a really nice build & everything. This tripod fits nicely with the bogen 488rc2. However when I'm trying to do a 15 second shot test, I still see a slight movement. Is it normal?

This is how I do it:
1. Setup Camera & tripod
2. Set ISO to 100 & Mode to Tv @ 15'
3. Use the shutter button to take the picture

WIll the use of remote shutter help to reduce the shake? Or it should even has any shake?

[kokakaste2]

Remote switch would certainly help to reduce camera shake, also use Mirror lock up for better results. If you dont have remote switch, try timer function on camera, so you don`t move camera while pressing the shutter button.

[condyk]

The Feisols are very nice. I had a couple of their early models and thought they were great value. hard to judge your slight movement issue. It could be environmental or could be shutter action and your camera handling. A remote shutter could help with the latter. The 488's do creep a tad I found so it might just be settling (had 3 of them and got one at the moment).

[Contivity]

I confirmed it's mostly my hand. I tested with the timer and it works like a charm. I don't think I'll take 30 seconds picture often, but I was trying to test it if it can stand the 30 seconds shoot.

I then tested it using 70-200mm @ 200mm,f/2.8,1/5s,ISO100 and it doesn't cause any shifting with my hand on the camera. I think that should be roughly what I'd be using.

[Contivity]

My Setup Pic
http://77thave.com/imghost/IMG_3725.jpg

My Tripod Pic + Ball head Pic
http://77thave.com/imghost/IMG_3739.jpg

[Contivity]

Any advice on how to properly tightening the ball head? After I matched my focus point to the subject, it seems that while tightening, there's a tendency for the lens to move upwards a very little bit.

[Tsmith]

Any advice on how to properly tightening the ball head? After I matched my focus point to the subject, it seems that while tightening, there's a tendency for the lens to move upwards a very little bit.

That seems to be the norm with this head and its little brother the 486CR2. I'd opt for a ball head that has a tension adjustment that eliminates the creeping.

[Whitley]

I received my 488RC2 head this week and I really like it. I dont have a long lens to attach to it (yet). But it seems to be made very nice and I hope to get out and about this weekend and put it to good use.

Congrats on the new gear.