L-bracket, ball head, and tripod combo

[Moonjo]

Ok. After researching on this forum I think I've come up with combo that I think will work for my needs, but want some opinions on my potential purchase.

Manfrotto 055XPROB Pro
Manfrotto 488 Midi Ball Head (non RC2)
Kirk QRC 2 (http://kirkphoto.com/platforms.html)
Kirk L-Bracket for 40D with Grip (http://www.kirkphoto.com/lbracketsc.html)

I've read the sticky about tripods, and though I would like to get a Gitzo, I don't think I'll outgrow the system above anytime soon. I plan on getting a 70-200 in the near future which should not be an issue for the Manfrotto legs and head.

I like the idea of shooting portraits on a tripod without having the camera hang over the head and legs and instead be positioned directly over the entire support system.

Thoughts?

[Moonjo]

Ok. I keep reading up on various ball head and leg combos. So does anyone here use a RRS ball head, specifically BH-40, with the Manfrotto 055XPROB Pro? Or is it Gitzo and no looking back?

I like the functionality of the Manfrottos to put the center column in the horizontal position and that's why I'm still considering the 055XPROB Pro. Or am I playing the "spend $1000 now or $1700 later" game?

[sml]

I just got the BH-40 to go with my Gitzo 2531....and the L-Bracket from RRS.
At the beginning of my shopping, I had figured I would be getting one of the Manfrotto's. In fact, I had the catalogue and was trying to decide which one. I am certain that I would have been happy with one of the models--either you mention.
However, I decided that I liked the twist locks on the legs instead of the clamps and that the Gitzo's seemed a bit lighter. Of course, once you get trapped by the sales pitch about the reputation of Gitzo, it's hard to resist.
But, again, I am certain that the Manfrotto's are a great product.
Like with most things, it depends a lot on what you are comfortable with, I suppose.

Just got my setup a few days ago. Haven't put it through any tough tests yet, but I am glad to be done shopping!! Tripods and heads were an unknown area for me!

[jhom]

Ok. I keep reading up on various ball head and leg combos. So does anyone here use a RRS ball head, specifically BH-40, with the Manfrotto 055XPROB Pro? Or is it Gitzo and no looking back?

I like the functionality of the Manfrottos to put the center column in the horizontal position and that's why I'm still considering the 055XPROB Pro. Or am I playing the "spend $1000 now or $1700 later" game?


If you want the flexibility of moving the center column without spending a bundle, I would suggest you look at the Gitzo g2220. It is the aluminum version of the Gitz 2530ex. It will give you even greater flexibility than the 055. I believe it is on sale for $229 at B&H. It has gotten great comments.

[Moonjo]

If you want the flexibility of moving the center column without spending a bundle, I would suggest you look at the Gitzo g2220. It is the aluminum version of the Gitz 2530ex. It will give you even greater flexibility than the 055. I believe it is on sale for $229 at B&H. It has gotten great comments.

That's an interesting model. Thanks for pointing it out to me. Though, I'm not sure if it's that much better than the 055, other than being a Gitzo.

[jhom]

That's an interesting model. Thanks for pointing it out to me. Though, I'm not sure if it's that much better than the 055, other than being a Gitzo.

I use to have the 3021 as well as the 055MF3. Both are flexible. However, the placement of the center column can only be vertical or horizontal. To achieve other oblique angles you need to manipulate the length of the legs and angle stops. With the Gitzo Explorer series, the center column articulates to allow for almost infinite angle placement. This design is more flexible. I would urge you to do a side-by-side comparison.

[Moonjo]

Thanks, Jim. The G2220 is something to think about, but it looks like if you have the column in the vertical position it wouldn't be exactly centered on the legs. It's probably not a big deal, but I think it would bug me.

The greater flexibility in being able the change the angle of the horizontal position is a nice feature, but I think a good ball head and stable legs will do just fine. And despite my earlier post, the horizontal option for the center column is not a major feature I must have. Just thought it would be a nice feature to have, thus the Manfrotto.

So, now I'm thinking a RRS BH-40 LR II ballhead, Manfrotto 055XPROB, and RRS L-Plate. I'm not completely discounting the Gitzo and I'm still looking for opinions from this group.

To provide a littel more background: I'm mostly going to use this set up for taking portraits and occasional scenic/landscape shots. Not looking to hike/backpack with this set up, but weight is still important, just not the overriding factor.

I see lots of posts recommending the 055XPROB and the 488RC2. But since I'm wanting a L-Plate I thought I would change it up a bit. To that end, will the 488 Midi Ballhead and a RRS QR Lever Clamp do just as well? I've decided that I like the RRS stuff over the Kirk gear, for aesthetics reasons only. Still soliciting opinions.

Thx.

[sml]

No experience with the Manfrotto.
But, I played around quite a bit with my BH-40 LRII and the L-plates (and lens plates) yesterday. It was a breeze to set things up. While shopping, I was hesitant regarding the L system, but now I see what it does, I am glad I have it.
The RRS head is fantastic. I used it for panos, portraits, and some closeups yesterday. It worked well with all of those.

[Moonjo]

OK. I think I'm ready to pull the trigger on this setup:

Manfrotto 055XPROB Tripod
RRS BH-40 LR II Ball head
RRS BGE2-L40: L-Plate for Canon BG-E2N Grip

All for under $712

Going once, going twice...

[sml]

I would just suggest that you call RRS first to let them know which legs you're going to be using to make sure you can use the LR II as opposed to the plain LR. Little bit bigger clamp on the II version.
I have the II version...since it's larger, it includes the level bubble.
(I found the people at RRS to very easy to deal with---and very patient and knowledgeable.)

[Moonjo]

Just heard back from RRS. To quote, "This is a great pairing. You should be very pleased with this setup."

Jim, Steve, thanks for your inputs. I think I'm going to be happy with my new set up.

Thx. :D

[RPCrowe]

Both organizations have always answered my email questions. That means a lot to me.

[Moonjo]

So it seems like I'm the only one to put a BH-40 on top of an 055XPROB tripod. At least I couldn't find anyone else posting this combo. However, just to follow up with my decision. Here's my final set up. I finally received my ball head from RRS last week. They were out of the QR clamp when I ordered so it took a little longer to arrive than I thought it would. Overall I'm very happy with my set up. Not looking to take this tripod hiking or anything of the sort, so the overall weight does not bother me.

The one thing I was worried about was being able to tilt the ball head over to 90 degrees. I of course bought the L-plate, so the worry wasn't over taking pictures in portrait orientation, but positioning the center column horizontally and orientating the camera that way. I think the pics are self explanatory.

http://www.moonjo.net/gallery/d/5843-2/DPP_0005.JPG (http://www.moonjo.net/gallery/d/5843-2/DPP_0005.JPG)

http://www.moonjo.net/gallery/d/5849-2/DPP_0010.JPG

http://www.moonjo.net/gallery/d/5852-2/DPP_0011.JPG

http://www.moonjo.net/gallery/d/5855-2/DPP_0012.JPG

http://www.moonjo.net/gallery/d/5876-2/DPP_0017.JPG

http://www.moonjo.net/gallery/d/5873-2/DPP_0016.JPG

[ben_r_]

Awesome! That looks great! Glad you went with the RRS setup over the Kirk. And down the road a bit (when that 055XPROB gets too heavy for you as mine did) you will only have to upgrade your tripod legs to some nice CF Gitzo ones and youll be set!

[tcc]

I am so glad I found this thread as I am looking for the EXACT combo. I was afraid that the QR lever on the LRII would hit the base of the 055 when flopped over 90 degrees. But it doesn't seem so (yet VERY close). This will make my purchase that more easy. Great pics btw *thumbs up*

[Moonjo]

I am so glad I found this thread as I am looking for the EXACT combo. I was afraid that the QR lever on the LRII would hit the base of the 055 when flopped over 90 degrees. But it doesn't seem so (yet VERY close). This will make my purchase that more easy. Great pics btw *thumbs up*

Actually, the lever on the clamp will hit the base when you tilt it over to 90 degrees. But if you tilt it the other way the clamp will just barely miss touching the base. If you tried hard enough it will touch.

I have yet to pull the center column out and use it horizontally, though. Some folks here on POTN think it's gimmicky anyways. But I wanted the option just in case... ;)

Still loving my set up, but I have to admit I don't use it that much. I think it will come more into play when I get the 70-200mm some time next year.

[ben_r_]

I have yet to pull the center column out and use it horizontally, though. Some folks here on POTN think it's gimmicky anyways. But I wanted the option just in case... ;)
Yea it was the same for me. I had the 055XPROB once too and a big selling point for me was that horizontal mounting thing, but then after owning it for a while I realized I never once used or needed it. That was the only thing holding me back from upgrading to a gitzo, so I sold it and moved on.

[Moonjo]

Yea it was the same for me. I had the 055XPROB once too and a big selling point for me was that horizontal mounting thing, but then after owning it for a while I realized I never once used or needed it. That was the only thing holding me back from upgrading to a gitzo, so I sold it and moved on.

I still like my setup. For me it was really the price of the Gitzo that held me back from purchasing it. And since I don't use my tripod that much, I think it was a good decision on my part. ;)

[tcc]

Yea it was the same for me. I had the 055XPROB once too and a big selling point for me was that horizontal mounting thing, but then after owning it for a while I realized I never once used or needed it. That was the only thing holding me back from upgrading to a gitzo, so I sold it and moved on.

I was looking at all different tripods and their max height w/o the centre column extended and the 055xprob was the only one that came close (i'm 6'). I would've loved to get a Gitzo but the height requirement and $$ was a factor.

I know I won't be using the pod very often but I like to have a piece of equipment that is suited for me, will stay with me forever and not have to upgrade every so often.

[Jannie]

A good tripod grows on you, I've got one of the O55 series and it's a dream to use. However putting the center column out to the side gets a lot of movement, so far I've only used it with my G9 and that was fun. But I've used the tripod (I've got an AcraTech ball) with the column up quite a ways a few times when shooting portraits with a 5D/Grip and 70-200 2.8 and it was great. I've used the same RRS head on my legs to try them out and it was pretty fantastic, very smooth to work but mine holds just as solid and it's paid for.

I do like the Gitzo legs as well, tried them with the RRS 40 head and my AcraTech and both were great combinations.

Your new tripod setup ought to keep you happy for a very long time, maybe forever :-)