tripod/ballhead suggestions

[nordstern1]

i read through the stickies about tripods but for some reason, i still couldnt decide on what tripod & ballhead to buy.:oops::(

i like the manfrotto 055PROB + 488RC2 but it looks to big & heavy for me while the 190PROB looks short & flimsy.

im considering Benro & Velbon. can anyone suggest specific models?

im only 5'8 & my heaviest lens is the 24-70 L.

i cant afford Gitzo...:(

[Pete Gl]

I have the 055 PROB, and I'm only 5'6", you're right it is big and heavy, BUT it's very stable. If you're never going to venture far from your car I can thoroughly recommend it. But if you're going to be carrying it around a lot on foot the 190 is probably a better compromise.

I made the mistake of getting the 486RC2 head, thinking, like you, it's adequately big for my 400D and biggest lens. BUT the 488 has the the extra 'knob' which allows you to rotate the camera without releasing the ball. I enjoy panoramas, and for that, the extra 'knob' is absolutely ideal. But if pano's are not your thing, the 486 would probably suffice. I'll probably bite the bullet soon, get what I can for my 486 head, and go for the 488.

Pete

[nordstern1]

thanks for the input Pete!

im already sold on the 488RC2 unless i find a better head at a lower price from either Benro or Velbon.

do you think the 190PROB will be tall enough for me?

im interested in the carbon-fiber models of Benro & Velbon but im attracted to the manfrottos because of their reputation.

[Pete Gl]

Although I don't own a 190, a friend in my photo club has one, he's a fairly tall guy 5' 11" ish, and I've watched him use it, I'm sure it will be more than adequate for a 5' 8" guy.

Pete

[nordstern1]

Thanks again Pete! i'll check it out...:D

[SkipD]

Joe, you do NOT want to normally have the center column extended, as the tripod is not nearly as sturdy with it extended.

The viewfinder of my 20D (with a grip on the bottom) mounted on 3021BPro/488RC2 (the US name of the 055 family at the time of manufacture) is just below my eye level, and I am 5'10" tall. I also have the convertible spiked "feet" on my tripod which adds a little to the height.

I think you'd be hunching over just slightly with the 190 (with its column all the way down), and that's if you had "grips" on your cameras.

The 055 is also sturdier than the 190 for heavier/longer lenses.

With this carrying strap from Manfrotto (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/5285-REG/Bogen_Manfrotto_3044_3044_Long_Tripod_Carrying.htm l), carrying the tripods (either one) across your back is quite easy.

[Pete Gl]

Yep, good point Skip, my friend did have the centre column extended a few inches. I agree 100% it's better not to have the centre column extended, but isn't that why the centre column extends, to cater for different heights of users?

Pete

[SkipD]

Yep, good point Skip, my friend did have the centre column extended a few inches. I agree 100% it's better not to have the centre column extended, but isn't that why the centre column extends, to cater for different heights of users?My opinion, Pete, is that the center column should be extended only for the unusual situation where you MUST use it or not get a shot. The tripod leg set should be tall enough that you don't need to use the center column extension on a regular basis.

Another thought to ponder: Many images would be much better if the photographer did not make them in a full standing position. Some are MUCH better from nearly ground level. A typical example is the common photo of a household pet straining to look up at the photographer. If the photographer had gotten down to the level of the pet's eyes, the resulting image would normally be a lot more interesting. A tripod like the 055XProB allows for ground-level support as well as full standing-height (and then some with the center column extended if need be).

[nordstern1]

thanks Skip! yeah, good point, taller would be better. any comments on the 055MF3/MF4? based on their website, they are slightly lighter than the PROB & still have the horizontal mounting capability.

how about Benros & Velbons? any experience with those?

[jsvphoto]

I've got a 30D (no battery pack) and a Tamron 18-250mm lense. That combo is too heavy for my Manfrotto pistol grip head. Especially if it's cold. Love the tripod, though (sorry, don't have the model number handy, although it's a relatively low-end model).

[SkipD]

thanks Skip! yeah, good point, taller would be better. any comments on the 055MF3/MF4? based on their website, they are slightly lighter than the PROB & still have the horizontal mounting capability.

how about Benros & Velbons? any experience with those?If you can afford the carbon fiber versions, they should be just fine. I have not seen them in a local store, so I have not had my hands on them. The two models are different lengths (closed) and heights when set up.

I have no experience with Benros and Velbons. What I have read about Benro products, though, would steer me away from them. My understanding is that the Velbons are knockoffs of the Manfrotto products, but I have no way to judge their quality.