I think I've made my choices....

[TheReal7]

for a tripod/head combo and they are Manfrotto 190XPROB with 804RC2 head.
Any users of these here have some feedback before I pull the trigger?

[ben_r_]

There are lots of users of the 190XPROB out there and it is a very good tripod for the money. Now the 804RC2 on the other hand isnt so popular as most prefer ball heads over anything else.

[Jim G]

What makes you choose the 804RC2 over something like a 488RC2?

[TheReal7]

I spent about an hour trying out different tripods and heads. I did try the 488 although a great head, I wasn't diggin it. I like the level on the 804 and plan to do a lot of panoramas and the 804 seem to operate the way I liked.

[ben_r_]

Well I would like to add that MANY of us started off with 3 axis heads like the 804RC2 and I think youll find like most of us did that a ball head is simply more convenient, lighter, and often stronger and will end up migrating to one eventually.

...but, I have been wrong before. ;)

[TheReal7]

Thanks for the input Ben. That is what I want to hear. What I want most is to be able to get the tripod and head level. The 190 has a built in bubble level and so does the 804, the 488 doesn't though. I would find that I would be constantly fighting to get it perfectly level for multiple shot panoramas. Someone correct me if I am wrong or missing something about the 488.

[phfalcon]

I don't have that tripod or any of the heads mentioned but if your concern is ensuring things are level you could always pick up a hotshoe level. They seem to be reasonably inexpensive.

[ben_r_]

Yea I dont depend on a tripod level either, I use one of these when being level is critical: LINK (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/263729-REG/Bogen_Manfrotto_337_337_Flash_Hot_Shoe.html)

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/images/largeimages/263729.jpg

[ed rader]

a hotshoe level was my first thought too but would that work for panos if the tripod isn't level?

ed rader

[TheReal7]

Thanks. I've been debating about a bubble level for some time. Haven't bought one due to price yet. Locally they are pricey.

Ed, I think you are correct. It the tripod isn't level, taking multiple pan shots is tough. Specially when trying to stitch them together.

[ben_r_]

a hotshoe level was my first thought too but would that work for panos if the tripod isn't level?

ed rader
Well the tripod legs themselves should have a level built in its column right? So once thats level the head (which ever is used) should be as well and the panning base should be all that needs to be moved.

[TheReal7]

Also, budget is a factor too. The 190 is $199.99 and the 804 is $92.99 locally. I wanted to keep it around $300. If I get the 488 I would most definitely need a bubble level. Which puts me well over the $300 range.

[ben_r_]

Why buy locally? Amazon.... Free shipping no tax for most.... $199 is expensive for the 190XPROB...

[TheReal7]

Ya, I agree, but to ship to Canada all said n done will cost me more then amazon by time I get. Then I still have wait. LOL Once I decide I want something I want it NOW! hahah I am looking at online places to order, preferable in Canada to save on shipping/duties.

[ben_r_]

Bogen 190XPROB from Amazon.com for $160 free shipping no tax: LINK (http://www.amazon.com/Manfrotto-190XPROB-Section-Aluminum-Tripod/dp/B000N7VPRW/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1220542307&sr=8-1)

Bogen 488RC2 from Amazon.com for $110 free shipping no tax: LINK (http://www.amazon.com/Manfrotto-488RC2-Rapid-Connect-System/dp/B00009R6N0/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1220542360&sr=1-1)

Adorama 2 Axis Bubble Level through Amazon.com $20 shipped no tax LINK (http://www.amazon.com/Adorama-5411-Double-Bubble-Level/dp/B00005QFAF/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1220542794&sr=8-1)

There is your setup under $300.

[ben_r_]

AH! Sorry, didnt know you were in Canada!Well yea I guess that changes things a bit.

[TheReal7]

Ya. Even with the dollar being like it is....most places haven't adjusted their prices...much!

[TheReal7]

Too bad the 488 doesn't have a feature to be locked perfectly straight up. That would be the ultimate.

[ben_r_]

Too bad the 488 doesn't have a feature to be locked perfectly straight up. That would be the ultimate.
I dont know of any ball head that has that feature though...

[TheReal7]

Ya, I haven't found one yet. Someone needs to make this a feature because it would be the ultimate for what I want/need.

[gembobs]

I spent about an hour trying out different tripods and heads. I did try the 488 although a great head, I wasn't diggin it. I like the level on the 804 and plan to do a lot of panoramas and the 804 seem to operate the way I liked.

If you are happy the head will work for you, then go for it.

I have the legs and they are great (but with the 486RC2 ball head, also great), and I think my brother in law has that head (also on the same tripod), which he is happy with as far as I am aware, it certainly looks the job for landscapes and pano's.

[TheReal7]

Great to hear Gembobs. I think I will pull the trigger as soon as I can. I disparately need a good reliable tripod. Down the road I can see myself getting a ball head for portraits and such.

[tsamarin]

I've got that very head on a 055XPROB. I like pan heads, what can I say? I shoot a lot of panoramics and I after trying the built in levels and then buying one of the hot shoe devices, I finally bought an Acratech leveling base. It's quick, easy and about as accurate as any of the other methods.

[TheReal7]

tsamarin, what prompted you to get the Acratech? Was the bubble level on the tripod not that good?

[tsamarin]

Scott,
Yeah, the tripod bubbles get you close but if you're shooting a lot of pics to stitch together later, then even a slight tilt to the tripod causes you to crop off a lot of the tops and bottoms to keep things level in the stitch. The leveling base bubble is bigger and easier to see. Plus, moving the legs is a real exercise in patience-you end up altering the tripod position just by grabbing it to move the legs and you have to go back and readjust. This way, I get close with the tripod bubbles and then dial in with the leveling base. It's still not perfect, though. Now I understand why the pros use such expensive support gear. There's some pretty good information on the Really Right Stuff website about shooting pans. Good luck and don't sweat it too bad-it wouldn't be such a fun hobby if you didn't keep buying new things, right?

[jdizzle]

If you want to do panos, why not try a pano head? If you need one, I have a Bogen 303 to get rid of for a good price!

[Maxdave]

For Canadians buying from Amazon.com, don't they refuse to sell some items into Canada? I know for example that camera bodies and lenses are not shipped to Canada.

Maxdave

[Tareq]

I have exactly the same combo you have, and i am happy with it, i saw that 488RC2 and i was really going to buy it, but i feel i got used to my 804RC2, and i don't know why i feel it is more easier for me than ballhead, but i am sure others see that is wrong, but in all cases i use it only in my country for short hiking that i don't need to carry something heavier, for another purposes i have my Gitzo 5eries and ballhead RRS 55 and i can use Markins Q3T if i want to.

[ben_r_]

Scott,
Yeah, the tripod bubbles get you close but if you're shooting a lot of pics to stitch together later, then even a slight tilt to the tripod causes you to crop off a lot of the tops and bottoms to keep things level in the stitch. The leveling base bubble is bigger and easier to see. Plus, moving the legs is a real exercise in patience-you end up altering the tripod position just by grabbing it to move the legs and you have to go back and readjust. This way, I get close with the tripod bubbles and then dial in with the leveling base. It's still not perfect, though. Now I understand why the pros use such expensive support gear. There's some pretty good information on the Really Right Stuff website about shooting pans. Good luck and don't sweat it too bad-it wouldn't be such a fun hobby if you didn't keep buying new things, right?
I like your point of view! :)

[TheReal7]

Thank you everyone for the feedback. Today I picked up a 190XPROB and 804CR2 and look forward to getting much use out of it!!

[TheReal7]

Just thought I'd throw this out there. Here is another way, not shown in the manual, to set yup this tripod for macro use:

http://www.scottkroeker.com/photos/newtripod/IMG_5890.jpg