Landscape Shooters - What Type Of Tripod Head?

[NinetyEight]

I was just wondering what sort of Tripod head all you seasoned landscape shooters prefer.

I currently have a Manfrotto 055XPROB tripod with a 488RC2 ballhead, and whilst I'm generally happy with it for general use, I do find it a PITA to get an exact adjustment from it to adjust to the level on my hotshoe.
Even if you get it level, when you tweak the knob to tighten it, when you let go, the bl**dy thing always moves :confused:

Would a normal 3 way pan & tilt be recommended for landscapes?

Your thoughts and experience is welcomed :-)

[Picture North Carolina]

I was just wondering what sort of Tripod head all you seasoned landscape shooters prefer.

I currently have a Manfrotto 055XPROB tripod with a 488RC2 ballhead, and whilst I'm generally happy with it for general use, I do find it a PITA to get an exact adjustment from it to adjust to the level on my hotshoe.
Even if you get it level, when you tweak the knob to tighten it, when you let go, the bl**dy thing always moves :confused:

Would a normal 3 way pan & tilt be recommended for landscapes?

Your thoughts and experience is welcomed :-)

I also had the RC2 and I also found it a pain in the tush. I can't remember the model off-hand, but I stepped up to a pan / ball head which had the second lever. Pretty happy with that.

Don't forget about the weight-handling specifications. My RC2 also slopped around after I made adjustments and let it go - very irritating. But I think that is because it is a light duty head. Go with something that is capable of handling more weight and you will get something that is more steady, not to mention the fact that you may add a long, heavy lens to your arsenal in the future.

[NinetyEight]

Thanks for the input CannedHeat :-)

I think the RC4 QR plate is a bit too big for a DSLR, this is designed for medium format really, besides the 488 head is also available as an RC4 and all that is different is the size of the QR plate, the ball assembly is identical.
The 488 has the panning function lever, but this doesn't help with general stability.
Once the ball is tightened i've never had a problem with movement, its just when tightening it up that it moves slightly.

The 488 is rated at 8Kg so should take a 50D with 10-22 or 17-40L... maybe I should look at some different makes.

[argyle]

...Even if you get it level, when you tweak the knob to tighten it, when you let go, the bl**dy thing always moves :confused:

Would a normal 3 way pan & tilt be recommended for landscapes?

Your thoughts and experience is welcomed :-)

Get yourself a better quality ballhead that doesn't drift or droop...those by Markins and RRS come to mind. A little more expensive, but much more reliable...

[rdricks]

I use the Bogen 410 Gear Head (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/124665-REG/Bogen_Manfrotto_410_410_Junior_Geared_Head.html). It is great for landscapes. It is very easy to make precision adjustments. And I have never had it move when I set it!

There is a downside though - as with all 3-way heads, it takes time. For landscapes it is not a problem. But it does not match the versatility of a ball head for a variety of subjects. Just try tracking wildlife with one! ;)

[NinetyEight]

Mmmm, I've been looking at the RRS and Markins heads and may have to take out a second mortgage to pay for them!
I may have to live with it for now, but thanks for the input everyone.

[Lowner]

Like Canned heat, I too dumped the RC2 system for the more reliable A-S system via Markins and RRS. And for much the same reason.

Sadly you are right, it's second mortage country. I've just sent RRS an email enquiring about a 100-400L lens collar replacement, Now thats going to be expensive by the time it reaches me in the UK, i bet.

[nwa2]

I voted Ball head because that is what I own, however having used the ball head for a few months I miss the conveniance of making small adjustments with a pan and tilt.

[Lowner]

nwa2,

Ah, then you need to play with a Markins ballhead for 10 minutes. It allows you to tweak the composition but will stay put indefinitely without breaking sweat.