Ball Head advice needed...

[symes]

I have read almost all 77 links that come up when I used the search message...It has taken me the better part of three hours. Unfortunately I feel only slightly closer to a solution.

I have a Bogen / Manfrotto 680 Monopod. I know that I want something on the top of it so I can shoot vertically. I don't have a tripod as of yet but I plan on getting one soon (more reserach there). the reason I mention this is in an ideal world I would like to be able to use the same head on both. From my research a Ball head is favoured on a Monopod where a traditional head is favoured on a tripod - because of its panning abilities...

I would also like to be able to pan with my monopod. Citing this criteria and preferring to stay Manfrotto, I think the 488RCO meets the requirements. It has a level and panning ability and will definitly hold the weight of my soon to be EF 70-200mm IS USM.

Finally to the questions:

1. Is the 488RCO an effective panning head?
2. The mount is oddly shaped, are their any other Traditinal heads that fit the same way?
3. Is the Trigger ball head more effective for landscape and weddings etc?
4. Do you have any other suggestions in terms of Heads?

[Mac]

I have the 488RC2 and love it. The ability to pan while leaving the ball locked is great, and the motion is smooth and fluid. It is the only head I have for my tripod, and have no intentions of changing it. I shoot mainly wildlife and landscape shots...

[Jesper]

Me too for the 488RC2.

The only difference between the 488RC2 and 488RC0 is the shape of the quick release plate. I think the RC2 is more suitable for the 300D than the RC0; the RC0 is a large, hexagonal plate that looks like it's made for medium format cameras.

The 488 head has a separate knob for horizontal panning. When I bought mine, I originally wanted to get the 486, but the shop didn't have it, so I went for the 488. I'm glad I did. The 486 also has a panning knob, but no degrees scale at the bottom of the head (which the 488 does have).

[Whaler]

I had a the 488. . . . . Save and buy an Acratech. The head is smaller and much lighter and more important the QR plates aren't so big and klunky.

[Scottes]

For a monopod al that's really needed is a Bogen 3229 (with QR) or a Bogen 3232.
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=5491&is=REG
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=5498&is=REG

I used my monopod with a ballhead for some time, and I just don't think they're worth the extra weight or hassle. In fact, I think ballheads are detrimental on a monopod compared to one of the above heads.


488RC2 is very nice from what I've seen. I don't think you could go wrong on that one. I think that RC0 plates are too big and clunky - coming from someone who uses an RC4... :wink:

That Acratech is in another class. What a sweet ballhead.

[symes]

For a monopod al that's really needed is a Bogen 3229 (with QR) or a Bogen 3232.
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=5491&is=REG
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=5498&is=REG

I used my monopod with a ballhead for some time, and I just don't think they're worth the extra weight or hassle. In fact, I think ballheads are detrimental on a monopod compared to one of the above heads.


488RC2 is very nice from what I've seen. I don't think you could go wrong on that one. I think that RC0 plates are too big and clunky - coming from someone who uses an RC4... :wink:

That Acratech is in another class. What a sweet ballhead.

Scottes, I had read your other posts and these are the same heads you recommend over and over again. Why is that you constantly go back to them?

The only major issue I see with them is their ability to support weight. with my Drebel, may soon be a 20D, and that lens isn't its support too light at 6lbs.?

[Scottes]

Scottes, I had read your other posts and these are the same heads you recommend over and over again. Why is that you constantly go back to them?
Because they're still darn good and still inexpensive.
So that's 2 good reasons that haven't changed, so I'd say that's constant. Thus I constantly recommend them.

The only major issue I see with them is their ability to support weight. with my Drebel, may soon be a 20D, and that lens isn't its support too light at 6lbs.?
1.5lb + 3.5lb = 5lb. Again, that's constant.



From earlier...
I would also like to be able to pan with my monopod.
Since the monopod is a single axis it will pan quite easily. Anything attached will also pan. (Just don't pan constantly or you'll turn around.)