Yet another tripod/head thread

[jrm]

Seems it has been a little while since a "which tripod" thread was active. Since I am now in the market for a decent tripod/head (my old el-cheapo just broke) I figured I would start a new thread.

Camera/Lens: 300d/Canon 70-200/2.8
Needs: relative portability (i.e. not a studio only setup)

Searching the forum, most point to the Bogen 3021 as the tripod of choice. I am not sure I want to go carbon-fibre as I want to keep the cost reasonable. Still open to suggestions here.

Where I am really confused is the choice of heads. Ball/Ball Grip/3D/Pan-Tilt/gear and all the variations thereof.

I _think_ I want a ball head that also has the separate panning control.

I have also seen references to "leveling" which sounds like a good thing (assuming I understand what exactly that means).

Since I shoot indoors and outdoors and have a wide range of interests, I am looking ofr something "general purpose" that will give me flexibility. I also like the idea of "quick release."

Finally, if the tripod/head can also be used for video (consumer camera/same screw mount as camera) that would be a big plus.

Based on this information, which is the right head to look at?

--Joe

[CyberDyneSystems]

Thread moved to the Accesories forum where we discuss tripods ;)

there is a lovely sticky thread at the top of the page which may be of service to you asl well :)

I like ball heads,.
Having tried them at the beginning,. I am no longer a fan of the "Pistol grip" style. It seems about 50-50 in the jusy on these.

If you get a standard type ball head, Get a ball head that pans independantly of the "ball" (this is one of the drawbacks of the pistol grip style, but not the only one)

[Mildot]

I have a Bogen 3001BPRO with a 308RC ball head and just bought a 3021BPRO with a 468RC2 ball head. I like the 3021 better because it is a little taller and is more stable, but I would rather carry the 3001 because it is lighter. If I was going to keep just one it would be the 3021. However they both work fine with my 20D and 200 f4 L. I like the ball heads versus the others personally, some don't.

Mike

[GTogs]

I have the Bogen 3021BPro Tripod. It feels very sturdy unlike the one I borrowed from my daughter. The tripod has a level in it.

I also prefer the ball head. I have the Bogen 488RC2 which has a seperate panning action.

You can purchase a Hakuba Fluid leveler to mount in the hot shoe of your camera to insure the camera is level.

[Wildewinds]

I have a Bogen 3021 Tripod with 488RC0 Bogen Ballhead. Three things I don't like about it. First of all, it's freaking heavy. I think the whole setup is like nine pounds or something. Secondly, the ballhead doesn't have friction control. It's just a basic one knob setup to tighten/loosen. Finally, the quickrelease plate is way too big. I never leave it on the camera because it's so clunky.

After some research I've decided on a more expensive, yet hopefully more user friendly setup. The legs I'm going to get are made by Feisol ( www.feisol.com (http://www.feisol.com/) ). Not many people know about them, but those who have a set are always very pleased. Carbon fiber construction (light), and they're a good height for me (I'm 6'1"). They sell direct and on ebay. The ballhead will be the Markins M10 ( http://www.markinsamerica.com/MA4/M10.php ). Very light, high load capacity, Arca-style quick release (small plate attached to camera) and it has the friction control.

Total cost is around $600.

[SkipD]

I have the 3021BPRO and a 486RC2 ballhead. This combination is my take-anywhere rig, and I really like it. One really good feature is ability to horizontally mount the column. This works well with the ballhead for a several fairly unique applications - putting the camera virtually on the ground or hanging it over a fence or over a table top, all while firmly attached to the tripod. To tote the tripod around, I have a Bogen strap for it and carry it across my back like a quiver of arrows.

I do also have a much heavier leg set and a two other heads for the studio and other applications, but the 3021BPRO combination would be something you'd appreciate. By the way - the 3021PRO is the silver version. The B in the 3021BPRO means "black".

[jrm]

Thread moved to the Accesories forum where we discuss tripods ;)

there is a lovely sticky thread at the top of the page which may be of service to you asl well :)

I like ball heads,.
Having tried them at the beginning,. I am no longer a fan of the "Pistol grip" style. It seems about 50-50 in the jusy on these.

If you get a standard type ball head, Get a ball head that pans independantly of the "ball" (this is one of the drawbacks of the pistol grip style, but not the only one)

oops... missed the "Accesories" forum (I have the Equipment forum as a bookmark, and that is where I remember seeing all the previous tripod discussions).

double oops on the sticky... although it was related to the first oops. :)

Seems like that 3021 is among the most popular. Seems to come up in every tripod thread. I also see the 4xxRC2 head coming up quite a bit.

Is there a method to the naming convention on the heads? I want friction control and separate pan control. If both the 486RC2 and 488RC2 have them, what is the difference?

--Joe

[HJMinard]

Consider the Gitzo Explorer G2220 ... I'm really pleased with mine. Currently using it with the Manfrotto grip ballhead.

[TammieO]

I got an RRS ballhead. It's a bit on the expensive side, but it is sturdy. I can put my IDMkII and 100-400L with 1.4x TC and there is no creep.

[jrm]

Consider the Gitzo Explorer G2220 ... I'm really pleased with mine. Currently using it with the Manfrotto grip ballhead.

That one does look interesting. A little lighter than the 3021, more expensive, and it has that tilting center column.

How do you find the stability with the aluminum construction? Does that tilting column make it more diificult to set up quickly?

--Joe

[HJMinard]

How do you find the stability with the aluminum construction? Does that tilting column make it more diificult to set up quickly?

It's very stable ... high quality construction. No ... it sets up very quickly - especially when you have the column locked in the normal upright/vertical position. I find that tilting the column (for macros, etc.) is also very quick and easy to do once your familiarized with the tripod.

[jrm]

I have a Bogen 3021 Tripod with 488RC0 Bogen Ballhead. Three things I don't like about it. First of all, it's freaking heavy. I think the whole setup is like nine pounds or something. Secondly, the ballhead doesn't have friction control. It's just a basic one knob setup to tighten/loosen. Finally, the quickrelease plate is way too big. I never leave it on the camera because it's so clunky.

After some research I've decided on a more expensive, yet hopefully more user friendly setup. The legs I'm going to get are made by Feisol ( www.feisol.com (http://www.feisol.com/) ). Not many people know about them, but those who have a set are always very pleased. Carbon fiber construction (light), and they're a good height for me (I'm 6'1"). They sell direct and on ebay. The ballhead will be the Markins M10 ( http://www.markinsamerica.com/MA4/M10.php ). Very light, high load capacity, Arca-style quick release (small plate attached to camera) and it has the friction control.

Total cost is around $600.

The Feisol legs look real interesting, and I have heard good things about them (mainly on this forum). At 3 pounds, the light weight is very attractive. The Gitzo 2220 mentioned by someone else is a little more money - the aluminum contruction brings the weight up to over 5 pounds, but is also has that nice tilting center column.

Choices, choices.

Do you know the thread size on the Feisol? Is it the standard 3/8" (their web site doesn't say)

The Markins ballhead also looks great. Not sure if I am ready to spend over $300 on a head.

What would be a comparible Bogen or Gitzo (or other) head? From what I could tell, the reasonably priced Bogen heads do not have friction control - seems it starts with the "490 Maxi" which goes for a little under $200. In the Gitzo, looks like it would be the 1378M, which is $275.

Once I decide on a legs and head, I will need QR plates for anything I want to attached to the head, right? (Camera, long lens, etc.) These plates would basically stay attached to the gear all the time? I assume there are also "generic" plates that I could use for a consumer video camera? Or could I just attach something directly to the ballhead (assuming it has the same thread)?

Thanks for all the help and patience.

--Joe

[Wildewinds]

I would consider two pounds a big difference in weight. If weight isn't an issue for you, the Bogen 3021's are $100 cheaper than the Gitzo and they weigh about the same (and they're solid as a rock). You'd be paying the extra money for the tilting center column.

Another ballhead you may consider is the Kirk BH-3 http://www.kirkphoto.com/ballheadbh3.html It weighs a bit more than the Markins, has a lower load capacity (more than enough for our stuff, though), but is $100 cheaper. Supposedly you have to wait a few weeks for those as they're made to order. Unlike the Markins, they come with a universal camera plate.

[Camo 757]

I got the Bogen 3221WN with spikes and a std. 3030. works great!!!!!

[flyfisher]

I also use the Gitzo G2220 explorer and an RRS ball head ,I find this combination very sturdy . the tripod is very versatile and can be put in many different positions.

[viewmont]

I'm sure my 2 cents won't help but I'll just let you know what I recently got and why. I chose the Gitzo 1348 mkII legs because I don't ever want to buy another set again. I'll lug these things all over and never mind their size or weight. I only use the 3 top leg sections on a regular basis as this is a 4 section unit but I like the idea that when I need it, there is extra height available. I've never been a fan of center columns.
They are truly amazing legs. I can grab them by one leg and shake them hard and there isn't a rattle or vibration yet they easily expand and I can set them up quite quickly. Much quicker than what they replace which was a Slik 500DX with pan tilt head (heavy and horrible).

On top of these legs I chose the Markins M10-L not only because it is a work of art but there are not enogh o's in the word smooth to describe this thing. And STRONG! Sure, the biggest lens I currently have is the 70-200 but "currently" is the key word. My wife *has* to let me buy a 400 or 500mm lens in the future... I hope. But I will be ready for it with this combination, for sure.

This combination was definitely expensive. I paid $575cad ($460us) for the legs and $625cad for the M10-L with a few quick release plates. The total with taxes and delivery went well over $1200cad but it's partially tax deductible and like I said, I should never have to buy another set again.

Dave

[jrm]

I'm sure my 2 cents won't help but I'll just let you know what I recently got and why. I chose the Gitzo 1348 mkII legs because I don't ever want to buy another set again. I'll lug these things all over and never mind their size or weight. I only use the 3 top leg sections on a regular basis as this is a 4 section unit but I like the idea that when I need it, there is extra height available. I've never been a fan of center columns.
They are truly amazing legs. I can grab them by one leg and shake them hard and there isn't a rattle or vibration yet they easily expand and I can set them up quite quickly. Much quicker than what they replace which was a Slik 500DX with pan tilt head (heavy and horrible).

On top of these legs I chose the Markins M10-L not only because it is a work of art but there are not enogh o's in the word smooth to describe this thing. And STRONG! Sure, the biggest lens I currently have is the 70-200 but "currently" is the key word. My wife *has* to let me buy a 400 or 500mm lens in the future... I hope. But I will be ready for it with this combination, for sure.

This combination was definitely expensive. I paid $575cad ($460us) for the legs and $625cad for the M10-L with a few quick release plates. The total with taxes and delivery went well over $1200cad but it's partially tax deductible and like I said, I should never have to buy another set again.

Dave

Thanks for the additional leg suggestion. At this point I am leaning towards the Gitzo 2220, as I really like that tilting center column. My second favorite is the Feisol, simply because of the much lower weight.

The ballhead choice is proving more confusing.

The Markins does look like a work of art, but it is also the most expensive I have seen. After that seems to be the Kirk BH-3 and Acratech "Ultimate Ballhead". All seem to have pretty similar features (friction control, panning, excellent quality).

Does one of these really offer more than the other? The Markins seems like the "Rolls Royce" of the bunch, but the Arcatech and Kirk still seem like BMWs. Anything to consider when comparing these three? Anything else in that same quality range that is a "must consider"?

Thanks,

--Joe

[DocFrankenstein]

Good luck choosing a ballhead. I haven't used a ballhead... except a sumer small one...

from reading up on it, the major players seem to be this:
Markins - generally positive, price reflects quality
Acratech ultimate ball - more affordable, but some reviewers complain of the creep when tightened. Smallest and lightest of them all. No lubrication required. Easy to clean.
Arca Swiss B1 (studioball earlier) - used to be "the" ballhead to have, but their quality control went down and lots of complaints about sticking.
There's also Kirk which is good and smooth.

It's hard to judge, because only a lunatic would have all of them to compare to each other.

For quick release system you'll need the arca style plates if you're planning to get the 500mm prime

For the legs... I have gitzo 2220 and love it very much.

The center column is not the main advantage of it over the bogen. It is more stable and adjusts quicker because you can fix the legs at any angle you want... while bogen gives you 30,60,90 and they "creep in"

[pierrot]

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=71978