pairing Manfrotto tripod with Photo Clam head?

[JRSand]

I have been hearing some good things about Photo Clam ball heads and am considering either the PC-33NS or PC-36NS models to pair with a Manfrotto 055 or 190 tripod. Has anyone used the 055 or 190 with either of these heads? If so, I would welcome any and all comments. Thanks much.

Jeff

[niall_eidw]

Jeff,

I recently purchased a PC-40NS and an 055XPROB, no problems at all. I found Kerry in reallybigcameras.com to be very helpful.

[JRSand]

Thanks Niall. Based on your use of the PC-40NS how do you think the PC-33NS or PC-36NS would work on an 055xprob, particularly given the slightly smaller base diameters? It seems that load capacity would not be a problem as I will only be using a 70-200 at most. If the load rating is sufficient for all of these then what would be the advantages of going with the 40 (or 36) over the 33NS? Thanks much.

Jeff

[niall_eidw]

Jeff,

My 40NS sits about 1-2mm narrower than the top of the 055. The 40 is a chunky eneough piece of kit, and there is plenty of head room for heavier kit. I'll get some shots up later on today.

[niall_eidw]

Jeff,

Two shots of my PC-40NS on the 055.

http://reallybigcameras.com/PhotoClam/PC-40N_NS.htm

[JRSand]

Thanks Niall! That is very helpful. I actually called Manfrotto to ask how big the base of the 055 was and they told me 2" which got me thinking about the PC-33NS or the PC-36NS. However, it would appear that I was given some bad information and the 33 would certainly be too narrow for the 055. I appreciate your time.

Jeff

[niall_eidw]

Jeff,

I'm not sure that the 055 has a 2" base because according to the website the PC-40NS has a 'Panning Base Diameter' of 2.26" (which is what butts against the 055 base) and its still slightly narrower then the 055 Base.

The website describes the 'Ball Housing Diameter' (which has the Photo Clam Logo on it) as being 1.96"

Anyways as you were thinking of the PC-33 it has a base diameter of my Ball Housing - 1.96", so if you look at the picture above imagine that line continuing down the sides to the 055 base, you will end up with a rather small head on a huge pair of shoulders.

You could always consider the 190 from Manfrotto, it may suit the 33 or 36 better.

Good Luck!!

[JRSand]

I agree...thanks again Niall!

Jeff