need a tripod for travelling

[Pen6uiN]

hi guys

going to europe for the first time for a 17 days trip
mainly from rome travelling to venice, milan, zurich, lucern, paris & london (using eurail's train network)

will be bringing 5d2 + 24-105L + 580ex, using lowepro computrekker bag .. that's it

i need to buy a tripod for this travel purpose .. preferrably that can be strapped to computrekker bag

i have a Manfrotto 055XPROB but i find it very heavy
so looking for a lighter option

mainly going to use tripod for night shots on the 5d2 + 24-105L @ 15secs to 30seconds shutter speed ... so need to be reasonably steady

price not a big deal
i can borrow friend's ball head rather using my 3-way head

help anyone?

[tvphotog]

I have the same kit as you do, and I travel with a Gitzo 1541t and the setup in this review. (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=538298&highlight=1541t)It's extremely light and folds very small. Good in anything but a stiff wind. In a light wind, I attach my pack to the column hook with a bungee.

The Feisol and Benro are less expensive, but are made in China with a three year warranty only. The Gitzo is made in Italy and has a lifetime warranty.

This is a shot made at Chartres cathedral, from 50m away and 10m off the ground with the 100-400 at 400mm, using the tripod, with 1 sec exposure. RAW converted to JPEG, without any PP. Pretty sharp.

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b87/maxselma/Aaron.jpg

[Snow001]

In my quest for a light travel tripod, I ended up having both the Gitzo 1541T/markins Q3T and the Benro C-069/B-00 tripod ball head combo. After several months of alternately using both, I have come up with the following observations:

1541T/markins Q3T - More stable and is more ideal to use with heavier lenses such as the 100-400 & 70-200 2.8.

C-069/B-00 - Easier to carry as it folds to a mere 13.1" so I usually carry in in my roller carry on, however ideally you might want to change the ball head if you want to use the two previously mentioned lenses above.

I however have only been using the Benro for the past 9 months so we will see in the long run if the immediate savings will be beneficial as well in terms of long term equipment maintenance cost. The Gitzo's definitely have a proven track record.

Ultimately, I bring the Benro when I am on vacation and need to take a plane ride to get to my destination as it is light, compact, and fits my purpose. I grab the Gitzo if if I am bringing heavier lenses.

[andytaro]

Some of cities in Europe won't allow tripod unless you get permission/license to use it. For example, In Paris, you will need to have permission to use tripod otherwise you will be warned or fined by police.

[tvphotog]

Some of cities in Europe won't allow tripod unless you get permission/license to use it. For example, In Paris, you will need to have permission to use tripod otherwise you will be warned or fined by police.

Very interesting, I've never heard that. Do you know the reasoning behind that? I guess the tripod police missed me when I was in the cathedral!

[Snow001]

Some of cities in Europe won't allow tripod unless you get permission/license to use it. For example, In Paris, you will need to have permission to use tripod otherwise you will be warned or fined by police.

When I was in Mexico at Chichen Itza, they also prohibited me from using my tripod. My guess is they don't want me to make money off something that they control. On certain places, they prohibit it because they don't want it to fall over "exhibits" however in my case, clearly they just didn't want me to take "better' pictures than the ones they were selling :)

[tvphotog]

When I was in Mexico at Chichen Itza, they also prohibited me from using my tripod. My guess is they don't want me to make money off something that they control. On certain places, they prohibit it because they don't want it to fall over "exhibits" however in my case, clearly they just didn't want me to take "better' pictures than the ones they were selling :)

Funny, I guess if you have a tripod, you must be a professional photographer. Here in New York, as long as you're standing in a public place, you can photograph anything you want, using whatever you want. I would think that applies across this country, anyway.

[Mashimaro]

I agree with the above comments regarding the recommendation of the Gitzo 1541. extremely light and compact when folded up.

it was bit short for my taste (i'm 5'10") as i don't travel as much as i'd like to so i ended up with the GT2541 instead. i did play with the 1541 and it's a very nice tripod. :)

[JDubya]

Another vote for the 1541T/Q3T. It's so light and tiny yet quite stable.

There are some more photos of it in my flickr
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3511/3202518487_725118323a_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/17547754@N03/3202518487/)

[GonzoMD]

Funny, I guess if you have a tripod, you must be a professional photographer. Here in New York, as long as you're standing in a public place, you can photograph anything you want, using whatever you want. I would think that applies across this country, anyway.

I can say from first hand experience that this is not always the case, or at least it depends on the cop. In 2008, I was warned by a cop that a license is needed to use a tripod on a public sidewalk, and ordered to leave the area I was shooting in. On a separate occasion, 2009, a wedding photographer friend was told a license was needed to do post-ceremony shots on the sidewalk (with or without a tripod) and also ordered to leave.

This may not be the law, but as usual it doesn't pay to argue with a cop, especially in nyc.

[tvphotog]

Funny, I guess if you have a tripod, you must be a professional photographer. Here in New York, as long as you're standing in a public place, you can photograph anything you want, using whatever you want. I would think that applies across this country, anyway.

Here's the quote from the NYC Mayor's Office of Film page (http://www.nyc.gov/html/film/html/news/070108_moftb_adopts_rules.shtml)

"Under the adopted rules, a permit would be required for filming if equipment or vehicles, as defined in the rule, are used or if the person filming asserts exclusive use of City property. Equipment does not include hand-held devices (such as hand-held film, still, or television cameras or videocameras) or tripods used to support such cameras, but a permit would be required in certain situations when the person filming asserts exclusive use of City property while using a hand-held device...

When a Permit Is Not Required

A permit is not required for filming that uses hand-held cameras or tripods and does not assert exclusive use of City property. Standing on a street, walkway of a bridge, sidewalk, or other pedestrian passageway while using a hand-held device and not otherwise asserting exclusive use of City property is not an activity that requires a permit."

This is the U.S. of A., G-d da%*#it! In realpolitik terms, I carry a copy of this page with me to show the police, as I'm aware that the above confrontation may occur.

[Pen6uiN]

@tvphotog: thx for the info

damn .. u dont kid around with prices .. $700 usd ...
41cm folded ... less than 1kg in weight ...
some serious lightweight tripod there .. (or should i say "heavyweight" in price)

[tvphotog]

@tvphotog: thx for the info

damn .. u dont kid around with prices .. $700 usd ...
41cm folded ... less than 1kg in weight ...
some serious lightweight tripod there .. (or should i say "heavyweight" in price)

And then you add the ballhead. As they say in Congress here," A billion here, a billion there, soon you're talking about real money."

[RPCrowe]

Gitzo GT0530 (weight 1.6 lbs - supports 11 lbs) or GT1530 (weight 2.5 lbs - supports 17.6 lbs) legs with a Really Right Stuff BH-25 pro ball head can be an excellent travel setup. You will use the RRS Arca Compatible head with a RRS L bracket for non-tripod ring equipped camera/lens combinations.

HOWEVER: I presently use a modified SLIK Pro 330DX tripod for travel. I substituted the optional short center column for the heavier and longer stock center column and substituted the Adorama Flashpoint F-1 magnesium Arca compatible ball head for the heavy stock pan-tilt head. The result is a very lightweight (below 2 lbs) set up which will easily support my 40D and 70-200mm f/4L IS lens (even in some stiff winds above Bryce Canyon in Southern Utah).

I don't know if this combination would a full frame camera adequately but, I suspect it would. Total price for the rig was under $140 (I got the Slik on sale at Calumet Photo.

The little SLIK rig fits easily into my rather small roll along suitcase that I check aboard yet gives me most of the advantages of a full-size rig.

The shortfall of this rig is that it is short, even when the legs are fully extended (I don't extend the center column). But, I can live with a little stooping to have such a lightweight setup available. I will occasionally use my right angle viewer to make the set up a bit more convenient.

Images show the modified Sllik next to my full-size Giottos HT-8180 tripod and the 40D with 70-200mm f/4L IS lens mounted on the little F-1 head.

[gjman]

When a Permit Is Not Required

A permit is not required for filming that uses hand-held cameras or tripods and does not assert exclusive use of City property. Standing on a street, walkway of a bridge, sidewalk, or other pedestrian passageway while using a hand-held device and not otherwise asserting exclusive use of City property is not an activity that requires a permit."

This is the U.S. of A., G-d da%*#it! In realpolitik terms, I carry a copy of this page with me to show the police, as I'm aware that the above confrontation may occur.

You are just lucky you only need to show it to the cops...ask an HOA member what "exclusive use" means and they will point out that if I had a small dog/small child...would it be ok for them to walk/crawl UNDER your tripod that is placed on public property for photography purposes?

If you say NO, the you have commandeered that pyramid shaped airspace occupied by your non-licensed/permitted tripod and that constitutes exclusive use.:) You can always argue that you will be done in 1/20th of a second but what if the dog wants to use the same airspace at the same time? If you say, NO...that's illegal use of public property. :lol:

This is the U.S. of A., G-d da%*#it!

[agphotography]

Personally I think gitzo tripods are amazing, the best of the best, but at the moment I don't own any. For travel I ordered the Feisol C3441T because it's pretty light and for me being 6'3" it has a much better max height. It compacts to about 18" which I know isn't as small as the other offerings, but I've had a hard time finding tripods that are "Tall Enough" for me that don't weigh 100lbs.


As far as "anti-tripod" laws I have most definitely experienced that, the one and only time I've been to New York, literally as soon as my tripod was unfolded the police were all over me asking me for permits or press passes, it was just insane, they were going to fine me right then and there, and being only 18 at the time I was pretty tripped out.

More and more I seem to be getting in trouble for taking pictures, which I find funny and sad at the same time. Almost every "public" location I've been to shoot recently has gotten me hassled by the police. Very odd.

[ben_r_]

Another vote for the Gitzo 1541T w/ Markins Q3T head here!

[tvphotog]

Personally I think gitzo tripods are amazing, the best of the best, but at the moment I don't own any. For travel I ordered the Feisol C3441T because it's pretty light and for me being 6'3" it has a much better max height. It compacts to about 18" which I know isn't as small as the other offerings, but I've had a hard time finding tripods that are "Tall Enough" for me that don't weigh 100lbs.


As far as "anti-tripod" laws I have most definitely experienced that, the one and only time I've been to New York, literally as soon as my tripod was unfolded the police were all over me asking me for permits or press passes, it was just insane, they were going to fine me right then and there, and being only 18 at the time I was pretty tripped out.

More and more I seem to be getting in trouble for taking pictures, which I find funny and sad at the same time. Almost every "public" location I've been to shoot recently has gotten me hassled by the police. Very odd.

It's a Homeland Security issue. You could be taking shots for a terrorist attack. You have every right to use a tripod, but the cops know you'll be intimidated if they hassle you. That's why I carry the reprint from the website. I suspect that's the reason for other countries to do the same.

[Tareq]

Gitzo + RRS or Markins ;-)

[mitch13]

Another recommendation for the Gitzo 1541T/Markins Q3T combo. If you choose this combo, I also recommend the Gitzo GC1201T tripod bag. It fits like a glove.

[oak3x]

Personally I think gitzo tripods are amazing, the best of the best, but at the moment I don't own any. For travel I ordered the Feisol C3441T because it's pretty light and for me being 6'3" it has a much better max height. It compacts to about 18" which I know isn't as small as the other offerings, but I've had a hard time finding tripods that are "Tall Enough" for me that don't weigh 100lbs.


As far as "anti-tripod" laws I have most definitely experienced that, the one and only time I've been to New York, literally as soon as my tripod was unfolded the police were all over me asking me for permits or press passes, it was just insane, they were going to fine me right then and there, and being only 18 at the time I was pretty tripped out.

More and more I seem to be getting in trouble for taking pictures, which I find funny and sad at the same time. Almost every "public" location I've been to shoot recently has gotten me hassled by the police. Very odd.

CONGRATS...you are going to love the Feisol!

I own the Feisol CT-3442, and I love it. Both lightweight and sturdy. Paired it with a Markins Ballhead

[agphotography]

I thought about ordering the Markins Q3t but I think I'm going to get another Photo-Clam ballhead, the PC-40 or the PC-36, I'm so happy with the PC-44 that I already own, it's great on my Neotec 458B legs from manfrotto. The reason is because of a slight limitation in the markins design that prevents the legs from closing all the way when folded up. I've seen enough pictures of that on the Gitzo traveler, but the Photo-Clam seems to not exhibit this problem. Not to mention they are a fair bit cheaper.

[Pen6uiN]

@tvphotog:
i am just curious whether you took the Gitzo GT-1550T in to consideration when you decided on 1541T ?

folded length is an impressive 35.5cm & only 1kg in weight

link @ http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/475899-REG/Gitzo_GT1550T_GT_1550T_Traveler_6X_Carbon.html#spe cifications

[Tareq]

I know that Gitzo series 1 is great tripod for travel, but i really recommend to get Gitzo series 2 tripod, there is one which folding small enough and it is lightweight as well but also can take more load than series 1

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/567541-REG/Gitzo_GT2541_GT2541_Mountaineer_6X_Carbon.html

[tvphotog]

@tvphotog:
i am just curious whether you took the Gitzo GT-1550T in to consideration when you decided on 1541T ?

folded length is an impressive 35.5cm & only 1kg in weight

link @ http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/475899-REG/Gitzo_GT1550T_GT_1550T_Traveler_6X_Carbon.html#spe cifications

The 1550 doesn't have the weight capacity of the 1541T.

[Pen6uiN]

Gitzo 1550t
Load Capacity
--- 9.9 lbs (4.5 kg) [legs only capacity]
--- 4.4 lbs (2.0 kg) [max. head capacity]
Maximum Height 57.5" (146 cm)
Folded Length 14" (35.5 cm)

Gitzo 1541t
Load Capacity 17.6 lbs (8kg)
Maximum Height 52.8" (134cm)
Folded Length 16.1" (41cm)

1541t cons:
i am 176cm tall, will 134cm maximum height (for 1541t) an issue u reckon?
if i need to take a group photo for example?

1541t pros:
the other factor was weight
if i am using 5d2 (approx 1kg) + 24-105 (approx. 0.7kg) = total weight 1.7kg
abit dangerously close to the load capacity of 2kg (for 1550t) isnt it?

definitely can't use 5d2 (1kg) + 70-200 2.8 is (1.5kg) = 2.5kg

1541t cons:
1541t has a folded length of 41cm vs 1550t = 35.5cm
u gotta admit that the 35.5cm is sexy

sorry i am a bit rambling here ..
just have to point out the facts so that its easier for me to make the decision

i am considering the 1550t because of the maximum height issue & folded length
and i am considering 1541t because of the maximum load (does this correlate to the stability issue as well if a tripod has a higher load of 8kg vs 2kg)

ps: anybody knows the meeaning of this:
9.9 lbs (4.5 kg) [legs only capacity]
4.4 lbs (2.0 kg) [max. head capacity]


arghhhh what to choose

[Jewmonty]

hi guys

going to europe for the first time for a 17 days trip
mainly from rome travelling to venice, milan, zurich, lucern, paris & london (using eurail's train network)

will be bringing 5d2 + 24-105L + 580ex, using lowepro computrekker bag .. that's it

i need to buy a tripod for this travel purpose .. preferrably that can be strapped to computrekker bag

i have a Manfrotto 055XPROB but i find it very heavy
so looking for a lighter option

mainly going to use tripod for night shots on the 5d2 + 24-105L @ 15secs to 30seconds shutter speed ... so need to be reasonably steady

price not a big deal
i can borrow friend's ball head rather using my 3-way head

help anyone?


So what if I'm looking for the same exact thing but money is an option? I'm 6'2" and saw a Manfroto 190xdb at a wedding the other night and it fit me perfectly.... Thoughts on all of this please????

[tvphotog]

ps: anybody knows the meeaning of this:
9.9 lbs (4.5 kg) [legs only capacity]
4.4 lbs (2.0 kg) [max. head capacity]
arghhhh what to choose

The tripod comes with a small cheap ballhead G1077M Ballhead, that will only support 2.0kg. Message...get a better ballhead.

Most people stoop to use a tripod, if you're over 5' 10". You should not get the 1550 because of the light weight it supports. If you have a reasonably long lens, you'll max it out. Better in my mind to get the 1541T.

[Pen6uiN]

So what if I'm looking for the same exact thing but money is an option? I'm 6'2" and saw a Manfroto 190xdb at a wedding the other night and it fit me perfectly.... Thoughts on all of this please????

manfrotto 190 series are a fine product
as long as u are happy with the weight. 1.8kg + head

i didnt expect a tripod to get so expensive as $700usd ...
i blame tvphotog !!
now i am sucked in to it! lol

The tripod comes with a small cheap ballhead G1077M Ballhead, that will only support 2.0kg. Message...get a better ballhead.

Most people stoop to use a tripod, if you're over 5' 10". You should not get the 1550 because of the light weight it supports. If you have a reasonably long lens, you'll max it out. Better in my mind to get the 1541T.
@tvphotog: i was thinking of pairing it up with manfrotto 488rc2 ballhead, load capacity is 17.6 lb (8 kg).
link : http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/272779-REG/Bogen_Manfrotto_488RC2_488RC2_Midi_Ball_Head.html

well i only have 70-200 2.8 IS, and i dont think i will be getting 300mm or longer (ever! period. or the wife gonna divorce me i reckon.. rofl)

so bearing that in mind, say if i get the 1550t, because i like the folded length, and say if i use 5d2 with 70-200 2.8 IS, total weight is 2.5kg, it should be ok bearing in mind 1550t load capacity is 4.5kg?

i still decide what to get .. but atleast from this thread, it is clear that i should be getting either the 1541t / 1550t

ps: damn u tvphotog!!! i got a wife to explain why our account is missing $700usd soon

[tvphotog]

manfrotto 190 series are a fine product
as long as u are happy with the weight. 1.8kg + head

i didnt expect a tripod to get so expensive as $700usd ...
i blame tvphotog !!
now i am sucked in to it! lol


@tvphotog: i was thinking of pairing it up with manfrotto 488rc2 ballhead, load capacity is 17.6 lb (8 kg).
link : http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/272779-REG/Bogen_Manfrotto_488RC2_488RC2_Midi_Ball_Head.html

well i only have 70-200 2.8 IS, and i dont think i will be getting 300mm or longer (ever! period. or the wife gonna divorce me i reckon.. rofl)

so bearing that in mind, say if i get the 1550t, because i like the folded length, and say if i use 5d2 with 70-200 2.8 IS, total weight is 2.5kg, it should be ok bearing in mind 1550t load capacity is 4.5kg?

i still decide what to get .. but atleast from this thread, it is clear that i should be getting either the 1541t / 1550t

ps: damn u tvphotog!!! i got a wife to explain why our account is missing $700usd soon

Not cheap, but if you get a less expensive setup, something will fail and your initial money will be wasted. The 488RC2 is a fine ballhead, but because both the 1550 and 1541T legs fold over, make sure the legs will sit tight up against the bottom flange. Because the knobs are set at 0 and 180 degrees, it should work.

Aside from making me sleep outside with the dog, my wife didn't react badly when I got the 1541T.

[Pen6uiN]

the only other consideration is: i only travel overseas once a year
that means i will only use this expensive tripod approx. 20 days out of 365 days a year

worth it?

or should i find some cheaper alternative?

[tvphotog]

the only other consideration is: i only travel overseas once a year
that means i will only use this expensive tripod approx. 20 days out of 365 days a year

worth it?

or should i find some cheaper alternative?

The Benro Angel and the Feisol are alternatives, less expensive by about $150 as I remember, but with the same features as the 1550. They're made in China and the Gitzo in Italy. The Gitzo has a lifetime warranty and the other two have three years.

If the $150 US makes a big difference to you, I think you will not wear out the cheaper ones using them once a year! And they both get good reviews here. The Gitzo most would say is the gold standard, however.

[Pen6uiN]

$150 not a big difference

i must admit i prefer gitzo / manfrotto as my 1st choice of tripod

argh!!!!!! the dillema
i wish i win lotto tomorrow
then i'll just buy 1541 & a 24-70 rofl

thx tvphotog .. i'll let u know what i get

[Pen6uiN]

damn i just realized:
1541t is $535 usd (B&H)
1550t is $675 usd (B&H)

$140 more expensive for 1550t, for the smaller tripod when folded (but taller when unfolded) & 4.5kg (as oppose to 8kg load)

[Tareq]

$150 not a big difference

i must admit i prefer gitzo / manfrotto as my 1st choice of tripod

argh!!!!!! the dillema
i wish i win lotto tomorrow
then i'll just buy 1541 & a 24-70 rofl

thx tvphotog .. i'll let u know what i get

I wish to win a lotto to buy that 50 1.2L which you have and 5D mkII which yo have, and even replace my 16-35L mk1 with mkII which you have also ;):p

[Route246]

For travel, I use a Slik Pro 614CF. 850 grams. Not a lot of capacity but very light in the luggage.

[tvphotog]

damn i just realized:
1541t is $535 usd (B&H)
1550t is $675 usd (B&H)

$140 more expensive for 1550t, for the smaller tripod when folded (but taller when unfolded) & 4.5kg (as oppose to 8kg load)

Frankly speaking, you're paying for the five section compactness, which is probably a drawback in terms of stability compared to the four section 1541T. And I think the 1541T is more popular here as some people have longer, heavier lenses to work with, and the capacity of the 1550 is lacking there.

[Pen6uiN]

thx jay
time to rob the bank

[Route246]

As a non-serious user of tripods, I feel that I've already blown my budget on what I really need considering everything I've bought is CF. I think my Manfrotto is a nice compromise of value and quality. I think if I were to step up to some of the stuff mentioned here that it begins to encroach on what a Zeiss 50f1.4 Canon-mount costs and I just can't do it.:cry:
thx jay
time to rob the bank

[Pen6uiN]

hey jay (tvphotog)
i have now decided to get 1541t instead of 1550t
BUT ..
instead of 1541t, should i just buy 24-70 2.8L instead of a tripod?
for holiday purpose, i will just buy a sh!t tripod in rome when i arrive (no name brand, $50 sort of thing)

what's ur opinion on this?
i go on holiday once a year only .. 18 days out of 365 days .. lol

what a dillema .. i wish i win lotto !!!

[Pen6uiN]

damn i keep on thinking of gitzo at the moment!!!

gitzo so sexxxxyyyyyyyy

ps: i know what ur gonna reply already ... u gonna say get the tripod !!! rofl

[Jon]

If you buy the Gitzo you can always just sell your Manfrotto. Then you'll have a lighter tripod year-round, not just the 20 days or so you're traveling.

[tvphotog]

hey jay (tvphotog)
i have now decided to get 1541t instead of 1550t
BUT ..
instead of 1541t, should i just buy 24-70 2.8L instead of a tripod?
for holiday purpose, i will just buy a sh!t tripod in rome when i arrive (no name brand, $50 sort of thing)

what's ur opinion on this?
i go on holiday once a year only .. 18 days out of 365 days .. lol

what a dillema .. i wish i win lotto !!!

Now comes the monkey wrench thrown into the problem! A beautiful lens or a tripod. Of course, what Jon says is true, you could sell the Manfrotto as the Gitzo would take over.

Can you get away with using a beanbag while you're travelling? If you set it on a stone fence or the top of a trash can, you'll get the stability you need. You can also take a mini tripod with which to do the same thing (see below.) Then, you could buy the lens which you might get more use out of. I'm making it worse, right?

Photo courtesy B&H

[c2thew]

A beanbag would be more practical ^

yes the little tripod is portable, but you could always attach a clip to the beanbag and hook it on your bag.

[Pen6uiN]

now Jon gives a good idea ...
hmmm ....
let me think about it tonight

i got a gorrilapod .. travelled twice with it .. hopeless when you need the height

[Pen6uiN]

i went to my local camera store
wanting to buy a cheap manfrotto .. Manfrotto Modo i think $99

i said can i try my camera on it
he asked "what camera"
i replied "5d"
he then said "no ... u crazy? u gonna put a $5000 camera on this **** tripod? u gonna drop your camera!"

*sigh* .. they dont even allow me to buy cheap tripod in their own store

ROFL !!!!

back to the drawing board

[tvphotog]

LOL! After four pages of notes, please let us know your final decision.

[jansenjp]

Im in a similar boat; 50D that i am afraid of putting on a crappy tripod......I been sitting in anguish for 3 months over this decision. I feel like Bret Favre.
JJ

[Pen6uiN]

@tvphotog
thinking of pairing 1541t with manfrotto 488rc2 (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/272779-REG/Bogen_Manfrotto_488RC2_488RC2_Midi_Ball_Head.html) OR manfrotto 322rc2 (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/303591-REG/Bogen_Manfrotto_322RC2_322RC2_Grip_Action_Ballhead .html)

leaning towards 488rc2 coz i have used it before (8kg load) (and u can do panoramic panning)
vs 322rc2 (5kg load) (u cant do panoramic panning)

[Jon]

Get the 488RC2. I have both; the 322RC2 is better suited to "studio" situations, where you may want precise control, but not a lot of changing of camera position. Try moving it around much and you'll feel like you've been working out with a grip strengthener. Plus if you want this for traveling, the 322RC2's much more bulky than the 488RC2.

[tobotech]

Im in a similar boat; 50D that i am afraid of putting on a crappy tripod......I been sitting in anguish for 3 months over this decision. I feel like Bret Favre.
JJ

lol me too!! analysis paralysis. If I had worked for all the hours I've been reading about tripods, I could have earned enough to buy a gitzo :rolleyes:

[Pen6uiN]

@Jon: cool .. i am leaning heavily towards 488rc2 anyway
i wish i have all the money in the world and can buy markins Q3T (but for 200grams less in weight, i find it crazy to pay for $200 extra)

@tobotech: then we would be a millionaire by now .. ROFL

i kept annoying my wife since last week already ...
i kept asking her "so what should i do, buy it or not"
and we got into a conversation of pros & cons, and other things that we need to buy for our house, i.e.
*grass edge trimmer, expensive ones vs Honda
*expensive tripod vs cheap ones
*keep the money for 24-70

this never ends ..

[tvphotog]

Yes, the 488 is the head to go with. Sell the 055X and get the 1541T. I'm sure there are members here who live in Oz who will look at if if you post on the Selling forum. Problem solved.

Save the 24-70 as your birthday gift...from someone...maybe yourself.

[tobotech]

@tvphotog
thinking of pairing 1541t with manfrotto 488rc2 (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/272779-REG/Bogen_Manfrotto_488RC2_488RC2_Midi_Ball_Head.html) OR manfrotto 322rc2 (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/303591-REG/Bogen_Manfrotto_322RC2_322RC2_Grip_Action_Ballhead .html)

have you considered PhotoClam ball head? They have a couple models that are designed for the 1541T so the knobs don't get in the way of it folding up all the way like the markins Q3T knob does. It would be a bit more $ than the manfrotto, but less than the markins, and would get you straight into Arca Swiss style QR.

[Pen6uiN]

@tobotech: is there a link in B&H ? i searched it and none
being in aussie, its hard for us to find things locally.
so i prefer to buy everything from one spot, preferrably B&H

[tvphotog]

@tobotech: is there a link in B&H ? i searched it and none
being in aussie, its hard for us to find things locally.
so i prefer to buy everything from one spot, preferrably B&H

B&H doesn't sell PhotoClam, no brick and mortar store does, they're available only on the web (http://reallybigcameras.com/). They are a knockoff of Markins ballheads, which, as tobotech says, gets you into the realm of Arca plates and quick releases, at a price between Manfrotto and Markins.

The Photoclams and the 488RC2 each have a 3 year warranty, so it's apples and apples there, and the PhotoClam has a "sweet spot" tension feature not found on the 488. It's not necessarily bad that B&H doesn't carry PhotoClam; they don't carry Kirk, Markins or RRS ballheads either, and they're the best ballheads in the business. Though I love B&H, when I bought a ballhead, I took the advice of people here and got the Markins.

The Manfrotto, however, has a long record of excellent performance and the PhotoClam is brand new. Though people who have PhotoClams here like them alot, no one has seen them work well out to the three year warranty limit.

[agphotography]

I am very pleased with my Photoclam ball-head, much moreso than I was with my Manfrotto 488rc0. I always had an issue with "sagging" when I would lock the ballhead down it would droop some. It was very annoying.

I've not had that issue once on my photo-clam. I bought the PC-44ns for my Neotec tripod, but I am hoping to buy the PC-40 pretty soon, which is just a hair larger than the Markins Q3, for the Feisol CF legs i'm getting for christmas

I'm not trying to advertise for them or anything, but dealing with Kerry (their US distributor) was a joy. I suppose in a few years I'll see how well it really holds up, but I'm definitely impressed so far.

[Pen6uiN]

hey tvphotog ... i saw one of your post that you had a slik 614 carbon fibre in your previous life ..

any comments about it?
considering slik is $250 vs gitzo $575

i guess i am trying to find a cheaper solution whether the 5d2 +24-105 (1.6kg) will be stable enough on the slik 614 which have a load rating of 2kg

link : http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/333971-REG/Slik_611_614_Pro_614_CF_Carbon.html

Folded Length 17.9" (45.5 cm)
Load Capacity 6.6 lb (3 kg)
Weight 1.9 lb (860 g)

PS: all the review i read about SLIK614 says u have to twist the leg lock a lot to get it moving
i mean its probably expected if u buy a cheaper brand?

[tvphotog]

hey tvphotog ... i saw one of your post that you had a slik 614 carbon fibre in your previous life ..

any comments about it?
considering slik is $250 vs gitzo $575

i guess i am trying to find a cheaper solution whether the 5d2 +24-105 (1.6kg) will be stable enough on the slik 614 which have a load rating of 2kg

link : http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/333971-REG/Slik_611_614_Pro_614_CF_Carbon.html

Folded Length 17.9" (45.5 cm)
Load Capacity 6.6 lb (3 kg)
Weight 1.9 lb (860 g)

PS: all the review i read about SLIK614 says u have to twist the leg lock a lot to get it moving
i mean its probably expected if u buy a cheaper brand?

The Slik 614cf is excellent for a point and shoot, it's not rated for a pro setup with the 5D2. That's why I sold it. Not good for what you have.