Advice for switching tripods

[jyu67]

I have the Manfrotto 055XPROB and 488RC2 right now but it is just too heavy for me to carry around while out shooting.

I'm thinking of switching to CF legs, namely the Benro Travel Angel series.
Would it be better if I went with the Manfrotto 190CXpro3 and use my 488rc2, or completely change over to the Benro for the different qr system? (I've always wanted to change over to arca..never gotten around to doing it though)

Also, is Benro worth it? I read other threads saying the ballheads aren't that good...

[iqbal624]

why not use your current ballhead with the benro tripod? (even though the 488 is a little heavy). . .

[jyu67]

I did think about that, but as you said it's kind of heavy, you think it'll be a bit weird?

[Jon]

Not at all. For that matter, my Manfrotto 3444CF has the 488/RRS lever QR on it. I'll probably get around to another head at some point, but changing the QR from RC2 to A-S was the easiest and cheapest solution for starting (given the cost of RRS L plates for multiple bodies and RRS plates for 5 lenses).

[ben_r_]

Go Gitzo :)

Link (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=538298)

[c2thew]

^ go broke =]

to the OP you might want to look at monopods. much more versatile than lugging a tripod around. ( i have the heavier version of your manfrotto)

[jyu67]

Not at all. For that matter, my Manfrotto 3444CF has the 488/RRS lever QR on it. I'll probably get around to another head at some point, but changing the QR from RC2 to A-S was the easiest and cheapest solution for starting (given the cost of RRS L plates for multiple bodies and RRS plates for 5 lenses).

I looked up an RRS level QR (namely http://reallyrightstuff.com/rrs/Itemdesc.asp?ic=B2-LR-II&eq=&Tp=)

That adds another $120 to buying the CF legs, benro or manfrotto or gitzo. Is it just better to change the ball head all together to a markins traveller or something alike? Is there something cheaper than the RRS?

And yeah I have given Gitzo a thought but in nearly double the price I can't pull the trigger! I don't extensively use my tripod and I'm just a hobbyist for now...

[tvphotog]

If you might move up to a Gitzo from the Benro Angel sticks, why not invest in the Markins Q3t now? You can change it to another tripod if you ever decide you need it.

If you're going to get the Benro, one of the features of which is the reversing legs, then you definitely should get the Markins Q3t so that you can take advantages of the light leg closure the this ballhead allows you.

[jyu67]

As for now I think I can only afford the Benro. What advantages will the Markins Q3t give me over my 488RC2? (aside from weight)

I mean if it's only the Arca Compatibility, I might just buy the QR plate and switch it on my 488 RC2...

[tvphotog]

As for now I think I can only afford the Benro. What advantages will the Markins Q3t give me over my 488RC2? (aside from weight)

I mean if it's only the Arca Compatibility, I might just buy the QR plate and switch it on my 488 RC2...

Of course, you can always do that. However, the arrangement of the controls on the RC2, at 180 degrees from on another, means that the three legs inverted will not sit up against the bottom of the ballhead. You'll just have a bulkier package, but it will work fine. You just lose the convenience of a tighter, more compact unit.

I don't think there's point to buying an Arca QR, as you don't really gain anything compared to the 488 which is a great ballhead. The Q3t, however, allows a finer control over tension, which allows you to move the camera to set up a quick shot, and still be able to let it go, even at an angle, without it moving. Look at this QuickTime movie (http://www.markinsamerica.com/MA5/emillemovie.php) of it.

[Jethro790]

Benro makes fantastic tripods, you'll be happy. I even like their ballheads, not as bad as people make them out to be.

[jyu67]

tvphotog:
Correct me if I'm wrong, but what you're saying is that with the 488 the tripod legs won't fully fold up? If so then for sure I'll change the ballhead...

As for the Benro heads, I've only heard about them not being the best quality, can anyone tell me more :S because getting the benro kit for 350USD versus benro legs and markins q3t for like 500+USD is a big difference..!!

[tvphotog]

tvphotog:
Correct me if I'm wrong, but what you're saying is that with the 488 the tripod legs won't fully fold up? If so then for sure I'll change the ballhead...

As for the Benro heads, I've only heard about them not being the best quality, can anyone tell me more :S because getting the benro kit for 350USD versus benro legs and markins q3t for like 500+USD is a big difference..!!

Look at your 488 with controls opposite one another 180 degrees apart. Each tripod leg comes in at 120 degrees. You can get only one or two legs up against the bottom of the ballhead when you invert them; the others will strike the control knobs and will not be flush with the head. It's not a big deal and it will all fit into a suitcase or tie onto a backpack...it'll just be a bit bulkier where the legs approach the ballhead. It may be worth $150 to you.

I can't speak to the Benro ballhead from personal use. There was a problem with the old metallurgy and a post about it at Tom Webster Photography (http://www.tomwebsterphoto.com/Essays/Benro/benroks2.htm). But that was 2007 and things may have changed. As I recall, there was at least one member here who had a very good experience with it.

[jyu67]

Ah, I see what you mean.
Does the Markins Q3T ever go on sale... it's so expensive =(
As of now it looks like I can only sell my Manfrotto set and add a bit to buy the Benro set. Thanks for everyone's input!

[tvphotog]

Ah, I see what you mean.
Does the Markins Q3T ever go on sale... it's so expensive =(
As of now it looks like I can only sell my Manfrotto set and add a bit to buy the Benro set. Thanks for everyone's input!

I don't think they go on sale, but we live in strange times. I would watch the website the day after Xmas and the day after New Years.

[jhom]

As for now I think I can only afford the Benro. What advantages will the Markins Q3t give me over my 488RC2? (aside from weight)

I mean if it's only the Arca Compatibility, I might just buy the QR plate and switch it on my 488 RC2...

After using the Manfrotto line of ballheads for several years, 486, 488, 468, I can say without any hesitation you will be moving to a much better class of ballhead when you move to the Markins. Besides the AS QR system, you will be getting a much smoother and better controlled ballhead. Your gear stays put where you set it. No lens droop...Better friction control...Lighter weight...Convenience... It costs a little more, but you won't regret it.

[jyu67]

After using the Manfrotto line of ballheads for several years, 486, 488, 468, I can say without any hesitation you will be moving to a much better class of ballhead when you move to the Markins. Besides the AS QR system, you will be getting a much smoother and better controlled ballhead. Your gear stays put where you set it. No lens droop...Better friction control...Lighter weight...Convenience... It costs a little more, but you won't regret it.

That sounds like something...! Pretty annoyed at how my camera moves after i tighten the ballhead on the 488, always have to anticipate and compensate for the drooping when I set up the shot.

Let's hope it goes on somewhat of a deal during christmas, if it does I'll treat myself =).

Time to list my manfrotto for sale....

[jhom]

That sounds like something...! Pretty annoyed at how my camera moves after i tighten the ballhead on the 488, always have to anticipate and compensate for the drooping when I set up the shot.

Let's hope it goes on somewhat of a deal during christmas, if it does I'll treat myself =).

Time to list my manfrotto for sale....

I've not seen Markins go on sale. But maybe this Xmas it will be different. If you had a dime for every time the lens drooped while using a Manfrotto ballhead, you could probably own Markins.

I just don't understand how individuals are willing to tolerate this feature of lower grade ballheads. I didn't know better until I started using better designed ballheads. Because it is popular doesn't necessarily make it good. Good luck on your sale.

[jyu67]

Thanks Jim.

When I first got the tripod I was just getting into photography and had no clue what I was getting into. Lots of advice from friends / reading on the forum got me the tripod. Now that I've been using it more I start to feel the need for a lighter setup and at the same time a better ballhead as you said...!