looking for a ballhead for my gorillapod

[kchau]

I got a gorillapod slr focus for 71 bucks at rei (what a deal)

now i need a ballhead for it, the giottos mh1304 i washoping to use is a piece. wont hold anything even if its life depended on it.

i have a 488rc2 on my standard tripod so im looking for something with an rc2 plate.

any suggestions?

[jeromego]

i tried the 488RC2 on my gorillapod and it was a bit too heavy. I would suggest using the 486RC2. These head have been discontinued though if you're planning to buy brand new.

[SkipD]

Because the Gorillapod isn't very strong and cannot handle heavy camera/lens combinations, the Manfrotto 484RC2 (or its successor) should work just fine. It is even lighter than the 486/496 choice.

[kchau]

apparently the gorillapod i got (its the metal one) does 11 pounds

[SkipD]

apparently the gorillapod i got (its the metal one) does 11 poundsI would not trust it with my heavier camera/lens combinations, but that's me and my choice. I'd opt to use a conventional tripod instead.

I just looked at the Gorillapod web page to see the unit you're referring to. The Manfrotto 484RC2 is at least as rugged as the ball head they sell, and it uses the RC2 quick-release system.

[kchau]

i thought the 484 was discontinued? what replaced it

[SkipD]

i thought the 484 was discontinued? what replaced itIt's the 494RC2. I just confirmed that on the Bogen web site.

[lazer-jock]

I have used the 484RC2/Gorillapod SLR-Zoom combo before and haven't had any complaints with my equipment so far (perhaps that is a matter of realistic expectations though...).

[RayHff]

Promaster Clamper is a great solution.

It's built to last; you can even clamp it to a partly open car window.

To mine I added a small "Slik" quick release.

http://www.hoopercamera.com/product.aspx?pf_id=74158

http://www.promaster.com/products/products.asp?product=7812

[kchau]

Promaster Clamper is a great solution.

It's built to last; you can even clamp it to a partly open car window.

To mine I added a small "Slik" quick release.

http://www.hoopercamera.com/product.aspx?pf_id=74158

http://www.promaster.com/products/products.asp?product=7812

???

[lazer-jock]

Promaster Clamper is a great solution.

It's built to last; you can even clamp it to a partly open car window.

To mine I added a small "Slik" quick release.

http://www.hoopercamera.com/product.aspx?pf_id=74158

http://www.promaster.com/products/products.asp?product=7812

???

+1 I think that the OP is looking for an accessory for a mini tripod that (s)he already has. I don't think that they were looking to be told of other products that they should have bought... :rolleyes:

[RayHff]

The Pro Clamp includes a ball head and isn't far from the cost of many good ball heads alone.

[lazer-jock]

The Pro Clamp includes a ball head and isn't far from the cost of many good ball heads alone.

That may be true, and I really appreciate knowing about equipment from the road less traveled. However, to use an analogy, the OP was asking how to make coffee sweeter (to suit their taste), and you told them that they should be drinking tea instead. I'm not trying to be rude, but I am trying to explain why your post got the ???'s

[Jon]

You might look at the Adorama Flashpoint heads. I haven't tried the F-1 (http://www.adorama.com/FPTH1.html), but the F-2 (http://www.adorama.com/FPTH2.html) is plenty solid.

http://jonbarrettphoto.smugmug.com/photos/615296669_wyXxo-XL.jpg
Left the F-2 sitting there with a 1D3 and 70-200 IS, mounted to the camera (for extra torque), for an hour and it didn't budge. It uses the Arca-Swiss QR plates, too.

[kchau]

that looks nice, but my stuff already has manfrotto rc2 plates so it wouldnt be compatible, i think i will get the 494rc2 when i find a good price, thanks guys

[lazer-jock]

I think that you'll like the fit and feel. My 484RC2 and Gorillapod SLR_Zoom work really well together.

[rklepper]

I have a Gorillapod Focus and I just added a QR plate to it. The pod is flexible enough that I see no reason to have a full ballhead.

[lazer-jock]

I have a Gorillapod Focus and I just added a QR plate to it. The pod is flexible enough that I see no reason to have a full ballhead.

Actually, that should work for most things.

http://www.amazon.com/Manfrotto-323-Connect-Adapter-200PL-14/dp/B001ASU1QO/

[thumper 8]

that looks nice, but my stuff already has manfrotto rc2 plates so it wouldnt be compatible, i think i will get the 494rc2 when i find a good price, thanks guys


For those not familiar, the Gorillapod Focus is the heavy duty model.

I use mine with my 486RC2 head - I have used it with both my 40D and Mk2N with my 17-40 and 100-400 with no issues at all. The Focus compresses a bit under the weight of the 100-400 but it is still rock steady - using the 200 plate with both lenses. I have a couple of P&S shots of both lenses on the Focus:


Basic setup:

http://i251.photobucket.com/albums/gg304/thumphoto/February15th2010003.jpg

With the 17-40L

http://i251.photobucket.com/albums/gg304/thumphoto/February15th2010001.jpg

With the 100-400L:

http://i251.photobucket.com/albums/gg304/thumphoto/February15th2010005.jpg

I have used my 804 RC2 pan and tilt head, but it is overkill on the Focus and not necessary ~ I can get enough adjustments by fiddling with the Gorillapod or the 486RC2 head.

Hope this helps...

[kchau]

i just got the 494rc2 today, it works fine, and holds my 7d + 17-55IS in all ways, its really sturdy.