Took the plunge... the upgrading has begun!

[photoguy6405]

POTN is fantastic!!! Such a great resource. Anyway...

Current set-up...

- Manfrotto 3021BPRO tripod
- Manfrotto 3265 (now 222) Grip Action Ballhead
- Manfrotto 3157 (now 200PL) quick-release plate system

This set-up worked well in most aspects for me for many years. I absolutely love the ease and convenience of the 3265 grip head... just grab it and move it wherever you want. As time went by my main quibble more and more became portrait orientation. The 3265 just isn't stable enough for leaning over 90 degrees and shooting portraits. Especially not with my 100mm mkI macro, which is built like a tank. Plus, while good in general, it could have been a little more stable overall.

Ideally, I wanted something solid like a RRS set-up, complete with L-bracket, etc. I did some research and their stuff looked great, but pricey. I do not have an unlimited budget. So I started seeking cheaper alternatives.

I eventually settled on a Manfrotto 488CR2 ballhead and a Manfrotto 341 junior elbow bracket. This also had my existing 200PL quick-release plate system, so all looked good. Or so I thought. The more research I did here and the more I looked at the 341 the less I liked it. Too bulky and too unwieldy as a result of it's generic nature. Manfrotto's panorama system had a different quick-release set-up than I'm using. And so on.

Then, in doing my research I came across the following thread/post. The light suddenly turned on. This was my solution as well. I had already purchased the 488CR2 ballhead (I had the option to return it to my local store for a refund if I changed my mind), and have decided on the following set-up...

- Manfrotto 3021BPRO tripod (A CF tripod is desired, in due time)
- Manfrotto 488CR2 ballhead (I could have purchased it without the plate adapter, I know, but I'll keep it as an alternative)
- Kirk QRC 2.5 quick-release platform
- Kirk BL-40D L-bracket
- Kirk LP-41 lens plate

I was originally looking at RRS, but the following information about their 40D L-bracket didn't impress me...

Originally Posted by from RRS website

"...for mounting in portrait mode when using the Canon remote release, loosen the mounting screw and slide the L-plate away from the camera body to create enough clearance for the cable."

...whereas the Kirk L-bracket looked to be a bit better designed, deeper on the portrait side, so I wouldn't have to adjust this when switching back and forth. This Arca-Swiss type system also has some cool panorama accessories that I will eventually be getting when the budget allows. RRS has some great looking panorama stuff that I've got my eye on. I know I'll be getting more plates and accessories over time, but this gets me started for 90%+ of the stuff I'll do.

Prices were about the same between Kirk and RRS, so that was moot. Part of what made this route financially doable for me was getting/keeping the Manfrotto ballhead. That saved me about $200, give or take, and kept me within my budget. I would not have been able to make the change otherwise... yet. I spent more than I wanted, but not unreasonably so. Plus, I got what I think will work for me best and I knew in my mind that I'd be going this direction eventually anyway, so might as well get it over with. The 341 elbow would have been merely a stop-gap, I think.

[bps]

Congratulations! It sounds like you're going to have a nice set-up. POTN has been invaluable to me too.

I recently made the decision to go with RRS and the parts that I ordered arrived yesterday. In spite of knowing ahead of time that they are top-notch, I was still blown away by the quality of their products. Everything is so well thought-out and the finishing touches are something you have to experience to believe. From the functionality, to the rounded corners, to the fit and finish...and so on. Regarding the price, I choked a little when ordering, but now that I've held their products in my hand, I think they are worth every penny. This is not to take away from Kirk's products (of which I have not seen or used), but I wanted to highlight my experience with RRS.

Congrats on the upgrade! And watch out...upgrade fever is contagious on POTN!

Bryan

[photoguy6405]

Thanks, I ordered the Kirk stuff yesterday and it won't be here until Monday or Tuesday, but I'm really excited for it to get here.