Looking at getting Manfrotto 190 XProB Legs and Manfrotto 488RC2 Ball Head - ok??

[verty]

Guys,

I am in the market for a new Tripod and Ball Head.
I am set on the Manfrotto range and am looking at getting 190 XProB Tripod and 488RC2 Ball Head.

Im 5"2 and i will be using this Tripod with a 50D Body + battery grip, and the longest lens i will be using with it is the 70-200 IS USM.

Do you think this is a good combo? Do you think the combo will be more on the lighter side? I dont want a bulky Tripod at all as i am possibly going to take this on a 3 month Europe trip with me. I have seen the 190CXPro3 which is the CF version of the 190 XProB but the price difference is just too much, or do you think the CF is really worth it?

Opinions and feedback would be appreciated
Thanks

[DANATTHEROCK]

I think this set up will meet your needs well. I have the 055xprob and it is noticably heavier than the 190 series which I had before it. I also have the 488RC2 head and it is fantastic. I have a Canon 40D and 100-400 and this head holds this combo rock solid. Just a great set up for the money. Be sure to take the head off during transport. I learned this the hard way. TSA gorillas are tough on checked baggage. Keep the head packed away and protected while flying around. Keep the rubber protector that comes with the tripod legs on it to protect the screw threads while flying. This small bit of precaution will ensure your gear is working when you arrive at your destination. And to answer your last question, no I don't think the CF is worth the extra money. The average person would be better off putting that extra money into a high end circular polarizer in my opinion.

[verty]

thanks for that, what do you think of the 486RC2 ball head? it actually seems more compact than the 488RC2. Is there much difference?

[irishman]

I've had this setup for quite some time with no regrets. I replaced my 486 with the 488 because the 486 kept slipping under the weight of my gear, which was the same that you have now. Go with the larger unit.

[DANATTHEROCK]

From what I recall, the 488 is a bit stronger and supports more weight. If so, this is an easy decision. Get the 488RC2 and you won't look back. This is a fantastic head. I am not sure about the 486, but I suspect it is just a bit lighter, smaller, and less supportive (weight wise). Why bother? Get the 488.

[verty]

Originally Posted by irishman

I've had this setup for quite some time with no regrets. I replaced my 486 with the 488 because the 486 kept slipping under the weight of my gear, which was the same that you have now. Go with the larger unit.

would you consider this combo of the 190 XProB Legs and Manfrotto 488RC2 Ball Head light weight?

yeah i thought maybe the 486 wouldnt be able to hold my telephoto up properly, especially on a portrait angle

[DANATTHEROCK]

Don't cheap out on the head. That 70-200 f/2.8 is no lightweight

[n2_space]

Originally Posted by verty

thanks for that, what do you think of the 486RC2 ball head? it actually seems more compact than the 488RC2. Is there much difference?

I would definately go for the 488 vs 486 ... I have both with my 190cxpro4 and 055proxb and and honestly switch the 488 off to whatever legs I am using because I like it that much better.

[liupublic]

Also have the same exact setup. 190xprob + 488RC2. Tried out 486. I do not think it's secured enough. I am 5'4" w/o a grip. So it would be almost exact the same height as 5'2" w/ a grip. When all the legs are out, it's just about eye level.

I am thinking about going to a lighter tripod after having to do a few short hike w/ this set up. Maybe I just need a better carrying system.

[verty]

thanks guys, i think i am set on the 488RC2 ballhead but my concern over the 190xprob is that it might be too heavy to lug around on a 3 month trip. Has anyone got any experience with the Carbon Fiber version of this tripod which is the 190CXPro3? it is basically 200 dollars more, but if its really worth it ill spend the extra even if it hurts my wallet.

[DANATTHEROCK]

Just go ahead and get the cxpro4 (or whatever it is called), it is the four section version of this tripod and lightweight. But do compare the weight to the 190xprob as it is not that much lighter. Either way you go, I am sure you will be very pleased.

Here is the link... It will cost ALOT more but will save you one lb

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc...on_Fiber.html#

[liupublic]

4 section is probably too tall for the OP. There is a 190CXPROB3 though.

Can you go to a store and try it? Keep in mind that the head weights quite a bit too. So it would something like 5lbs w/ Al legs and 3.5lbs w/ CF legs. I think the worse part is not the weight but the distribution. Need a good carrying bag or strap that goes with the backpack.

[verty]

yeah see thats another thing im thinking, i go carbon fiber on the tripod legs but then the ball head is gonna be heavy so am i really gonna save any weight? its hard to find a range of tripods in sydney, they only have a small selection and gooluck actually finding the one you want sitting there in stock for you to have a play with!
why is this all so confusing!?

[kelstar]

The 488RC2 Head also has a separate pan lock feature (which the 486 doesn't have).

[n2_space]

Originally Posted by verty

thanks guys, i think i am set on the 488RC2 ballhead but my concern over the 190xprob is that it might be too heavy to lug around on a 3 month trip. Has anyone got any experience with the Carbon Fiber version of this tripod which is the 190CXPro3? it is basically 200 dollars more, but if its really worth it ill spend the extra even if it hurts my wallet.

I at first had the 055 with the 488... when hiking in the Rockies, it was killing my back (I have a bad one anyway) attached to my backpack. I bought the 190cxpro4 while out there and put my 488 on it. It made a HUGE difference. I went hiking all day without any problems. Go for it