Manfrotto 3021 & 488RC2 combo?

I'm looking at this combo and need to know what else I need for it. Do I need a lens plate? And this combo will allow me to do both landscape and portrait compositions right? The tripod I have right now only lets me do landscape, so if I want portrait I need to take it off, which is a major pain.

I'll be using this with my 5D, 24-70 and 70-200mm f4 mostly (although I'm hoping for a 70-200mm 2.8 IS in the near future, so that is a consideration). Thanks!

kcp1377 wrote in post #3683799
I'm looking at this combo and need to know what else I need for it. Do I need a lens plate? And this combo will allow me to do both landscape and portrait compositions right? The tripod I have right now only lets me do landscape, so if I want portrait I need to take it off, which is a major pain.

I'll be using this with my 5D, 24-70 and 70-200mm f4 mostly (although I'm hoping for a 70-200mm 2.8 IS in the near future, so that is a consideration). Thanks!

One quick-release plate comes with the head. You should get an additional quick-release plate for each additional camera or lens (that has a tripod ring for it) that you would ever want to use on the tripod. That way you aren't constantly removing and installing the quick-release plate. That, of course, defeats the purpose of a quick-release plate.

Thanks! Are there any plates that are better than others? There are so many to choose from! Guess I should search...

kcp1377 wrote in post #3684336
Thanks! Are there any plates that are better than others? There are so many to choose from! Guess I should search...

This QR plate is the standard that comes with the ...RC2 heads (all styles using the RC2 QR system). There are three others, but this one is the only one I ever use.

I would also like to add if you go with this combo and get an additional QR plate add another as I bet down the rd you'll need it. since I got my tripod and top I have ordered QR plates 2 times now. so it's good to have one as a spare and save you on shipping.

If you spend a lot of time switching between landscape and portrait orientation, you might want to consider an "L" bracket for your camera. The advantage to this setup is that you don't have to flop the ball head over. Some ball heads will creep from the weight of the camera when used in the side position. Most L brackets come in the Arca-Swiss type plate, so you'd need a tripod head that is compatible, or convert an existing head.

These brackets are available at Really Right Stuffand Kirk Enterprises.

I have this setup and it works great. I bought the tripod ring for my 70-200 F4 and use it for alot of my shots. It is alot to lug around, but if you want something rock solid this is it...........

JWright wrote in post #3685204
If you spend a lot of time switching between landscape and portrait orientation, you might want to consider an "L" bracket for your camera. The advantage to this setup is that you don't have to flop the ball head over. Some ball heads will creep from the weight of the camera when used in the side position. Most L brackets come in the Arca-Swiss type plate, so you'd need a tripod head that is compatible, or convert an existing head.

These brackets are available at Really Right Stuffand Kirk Enterprises.

Something like this would be the equivalent for the RC2 QR system:

http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …341_Jr_Elbow_Br​acket.html

Well you already have all the info from these fellows, all I can do is to re affirm what they said. You cant go wrong with that setup.

Thank you! I'm off to buy it and pick up an extra plate or two. I was waiting for my NAPP membership to come through (free shipping from B&H - can't beat that!)