SORRY... Which Tripod Head Question Again

Hi All,

I need a new tripod head again as my old ball head will DRIFT with 5kg load despite it's load capacity is 22lb / 10kg on its specifications.

I'll like to order one from B&H

I would like the new ball head which will not drift within half its load capacity (22 lb / 10kg above). That's all.

I'm considering Manfrotto 468MGRC2, Arca-Swiss Monoball Z1 sp with Quick Release at this moment.

The Z1 sounds like a bit overkill for 5-10kg load, also possible clamp failure; 468MGRC2 may have 'problem with the cold' (from one of the user review)...

Any suggestion, please?

Thanks!

I LOVE my Z1, when you lock it down you know it's not going anywhere.

I got the version without a clamp and added an RRS screw clamp to it.

I wouldn't even consider a Manfrotto head if you have the budget for an Arca-swiss style clamp setup.

cbowlsby wrote in post #16263069
I LOVE my Z1, when you lock it down you know it's not going anywhere.

I got the version without a clamp and added an RRS screw clamp to it.

I wouldn't even consider a Manfrotto head if you have the budget for an Arca-swiss style clamp setup.

Thanks,

Which RRS screw clamp and where you get it? RRS website directly?

Pay little attention to published specs about weight capacity...they are typically figments of an active marketing imagination to lure customers. There is ZERO testing standard so that you can directly compare any two published claims!

Arca, RRS, Markins, Linhof all make heads that meet professional expectations.

Wilt wrote in post #16263096
Pay little attention to published specs about weight capacity...they are typically figments of an active marketing imagination to lure customers. There is ZERO testing standard so that you can directly compare any two published claims!

Arca, RRS, Markins, Linhof all make heads that meet professional expectations.

Thanks, Wilt!

So far seem everybody love their Arca, RRS, Markins, Linhof

Hate the lens drifting as positioning a shot.

x_tan wrote in post #16263093
Which RRS screw clamp and where you get it? RRS website directly?

Got this Z1 from B&H: http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …_Monoball_Z1_sp​_with.html

And this clamp from RRS directly: http://reallyrightstuf​f.com …ith-1%2f4-20-screw&key=it

This video that someone else made with a different clamp illustrates the basic process of installation. http://www.youtube.com​/watch?v=tfH-bM7FhSA.

If you have any questions about getting the right clamp give RRS a call, they have superb customer service!

cbowlsby wrote in post #16263130
Got this Z1 from B&H: http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …_Monoball_Z1_sp​_with.html

And this clamp from RRS directly: http://reallyrightstuf​f.com …ith-1%2f4-20-screw&key=it

This video that someone else made with a different clamp illustrates the basic process of installation. http://www.youtube.com​/watch?v=tfH-bM7FhSA.

If you have any questions about getting the right clamp give RRS a call, they have superb customer service!

Great, going to get one after work tonight

Ok, just one more small problem:

Which plate to attach to the cameras' bodies (5D2 & 5D3) and the lenses (28-300L & 300L f/2.8 IS II)?

Can/should I get one of those 'universal' plate good for the camera bodies and those 'smaller scale' white monster lens as above instead? I can't find those 'universal plate' with RRS.

You don't necessarily need a RRS plate, if you buy a screw knob clamp it will connect securely with a myriad other plates. You can also buy a RRS lever clamp that self-adjusts to 3rd party plates. I use one and it works quite well. If you get a RRS clamp, make sure to ask for a metric 6 (M6) screw to go with it as the Arca-Swiss Z1 has an M6 socket in the ball stem.

You will also need an 11mm socket wrench to remove the round base from the top of the Z1.

Thanks Peter,

Just wonder if Wimberley system is good enough or not?

http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …44+4291114603&s​rtclk=sort

If it's good enough, I'm going to order a C-12 clamp, P-20 for 28-300L, P-30 for 300L as Wimberley Lens-Plate Reference Chart.

Should I get a P5 or P10 for the 5D2/5D3 or not?

I have a manfrotto 498rc2 and can heartily disrecommend it

NeonStar wrote in post #16269357
I have a manfrotto 498rc2 and can heartily disrecommend it

A 300 2.8 will overwhelm the 498RC2 quite easily I should think.

NeonStar wrote in post #16269357
I have a manfrotto 498rc2 and can heartily disrecommend it

You and quite a few others here I think.

x_tan wrote in post #16268925
Just wonder if Wimberley system is good enough or not?

Can't help you there as I don't use a gimbal.

I have the Manfrotto 468MGRC2 minus the RC2 part on my old Giottos tripod. I have to say, after I retrofit a Kirk Arca Swiss compatible clamp on it, it worked much, much better. It does lock down easily and completely. The RC2 system is problematic, or was for me. I think that's where the droop/sag comes from. Both the plate to camera and the plate to clamp connection have tolerance issues. When I went to the Arca Swiss system, it almost completely eliminated the droop/sag.

That being said, my new RRS setup is worlds apart. The BH-55 Pro is such a pleasure to use. I'm guessing the Z1 would give similar results.

http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …_Ballhead_with_​Quick.html

i have the smaller version and I love it