Manfrotto help

Hi there, I'm looking at getting the Manfrotto MT055XPRO3 tripod and the 055 ball head but I don't know which one, I also want to get a Wimberley lens plate for my 70-200 and a body plate for my 1000D, is there a version of the ball head that allows the body plate to clip in? Or is there another version of the Winberley system that will work with my manfrotto stuff?

Cheers

I'd suggest against the Manfrotto ball head. Go with a RRS or Kirk with the ArcaSwiss system. You won't regret it.

What windpig said! If you can't swing the price for the Top o Line ballheads, I use Benro Ballheads off eBay for the last 4 years and have been very pleased.

jakesaunders27 wrote in post #17240238
Hi there, I'm looking at getting the Manfrotto MT055XPRO3 tripod and the 055 ball head but I don't know which one, I also want to get a Wimberley lens plate for my 70-200 and a body plate for my 1000D, is there a version of the ball head that allows the body plate to clip in? Or is there another version of the Winberley system that will work with my manfrotto stuff?

Cheers

Of all the gear I own the 055 ball head with the rc2 quick mounting plate sucks.
Mine is extremely sloppy.
farmer

Skip the Manfrotto and get an ArcaSwiss system. You'll never regret it.

I agree with wind pig. Don't get the ball head.

If you MUST get the ball head, then get the RC4 version. But don't do that. Just avoid the ball head.

windpig wrote in post #17240348
I'd suggest against the Manfrotto ball head. Go with a RRS or Kirk with the ArcaSwiss system. You won't regret it.

Totally second that!

If you really want manfrotto rc2 I've got one I could sell you in great shape...a 496rc2...would give me some funds to buy an arca Swiss compatible system like sirui k-30x that's not any more expensive...just a lot better. Drat did I say too much? Oh well, wish I hadn't listened to the punks at the camera store...bet they got manfrotto kick backs.

Haha this is the funniest reply I've read in a long time.

Luxx wrote in post #17241250
If you really want manfrotto rc2 I've got one I could sell you in great shape...a 496rc2...would give me some funds to buy an arca Swiss compatible system like sirui k-30x that's not any more expensive...just a lot better. Drat did I say too much? Oh well, wish I hadn't listened to the punks at the camera store...bet they got manfrotto kick backs.

CRCchemist wrote in post #17241525
Haha this is the funniest reply I've read in a long time.

That was a funny one. Also, as an ex 488RC2 and now Sirui owner, I can say that response is full of truth

See this adapter...

http://www.scvphotoide​as.com …er-for-manfrotto-490.html

http://emedia.leeward.​hawaii.edu …o496rc2_hejnar_​review.htm

http://www.amazon.com …?ie=UTF8&m=A1LV​VI8BYKDX1R

Saikou wrote in post #17241715
See this adapter...

http://www.scvphotoide​as.com …er-for-manfrotto-490.html

http://emedia.leeward.​hawaii.edu …o496rc2_hejnar_​review.htm

http://www.amazon.com …?ie=UTF8&m=A1LV​VI8BYKDX1R

Exactly. I converted two Manfrotto heads earlier this year using this Desmond adapter. Best $8 (times 2) I ever spent. GREAT PRODUCT (imho). I also spent countless hours of research discarding overly complex, over-priced alternative solutions.

The Desmond "double boss" adapter works flawlessly. Someday I'll replace/upgrade these heads, which are now using Arca-Swiss 2 way clamps: a 498 & a 494 (both ex-RC2). FWIW, I also use / have a Kirk branded and converted Manfrotto head on my Manfrotto 680 monopod. this great little head has an RSS-like single dimension swivel and arca-swiss clamp - that together provide great monopod control with long glass (much better than a smallish ball head). Also, just today, I added an old model Wimberley gimbal (WH-101) - funded in no small part by the savings from converting the Manfrotto BH's instead of buying top-shelf replacements.

Next, I need sturdier sticks than my Manfrotto 190XPROBs.

photographer unknown wrote in post #17241129
Skip the Manfrotto and get an ArcaSwiss system. You'll never regret it.

with the now available Desmond adapter ($8 at amazon), one could buy the top-end manfrotto 498, convert it to arca-swiss, add the clamp of your choice -- all for a lot less than the cost of a comparable capacity "big-name" ball-head.

nothing wrong with the big names and top notch gear. when funds permit, I'll replace my manfrotto ball heads. meanwhile, these conversions allowed me to upgrade to a Kirk/Manfrotto arca-swiss head on my monopod, and acquire a Wimberley gimbal for the longer glass (both heads used - max value/min cost?).

works for me. but ymmv.

Luxx wrote in post #17241250
If you really want manfrotto rc2 I've got one I could sell you in great shape...a 496rc2...would give me some funds to buy an arca Swiss compatible system like sirui k-30x that's not any more expensive...just a lot better. Drat did I say too much? Oh well, wish I hadn't listened to the punks at the camera store...bet they got manfrotto kick backs.

Funny, but probably true.

daleg wrote in post #17242881
with the now available Desmond adapter ($8 at amazon), one could buy the top-end manfrotto 498, convert it to arca-swiss, add the clamp of your choice -- all for a lot less than the cost of a comparable capacity "big-name" ball-head.
...

The (biggest) problem with the Manfrotto balls is not the mount (although, I'm not a fan of the RC2 mount), but is the inability to properly set tension and the shifting caused by attempting to tighten the ball down. The better AS-compatible ball heads from the more well-known manufacturers don't have those issues and