Head type

Thought I would do a quick poll just to get an idea the type of tripod head people are using.

If you have OTHER then post what it is you use

When I first started looking for a tripod, my intent was to get a 3 way head...

After much research & recomendation from POTN members, I ended up getting a 488 ball head and love it. I liked ball heads so much that I bought a monopod and also put a ball head on that. (Other reason was also to have the save quick release plates on the cameras & gear)

I am however planning on buying a Bogen 410 gear head for my macro work...

I would not mind having a 3way head either, but I find for everyday use, the ballhead is quick, easy, and more stable than I ever imagined.

If i had to do it all over again, id pick the same gear.

Ball head for me

Ball head for me, too... When I upgrade to a decent tripod I think I'm going to stick with it, too, I like it.

I am concidering the 488 but unsure if I should get the RC2 or RC0, whats the difference

petrolhead wrote in post #2270825
I am concidering the 488 but unsure if I should get the RC2 or RC0, whats the difference

The difference is the size and shape of the quick release plate that fastens to the camera (or lens). Most people agree with me that the ...RC2 format is far superior for use on 35mm SLR style cameras (which, of course, includes all the DSLR's that are out today).

The factors that most are concerned with are how much of the quick release plate extends past the camera body, affecting how it feels (and looks) when handheld, how it might interfere with putting the camera into a bag or case, and whether or not it needs to be removed to get at the battery compartment.

The idea is to leave the quick release plate attached to the camera all the time.

I use the Bogen/Manfrotto 488RC2 ballhead most of the time when using a tripod, but also have several other heads that I sometimes use. I have the 3275 (510) compact geared head as well as the 3130 micro fluid head as well as a couple of smaller ball heads - all by Bogen/Manfrotto.

The poll needs to have the ability to check more than one entry, or at least have a "multiple styles" selection.

Ballhead on the monopod and 3-way on the tripod

petrolhead wrote in post #2270825
I am concidering the 488 but unsure if I should get the RC2 or RC0, whats the difference

The 488 is an amazing ballhead. It took me a while to pull the trigger on my setup but after I got it I was happy I did.

RC2 and RC0 are just the types of quick release plates on the head.

ALL MY Current gear is RC2 plates. I have 3 plates, one for 20D, one for AE-1, and one spare (for my lens)

This allows me to switch from Monopod to Tripod or Cameras on the tripod or monopod w/o changing or removing the plates. I like it because its all uniform and I have a standard for my mounting system. QR is also nice because I can take the camera off my tripod or monopod in seconds. Allowing me to get back on the action faster if I ever have to remove my camera from the pod.

I was also suprised at the quality of the plate system. It holds a fully loaded DSLR setup with ease.

I should have added to my previous post that one of my ball heads, the Bogen/Manfrotto 486RC2 resides on my 680B monopod most of the time, even though I occasionally put it other uses.

410 gear head, uses the RC4 quick release. Love it, but it is used mainly for landscapes. Not a great head for action.

-Ryan

The reason I ask is that the RC0 is a bit cheaper and has 2 spirit levels

http://www.devoncamera​.co.uk …otographic/Sear​ch.Keyword

I like a ball head for field use because of its compactness. In studio doing product photos or doing architectural I prefer a standard 3 way head to be able to precisely control levelling.

My tripod has a pistol grip ball head, so that is how I voted. I just ordered a new CF-901 monopod from Amvona which has a ball head on it.

Am I the only one who appreciates the advantages of a gimbal ?

Blue Deuce wrote in post #2290351
Am I the only one who appreciates the advantages of a gimbal ?

They're good for a big lens tracking a moving target, but less convenient for landscapes, etc.