Manfrotto 3021B PRO w/804RC2 HEAD?

Manfrotto 3021B PRO w/804RC2 HEAD
http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …EG&addedTroughT​ype=search

I keep finding raving reviews and recommendations of the 3021bpro tripod but haven't found much about the 804RC2 head. The B&H kit linked above saves you a lot of money when comparing buying everything separately (and even comes with a case?).

Willing to spend $200 or less on a tripod and head combination that will support a 30D + 70-200mm lens in the future so any particular recommendation would be appreciated.

Any tripod-guru insights?

Its a three way pan-tilt head. The single knob adjustment ability of a ball head is preferred over struggling with 3 knobs on a 3 way.

You can still be under $200 with a 3021+ 486RC2

The Bogen/Manfrotto 488RC2 is a superb head atop their 3021BPro legs. It is compact and extremely versatile. It is stronger (less likely to creep with heavier loads) than the 486RC2 head and it has a separate release to allow horizontal panning without releasing the ball itself. Many folks on this forum, myself included, use this combination and like it very much.

I do use the 486RC2 ball head on my Bogen/Manfrotto 680B monopod. That combination is superb as well.

I do not like three-handle pan/tilt heads for a couple of reasons. To me they are somewhat clumsy to handle, and they don't allow me to pack/carry the tripod nearly as well as with a ball head mounted to the tripod.

Thanks gjman and Skip!

Strongly considering shelling out a bit more for the 488RC2 as I see tons of recommendations for that head.

Gj man... what is the benefit of the tripod you mentioned as compared to this one??

this one??

I have the previous version of that head. It's a very sturdy, heavy 3 way head. I like it.

This new version seems kinda cool, but it's made out of plastic. They call it "adapto".

I don't know how long it's going to last you.

surfologist wrote in post #2314892
Gj man... what is the benefit of the tripod you mentioned as compared to this one??

this one??

Goes 8" higher (69 vs. 61"). Minimal size and weight differences.

surfologist wrote in post #2314892
Gj man... what is the benefit of the tripod you mentioned as compared to this one??

this one??

It's also more stable

surfologist wrote in post #2314892
Gj man... what is the benefit of the tripod you mentioned as compared to this one??

The 3021BPro will not onlyly allow you to work with the camera at greater heights - especially important when you can leave the center column collapsed - but the "Pro" in the model indicates that the center column can be removed and remounted in a horizontal fashion. The horizontal center column lets you aim the camera straight down if you wish, or you can hang the supported camera over a wall, or you can support the camera closer to a flower for closeups, etc. The feature just adds a lot of versatility to the tripod.

There is a 3011 Pro model, but the 3021 family is still the better choice because it can either stand taller or be more rigid at the lower levels.

surfologist wrote in post #2314892
Gj man... what is the benefit of the tripod you mentioned as compared to this one??

A ha good question.

Ideally, it is said that you DONT want to extend the center column of your tripod coz by extending the center column you have effectively made it into a monopod. Your ballhead MUST be resting at the base of where the three legs meet for it to give you the true stablity of the tripod.

The key is: will you be able to look through your camera's viewfinder without really bending your back/knees and without really extending your center column?

The Bogen 3001BD Series is a great tripod too. But its max length without the center column extended is 45.7" (116.1 cm). The max height of the 3021BPro is 53.2" (135.1 cm). So you gain about 7.5" and about 3 lb in terms of load capacity with the 3021 along with the ability to mount the column in a horizontal and downward facing postion (hence the term Pro).

You also have to factor in that a typical ballhead give you 3.75" (486RC2), if you have a battery grip you get about another 2 more inches. The viewfinder about 3 more inches from the base of the camera. So you have gained 8.75 inches.

So if you are 70" tall like me, your eyes are about 63" from the ground. The height to VF on a 3021BPro with Ballhead and grip is about 62". Prefect.

You can see how the center column has to be extended on the Slik Sprint Pro (travel tripod) to bring it to eyelevel compared to the 3021BPro.

Cool... thanks guys... i might as well spen the extra money now than later....

thanks... and good points!