Getting the Bogen 490RC4 Head and Giottos 8170 carbon legs: good or bad?

Just want general thoughts and opinions. I think this will work and is rated around 25 lbs since I need to handle a 5D with a 70-200 IS.

Thanks for any input.

You don't need that monster head.

The 488RC2 will work just fine with that rig, and the quick-release plate for the ...RC2 system is MUCH more appropriate for your camera and lens.

The ...RC4 QR plate is HUGE and will make handling the camera and lens very awkward. You would probably have to take the ...RC4 QR plates off your camera and lens to get them into your camera bag.

I leave the ...RC2 QR plates on my equipment full time, which is really the intended way to use QR plates - avoiding the requirement to fasten the QR plate to the camera every time you want to put it on a tripod.

Thanks for the input and time you took to be comprehensive in your reponse.

Is that your take even if I was to have a 580EX attached with the 24-70 lens (which is quite heavy itself)? I have read that if you are going to the trouble to get the shot, might as well have a tripod that is steady enough for the equipment and I am trying to hedge my bets that my equipment will only get heavier the deeper I am pulled in to the photography abyss.

Any thoughts on the legs?

Yes, the 488RC2 will do just fine with that. No comment on the legs; Skip uses Manfrotto's 3021s and I use an out-of-production set of Manfrotto CF legs (444, IIRC).

canoflan wrote in post #2428820
Is that your take even if I was to have a 580EX attached with the 24-70 lens (which is quite heavy itself)? I have read that if you are going to the trouble to get the shot, might as well have a tripod that is steady enough for the equipment and I am trying to hedge my bets that my equipment will only get heavier the deeper I am pulled in to the photography abyss.

If I were using a Speedlite to illuminate the subject and if the Speedlite would essentially overpower ambient lighting, I probably would not want to use a tripod. The reason for using a tripod is generally to avoid any perceptable camera/lens motion. The very short time of the flash burst - again if it is the dominant light source - will "stop" any action, be it movement of the subject or camera/lens movement.

I use a Speedlite primarily for situations where I am on the move, usually shooting people or possibly shooting still life situations such as museum displays. For that sort of work I generally do not use a tripod. A tripod would be in the way and would prevent the flexibility of being on the move and being able to take truly candid shots of people.

In the studio, even though I am using flash lighting sources (other than Speedlites) that would stop any apparent movement, I will generally use a tripod. That's because I usually want the camera to stay in the same position for extended periods of time.

Other situations where I will use a tripod include low-light environments where I am using natural lighting or even outdoors where I want to use a slower shutter speed (and smaller aperture) for effect. I often use a tripod with long telephoto lens shots outdoors to help minimize blur due to camera/lens motion, especially in lower light situations.

Another common use that I have for a tripod is supporting the camera when I want to be included in the photo.

canoflan wrote in post #2428820
Any thoughts on the legs?

I really cannot comment on the leg set you mentioned, as I have never handled one.

My favorite tripod for everyday portable use is the Bogen/Manfrotto 3021BPro (known as the Manfrotto 055ProB outside the U.S.). I also have a much heavier tripod that I use for special occasions, including holding an astronomical telescope, but I wouldn't carry it in the field too often.

Thanks a bunch for everyones input. I am sticking with what I ordered and I think it will be stable enough. I use a tripod about 10% of the time and when I do, I have plenty of time, space, and capability with it. I have learned the hard way by getting something not quite there, just to sell it later and get what I want at an additional loss.

Many people do not like the RC4 heads because the plate is rather large. I personally use the RC4 and really like it. The plates are large, but they are curved on one side to match the camera curve. If you put the plate forward enough so that it does not stick out past the back of the camera, the plate does not get in the way. At least for me. And it will lock in solid!!

Enjoy the setup.

-Ryan

rdricks wrote in post #2446402
Many people do not like the RC4 heads because the plate is rather large. I personally use the RC4 and really like it. The plates are large, but they are curved on one side to match the camera curve. If you put the plate forward enough so that it does not stick out past the back of the camera, the plate does not get in the way. At least for me. And it will lock in solid!!

However, the RC4 QR plates can make it difficult to get a 35mm-sized camera (or a lens) with the QR plate mounted into a camera case.

Canoflan - I would strongly suggest that you actually handle tripod heads with the ...RC2 and ...RC4 quick release systems to compare them. Photos in catalogs or on line do not really indicate the true differences.

SkipD wrote in post #2446453
However, the RC4 QR plates can make it difficult to get a 35mm-sized camera (or a lens) with the QR plate mounted into a camera case.

Canoflan - I would strongly suggest that you actually handle tripod heads with the ...RC2 and ...RC4 quick release systems to compare them. Photos in catalogs or on line do not really indicate the true differences.

Great and thanks for the suggestion. I actually did exactly what you said Friday and I like the larger head. I believe that my setup and bags can maneuver fine. If things don't work out, I bought from B&H and have some time to return the item.

I also saw the giottos legs and they are very sturdy and well designed. I am glad I chose them.

If all else fails, I can always move them on this forum for some of the best folks in photography frequent this site.

SkipD wrote in post #2426842
I leave the ...RC2 QR plates on my equipment full time, which is really the intended way to use QR plates - avoiding the requirement to fasten the QR plate to the camera every time you want to put it on a tripod.

Hey Skip,

Any possible chance I could see a picture of the plate on the camera (not on the tripod) and then with the camera on the tripod?

Well, I got the combo and it works great. Really sturdy and I can keep the quick connect plate on my 5D and in my small, single camera bag without a problem.

I really like the bubble level on the legs and one on the ball head.

I look forward to getting it dirty and stuff. Thanks for all the input.