what tripod head for my new manfrotto....

3021 b pro.....love the new tripod but think im going to be a little less than happy with the 486 bogen i picked up with it....does an ok job, but i think i want one just a little better.....bogen hydrostatic fluid filled ?? acratech ultimate? man that Giottos MH-2000 sure looks like a sexy piece of work...need some input for sure as i have no idea whats what in the ballhead arena....btw....shooti​ng with the xt and a battery grip....btw# 2....dont want to spend as much on this as i did on my camera ! lol ! thanks so much for the help........

I got this awhile back. It's the best thing since someone sewed a pocket on a shirt. As far as I'm concerned, those old three axis heads are history. This one is rated for 11 pounds and holds a 100-400L IS and 30D just fine. Best of all, you can pan and shoot with it.

Here's a few pics of mine set to left hand use so I can use the right hand to control the camera and shutter.

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I like the Bogen/Manfrotto 488RC2 ball head for my tripod and use the 486RC2 for my monopod. Both are excellent in their respective applications.

I have tried and do NOT like either of the Manfrotto grip-action ball heads.

tx for the replies so far folks....

I also like the Manfrotto 488RC2 for the tripod - I use this for my 400mm f5.6 + tc and it is rock solid.

I'm another 488RC2 user.

I am using the 3021B Pro legs with the 322RC2 head pictured above. I have the Novoflex Panorama Plate between the tripod legs and the head. Makes panning very easy and I find the sidgrip head much quicker to set than the 488RC2 head. Just my preference.

I'll cast a vote for the Manfrotto 488RC0. I like slightly larger (yet very convenient and fast) hexagonal mounting base. It's especially nice on the 1 series with big glass on them. You won;t go wrong with the 488RC2, though either. The only difference is the mounting base. The ball is just great.

[QUOTE=SkipD;2485156]I like the Bogen/Manfrotto 488RC2 ball head for my tripod and use the 486RC2 for my monopod. Both are excellent in their respective applications.

Curious why you use the 486RC2 and not the 488RC2 on your monopod. I'm about to order a 488RC2 and a Gitzo G2220 Explorer, and plan on getting a monopod a little later. I was going to use the same head for both.

weight???

On a monopod you don't need a seperate pan...

spitfirejd wrote in post #2495779
Curious why you use the 486RC2 and not the 488RC2 on your monopod. I'm about to order a 488RC2 and a Gitzo G2220 Explorer, and plan on getting a monopod a little later. I was going to use the same head for both.

There are three differences which make the 486RC2 better on a monopod - the 486RC2 has less weight, is a smaller physical size, and there is no need for the pan lock feature on a monopod.

However, on a tripod, all of the advantages of the 488RC2 are beneficial. Those are the separate pan lock and the bigger ball that has the ability to hold heavier camera/lens rigs steady without creep.

Mitch, I have the same one and even got the remote control trigger BUT I have to say that I am not in love with it yet. It's a bit of a querky situation as it does not get along very well with my profoto ringlight...

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Remote trigger? For this grip? Tell me more.

Gil, it looks like your grip is still set for left hand use. The first thing I did was to convert mine to right hand. Have you tried that? I prefer to use my left hand to hold the grip, and the right to hold the body in a normal position so I can hit the shutter release, and help control the camera. I shoot birds, and use the head for panning while shooting, although, I bought this model for the 11 pounds of weight it needs to hold when I use the digiscope, which I can also pan for shooting eagles out over the river.

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Yeah, I actual tried it both ways...and it really doesn't change anything...and I am sorta forced to use it right hand if I want to use the trigger. The problem lies with the shoemount quick release handle being stuck behind the clunky profoto hardware (which is trully poorly designed). In the end, I guess the message here is to consider the apps before chosing and that sometimes, it's not a question of price but of purpose.

aas for the remote, you will notice that placed where your trigger finger should be, there is a threaded hole covered by a rubber safety... this is to accept the RC control from manfrotto, which is pretty cool but way to expensive. you can find all the info on the website. I have to say that this trigger must be a godsend to nature shooters as they never really need to take their hand of the handle...but a bit of a waste for me as I can take all the time I want in the studio... and I suspect totally useless for you, as if I am correct, you are into astrophoto...and will need a remote that is not in contact with the tripod.