Ball versus 3-Way head

Read this about the quick releases:

https://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthre​ad.php?t=65907

I think the answer to "Could I put that plate [Manfrotto QR2] on top of a different brand of ball head?" is "probably, but it might take some effort".

Gona get the Manfrotto 322 for now, since it's cheap I don't have any lenses with collars it'll be fine, and i'll upgrade to something else if I need to later.

Thanks for your help everyone

Not sure if you can afford this but I think this kind of gives the best of both worlds. The Bogen/Manfrotto 755B
http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …ails&Q=&sku=272​828&is=REG

It has a leveling head (which Works like a ball head) with a built in bubble level.
And then add any compatable 3-way head to the top. Thus you can quickly set the basic level quickly without messing with the tripod legs too much and then you have a pan-tilt from there.

It is what I use. It is technically a video tripod, but since the heads fit either my 1DsMkII or my XL-2 who cares. The only way ot could be better is if I could do the leveling with a grip instead of the twist ring.

My only complaint is the weight of the tripod is a bit much and I still have not found a pan-tilt head that only tilts 90 degrees (not 105)

Just a thought,

Thanks Longwatcher, it's more than I want to spend right now. I'm just going to do a quick google to decide between tripod legs (3021BPro is what i've liked the most so far) then i'll finally make my order

I also like the 3021BPro, thoes are the legs I KNOW im going to get. Ive been trying to pick a tripod and head for about 1-2 weeks now! Im very sure I want the 3021Pro,...

But for the head, (and Tim this might intrest you), many people have recomended this...
http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …EG&addedTroughT​ype=search

Seems to be excellent for Pano, Macro, Landscape, Panning, Its like a 3-Way tilt with smaller knobs and the ability to fine tune using Gears. Also has a FREE move mode where u can disengage the gears so free it up.

I dont think a ball head is going to work well for what im trying to do... But I would eventually like to have one. This is an expencive head, but seems to fit what im trying to do. Can anyone show me anything different?

This is a thread I started on the Bogen 3021Pro + WHAT HEAD>

http://www.photography​-on-the.net/forum/showthre​ad.php?t=154631

I just got the Gitzo 1276m offcenter ball head along with the G2220 explorer tripod.for macro and table top product shots the angles you can achieve are amazing.......Tony

Do any of you guys know if there is such a thing as a decent tripod that does not weigh a ton? I like to do nature photography but must take my husband along as a pack mule because most tripods (in addition to my Rebel XT, 17-85 EFS IS, and 100-300 4.5-5.6 EF lenses) weigh over 5 lbs. I am a 5'3' inch little old lady who weighs 125 lbs. Any solutions?

How light do you want it to be?

I'm thinking Gitzo reporter. I beleive #1108... or at least 11XX.

I just got my 488RC2 yesterday and am very impressed. I had the 3-2ay head before and couldn't get 90 degree use of the camera to see the moon last month. So, went to POTN threads, asked around and bought the 488RC2. It holds my 40D with 70-200 2.8 IS without a problem. Very sturdy and I'd highly recommend it.

I have both a Manfrotto ball and pan/tilt head for my 35 year old Gitzo. The ball head is good for "fast" use while the pan/tilt head is good for slow/carefully use like still life.

[QUOTE=belmondo;371812​]

belmondo wrote:
The best thing to do is buy one of those spirit levels that mounts on your hot shoe.

Like this:
http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …ails&Q=&sku=194​974&is=REG

Curious if there is any reason to have something like that if there is one on the tripod?
Thanks,
Bruce

[QUOTE=travelbuds;5793​937]

belmondo wrote in post #371812
Curious if there is any reason to have something like that if there is one on the tripod?
Thanks,
Bruce

If you're using a ball head, it's much easier to achieve level with the camera than with the tripod unless you have a tripod with a self-leveling center columns (forgive me if I don't have the nomenclature correct).

We currently have the Manfrotto QR2 system on a 488 head, but are in the process of replacing it with an Arca-Swiss type QR system. All the QR plates and receivers are easily replaced without changing heads. Personally, I am impressed with the Really Right Stuff QR receivers and plates.

We're going Arca-Swiss type for upward compatibility with Wimberley and other mounts. (We have big-lens dreams.)

This works both ways. There are Manfrotto QR2 receivers that will mount on other-brand heads. Virtually everybody uses either either 1/4-20 or 3/8-16 threads. The Manfrotto 488RC2 head, for example, mounts the receiver with a 3/8-16 thread.

As for leveling, we use the tripod's buble level only when we wish to pan truly horizontally. A level on the camera itself allows the camera to be leveled for individual shots, which is where it's at.

Mostly, though, leveling is done visually through the viewfinder. Leveling the horizon visually is almost always more than sufficient.