New Tripod

Hey everyone,

I currently have a Slik Pro330DX Tripod w/head and its been great and all but when ever i have my heavy gear on it, it just doesn't seem sturdy enough. So i'm looking for a new setup.

My "heavy" gear:
40Dw/Grip & 70-200mm (2.8IS)

I plan on replacing both the tripod and head with a Bogen-Manfrotto unit and i would really like to go with a Grip head. Is this a good idea considering the heavy gear? I know a grip isnt the smartest choice when i'm concerned about weight but i'm sure i can get another head if its an issue.

As far as Tripod goes, nothing super expensive, something that just can support 11-15lbs and be sturdy, any recommendations?
_______________

Here are the heads ive been looking at. Which one would be best?
3265 GRIP
322RC2 GRIP

EDIT: So i just read that the 3265 can only hold 5 1/2 lbs, where the 322RC2 can hold 11lbs. So i guess i figured out what head ill be getting.
---------------

Here is a tripod i was looking at, but i am still not sure.
3021BPRO

But holly molly are there so many tripod's to choice from..
I want to keep the tripod (legs) under 300.00, and i don't care what the material is made, out of as long as it can hold 11-15lbs which should be enough for my gear.

Opinions are appreciated. Thanks.

Sounds like you should be looking at the ever popular Bogen 055XPROB legs.

ben_r_ wrote in post #5858995
Sounds like you should be looking at the ever popular Bogen 055XPROB legs.

Yea i just read that the 055XPROB replaces the 3021BPRO that i was looking at. Ha... Thanks so much, this does look like the ticket!

Now i just need to determine if i want to get that 322RC2 head and see how it holds up with my gear. I have a friend who uses it with a similar setup and he said it was fine but it was pushing it.

There are some mixed opinions on grip heads.
Some people like them, some don't.

I don't.
Disadvantages IMO:

• You have to keep the "grip" pressed to move the camera
  
• It's less stable then an ordinary ball head
  
• The grip can get caugt on stuff when transporting (say; in the woods)
  
• It doesn't add any advantage that I can see
  

René Damkot wrote in post #5859089
There are some mixed opinions on grip heads.
Some people like them, some don't.

I don't.
Disadvantages IMO:

• You have to keep the "grip" pressed to move the camera
  
• It's less stable then an ordinary ball head
  
• The grip can get caugt on stuff when transporting (say; in the woods)
  
• It doesn't add any advantage that I can see

I'd go for a 488 or so.

I currently have a Pan style head and hate it, i want something quicker.

This 488 head seems like it would do the trick. Id just get the one with the quick release on it. 488RC2 perhaps

Got a question for you, I also have the Pro 330DX and I can mount my 28-300mmL and my 400D Gripped without a problem. You sure it's just not the ballhead you have on yours? Which ballhead model do you have? It's a pretty sturdy tripod if you ask me.

Nope, it has the OEM head on it. Looks like this.

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TomTomTuning wrote in post #5859188
I currently have a Pan style head and hate it, i want something quicker.

This 488 head seems like it would do the trick. Id just get the one with the quick release on it. 488RC2 perhaps

The Manfrotto 488RC2 is a very good ball head at a very good price. Either the Manfrotto 3021BPro (which I own one of) or the 055XProB topped off with a 488RC2 is a very good package for general-purpose work.

I got the 3021 and like it a lot, but it's heavy. So, I opted for the 190XB, but I'm short. That model is not for tall people, but the weight and length are perfect for me. And like above the 488RC is amazing. I'd rather have that than the others I have because it's sturdy, can hold more than 15 pounds and won't even struggle to do it. The price is inexpensive if bought in a pair right now for the rebate.

TomTomTuning wrote in post #5858921
Hey everyone,

I currently have a Slik Pro330DX Tripod w/head and its been great and all but when ever i have my heavy gear on it, it just doesn't seem sturdy enough. So i'm looking for a new setup.

My "heavy" gear:
40Dw/Grip & 70-200mm (2.8IS)

I plan on replacing both the tripod and head with a Bogen-Manfrotto unit and i would really like to go with a Grip head. Is this a good idea considering the heavy gear? I know a grip isnt the smartest choice when i'm concerned about weight but i'm sure i can get another head if its an issue.

As far as Tripod goes, nothing super expensive, something that just can support 11-15lbs and be sturdy, any recommendations?
_______________

Here are the heads ive been looking at. Which one would be best?
3265 GRIP
322RC2 GRIP

EDIT: So i just read that the 3265 can only hold 5 1/2 lbs, where the 322RC2 can hold 11lbs. So i guess i figured out what head ill be getting.
---------------

Here is a tripod i was looking at, but i am still not sure.
3021BPRO

But holly molly are there so many tripod's to choice from..
I want to keep the tripod (legs) under 300.00, and i don't care what the material is made, out of as long as it can hold 11-15lbs which should be enough for my gear.

Opinions are appreciated. Thanks.

Throw out all of those ballhead choices and go with the 488RC2 instead. The vertical grip action head are not a good idea because it adds an unsupported 8 vertical inches under the load. That is not a good choice if you are looking for stability (which is about the #1 reason for using a tripod).

The legs are a good choice, and the 488RC2 is the most often recommended head to go with that.

IMO, and I'm sure some disagree, the grip heads are pretty much a gimmick.

J.

I appreciate everyone's input it really helps alot.

055XPROB + 488RC2 = Ordered!!!!

TomTomTuning wrote in post #5864410
I appreciate everyone's input it really helps alot.

055XPROB + 488RC2 = Ordered!!!!

I actually went with the 488RCO head instead of the 488RC2, it was the same price, and i liked the features this one offered. But over all i am super happy with it. Thanks so much everyone for the awesome recommendations

TomTomTuning wrote in post #6114415
I actually went with the 488RCO head instead of the 488RC2, it was the same price, and i liked the features this one offered. But over all i am super happy with it. Thanks so much everyone for the awesome recommendations

Wow the RC0 quick release system??? Have you ever seen that one in person? Its kinda oddly shaped and big for a 40D...

ben_r_ wrote in post #5858995
Sounds like you should be looking at the ever popular Bogen 055XPROB legs.

Well said Ben.
I have the 055XPROB with the 488RC2 ball head.

ben_r_ wrote in post #6116091
Wow the RC0 quick release system??? Have you ever seen that one in person? Its kinda oddly shaped and big for a 40D...

Yea ive seen it in person, its seating right be side me. hahaha.

But i like it so far, the second latch thing was a little annoying to get off but ill deal with it. Can the quick release be swapped out on the head, like do they sell just the quick release. Or do i need to buy a new head?

This head features a secondary security lock so you can't accidentally release the plate (and camera) without meaning to. The lock stops the quick release lever from opening fully

http://www.bogenimagin​g.us …urBrandId=MAN&m​arket=MKT1