Looking to upgrade my tripod head.

I have a Sigma 150-500 on the way and after rechecking the specs on my Amvona tripod and head I think I may need to upgrade the head. It is rated at 8.8 lbs. The 150-500 is a little over 4 by itself. Adding my 40D w/ grip, a Tamron 1.4x TC and possibly a flash might be encroaching on its limits. I have also never really loved the style of ball head on this particular tripod.

I plan to use the new lens for birding and wildlife as well as some sports (monopod for sports though). I don't have the funds for a new set of legs and Wimberley setup so I will have to settle for a simple head replacement for now.

I have been thinking about getting either the 486 or 488 RC2 ball head. The difference in price is about $40 and the difference in support is 13.2 vs 17.6 lbs. The 486 seems like it would be fine for this combination and still leave me a little latitude for if I ever buy a larger lens. Does the 488 over any other advantages other than support? Should I be looking at something else?


Thanks for your help.

If you can afford it...

Look for a Arca Compatible ball head. The ARCA Compatibility refers to the quick release system which has been standardized across several manufacturers. An Arca compatible QR system will allow the use of a Really Right Stuff L-Bracket which is IMO the absolute best way to mount a non tripod ring equipped camera and lens to a tripod head. There are multiple advantages to the L-bracket. See this link:

http://reallyrightstuf​f.com/QR/05.html

It is also possible to switch the RC-2 QR system from a Manfrotto head such as the 488RC2 to Arca compatibility by using a Kirk, Jobu, RRS or some other Arca Compatible QR base instead of the RC2 base.

If you go with a Manfrotto head which uses the RC2 QR system, Manfrotto markets a generic L-bracket for that system. This generic bracket is not as neat as the RRS L-bracket but, it will keep the center of gravity over the tripod head when in the vertical position. It is however, a LOT LESS EXPENSIVE than a Arca Compatible head and a RRS L-bracket!

http://www.adorama.com …to%20L%20plate&​item_no=40

The 488RC2 is a lot stronger (resistant to creep) than the 486RC2. It also has a separate pan release which lets you rotate the camera horizontally without releasing the main ball - very useful at times.

The "weight" limits for tripods and tripod heads are not a good measure of the performance of the tripods/heads. What is important is how stiffly the rig will hold your camera/lens. There is no standard way for this to be measured, and thus the buyer has no real way to compare tripods/heads other than going to a store and trying out different combinations.

You may very well need to upgrade your tripod as well as the head if you really want to have a stable mount for your camera.

How can you test the stability of a tripod/head combination? Put your heaviest (and longest focal length) lens on the tripod. Look through the camera and tap the front end of the lens. You will see the image move in the viewfinder. A sturdier tripod/head rig will allow less movement and will settle out more quickly than a weaker rig. The difference is very obvious when comparing two side-by-side.

Yes, I debated this same thing, Mike. I already had a good tripod and head, but I needed something to take to soccer games that could carry my 40D with grip and 100-400. So, I got the 488RC and haven't regretted it. It's sturdy and really reliable.

RPCrowe wrote in post #5900979
Look for a Arca Compatible ball head. The ARCA Compatibility refers to the quick release system which has been standardized across several manufacturers. An Arca compatible QR system will allow the use of a Really Right Stuff L-Bracket which is IMO the absolute best way to mount a non tripod ring equipped camera and lens to a tripod head. There are multiple advantages to the L-bracket. See this link:

http://reallyrightstuf​f.com/QR/05.html

It is also possible to switch the RC-2 QR system from a Manfrotto head such as the 488RC2 to Arca compatibility by using a Kirk, Jobu, RRS or some other Arca Compatible QR base instead of the RC2 base.

If you go with a Manfrotto head which uses the RC2 QR system, Manfrotto markets a generic L-bracket for that system. This generic bracket is not as neat as the RRS L-bracket but, it will keep the center of gravity over the tripod head when in the vertical position. It is however, a LOT LESS EXPENSIVE than a Arca Compatible head and a RRS L-bracket!

http://www.adorama.com …to%20L%20plate&​item_no=40

Thanks for the info. I'll look into the ARCA compatibility.

SkipD wrote in post #5901561
The 488RC2 is a lot stronger (resistant to creep) than the 486RC2. It also has a separate pan release which lets you rotate the camera horizontally without releasing the main ball - very useful at times.

The "weight" limits for tripods and tripod heads are not a good measure of the performance of the tripods/heads. What is important is how stiffly the rig will hold your camera/lens. There is no standard way for this to be measured, and thus the buyer has no real way to compare tripods/heads other than going to a store and trying out different combinations.

You may very well need to upgrade your tripod as well as the head if you really want to have a stable mount for your camera.

How can you test the stability of a tripod/head combination? Put your heaviest (and longest focal length) lens on the tripod. Look through the camera and tap the front end of the lens. You will see the image move in the viewfinder. A sturdier tripod/head rig will allow less movement and will settle out more quickly than a weaker rig. The difference is very obvious when comparing two side-by-side.

Thanks Skip as usual! Doing the test on my current rig shows that it is pretty stable, but the new lens is longer and heavier so i won't know for sure until i put it on to se how it reacts. And thanks for letting me know about the 488 being better in regards to creep and the addition of the pan release. I missed that when doing my reading before.

SuzyView wrote in post #5903737
Yes, I debated this same thing, Mike. I already had a good tripod and head, but I needed something to take to soccer games that could carry my 40D with grip and 100-400. So, I got the 488RC and haven't regretted it. It's sturdy and really reliable.

Thanks Suzy.