Dumb Question #94 - Tripod/Ball Head

I am about to order this: http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …63&is=REG&si=re​v#features

So this RC2 thing...does it stay on my camera all the time, so I can just put my camera on the ball head/tripod quickly? I do have a battery grip on my 40D, does that make a difference? I leave it on ALL the time

How is this different that the RC4?

Also, I have a Lowepro Fastpack 250 and realize there is no way to put a tripod in/on it...do I need to buy a tripod bag? Will that hold the ball head, too? Or can I live without a bag?

And does this configuration in the B&H link above have everything I need to set up the tripod and use it right out of the box?

Thanks, and oh I did search around here and google a bunch, but my question wasn't really answered so sorry to ask if this has already been asked a million times before

The Quick Release plate that attaches to the ball head will stay on your camera all the time. The grip only adds height to your camera, and raises the eye point. Most bags will take the ball head attached, just check the overall lenght of the bag, and ensure it's long enough to hold the legs and head.

I'd suggest you get the RC2 plate that has a slight lip on one side, otherwise it has a tendancy to twist.

I solved this by sticking the plate to the base of the camera but this prevents you switching it about. And yes, you can use the tripod out of the box as it is. Although buying more plates might be on your agenda quite quickly.

The RC4 is a larger plate then the RC2, more usefull for cameras with large bases. For DSLR's, the RC2 is just the right size, imo.

I have the RC2 without the "lip" on my 40D (didn't know they made one with a lip) and have had no twisting issues, shooting vertically. That even with a 40D and a 70-200 f4 IS mounted. A heavier lens might be an issue.

Thanks everyone. I feel better about the RC2 now...but one other question I would like to know...will the tripod and ball head package I purchased (link in #1 post) come with everything I need to get going right out of the box? Do I need any other "tools," or whatever? Thanks so much

Deb,

No, you will be ready to use it from the start. The head comes with a normal PL200 or whatever its called (the plate you screw onto your camera) and this latches into the head. You might want a shutter release at some stage, but you can use the cameras timer to activate the shutter for now.

Thanks so much. Now I am even more excited for it to get here! I ordered the Phottix Cleon from HKG last week, so hopefully soon I will be getting sharper landscape pictures Thanks for your help, yall

Damn Deb, you sould allot like me. Very passionate about your new found hobby, it drives my wife carzy. I'm still pretty new to DSLR's but Look at my sig. and see how crazy I've gone with my equipment, HA!

You have an AWESOME collection of some very nice stuff! I don't have a husband so I guess that's good. I know I would be living a life not so peaceful as I do now

Tumbl3w33ds wrote in post #6665668
I know I would be living a life not so peaceful as I do now

The biggest trick is to not just settle and find that person your truely compatible with, someone that is your best friend as well.

Champion201 wrote in post #6666106
The biggest trick is to not just settle and find that person your truely compatible with, someone that is your best friend as well.

Everything you just said? Totally foreign language to me

You so funny! Enjoy that 24-105L girl!

Hey, am I supposed to make the "L" red in my signature? Or is that for some secret club or something

Yes it is part of a secret club but guess what? You are now part of the club.

Actually the reason I do it is because its that way on the box.

Heh, OK. Cool, I like this club Thank you <3