MANFROTTO MODO 785B TPOD W/MODO BAG KIT

I'm looking to replace my inexpensive tripod that I have right now. I have $100 CDN in gift cards for Henry's and they have the Manfrotto Modo 785B Tripod with Modo Bag on sale right now.

The kit is regularly $200 CDN and is on sale for $89.99. I want to use this tripod in combination with my 350D and my Tamron 17-50 f2.8 and my Canon 700-200 F4L. I'll be doing night shots mostly, or low-light photography and also some general landscape/nature shots in the future.

Will I regret purchasing this? I don't want to miss the sale.

What are the disadvantages for a hobbyist not having a tripod that has a separate detachable head?

Looking forward to comments/suggestions.

Paul

Paul,

I don't know the 785B and don't know what head is provided with it. So everything that follows is based on my own experience.

I use a Manfrotto 055PROB. When I bought it I also went for a 486RC2 ballhead. While I was happy with it for a while, I never trusted the RC2 QR system. I also found that trying to accurately frame anything was a nightmare because the head allowed the camera/lens to droop as I tightened everything down. I have now got a different ballhead that does not droop at all, with a far better QR system.

And that's the problem. You cannot replace things as your needs change.

However, how sure are you that the head cannot be removed from the tripod? If its a standard Manfrotto head it may well be held in place with the usual 3/8th UNC threaded stud. I suggest you ask Manfrotto the question.

Thanks for the quick reply - I suppose I meant it wasn't purchased as two separate items, but rather a kit. I just found out it is only rated at 2.2 lbs and is not going to be anywhere near strong enough.

I'm now looking at the 190XPROB and maybe the 804RC2 head.

What head did you replace your original one with?

I wouldn't - the 785B is specced at 1 Kg capacity and has a head that's non-replaceable by design. So it's too light for your gear and even if it weren't you're stuck with the head it comes with, like it or not. I'd bite the bullet and look at the Manfrotto 190XProB or 055XProB with the Manfrotto 488RC2 ball head.

Jon wrote in post #9301741
I wouldn't - the 785B is specced at 1 Kg capacity and has a head that's non-replaceable by design. So it's too light for your gear and even if it weren't you're stuck with the head it comes with, like it or not. I'd bite the bullet and look at the Manfrotto 190XProB or 055XProB with the Manfrotto 488RC2 ball head.

I think I'm leaning towards the 190XPROB and the 804RC2 head - I have this G/C to use and they have this in a kit for $229.00 CDN.

Any thoughts?

I think the tripod is certainly good enough. I had a 055XPROB and if it wasn't for it's weight I would still be using it. The 190XPROB is just a shorter version of it.

The tilt/pan head you are looking at...although I have no experience with it, is probably a better idea than a similarly inexpensive ballhead, imo.

If you don't want to spend more money than the combo you are now looking at, go for it. You can always ugrade the head in the future, if you feel it is necessary.

The're selling the 190XPROB for $150. Call them and ask how much are they selling the 486RC2 for. It will be close to $80, bringing you to the same $230 total and maybe better for a light setup than the 804RC2.

bohdank wrote in post #9302032
Call them and ask how much are they selling the 486RC2 for. It will be close to $80, bringing you to the same $230 total and maybe better for a light setup than the 804RC2.

The 486RC2 is on sale for $69.99 bringing the total to $220.

There is only one spirit level on the 804RC2 quick release plate - is that a big deal?

No. Never used the spirit level on the clamps. I find that they don't help in doing anything. Having a spirit level on the tripod base and the clamp or camera is usefull for getting an accurate horiontal series of panning shots. Then again I have done more panoramas hand holding then on a tripod so spirit levels are really not something I look at as a feature.

Paul,

I replaced the 486RC2 with a Markins M10. I stripped and cleaned the 486, replaced the RC2 clamp with a Markins QR-60 clamp and fitted it to my monopod, where it has been very successful.

bohdank wrote in post #9302369
No. Never used the spirit level on the clamps. I find that they don't help in doing anything. Having a spirit level on the tripod base and the clamp or camera is usefull for getting an accurate horiontal series of panning shots. Then again I have done more panoramas hand holding then on a tripod so spirit levels are really not something I look at as a feature.

I ended up picking up the 190XPROB with the 804RC2 head - was on sale for $229 CDN. I think I'll be very happy with it for how I'll be using it.

Thanks for your advice everyone!

Paul