Thanks for the tip. Maybe I will need to focus on a tripod and head for the immediate need, which maximizes out with my 70-200. As far as price is concerned, I was hoping to keep it under $500 for both head and tripod. But I can be convinced to shell out more if there is something out there that has the stability and weight quality that I'm looking for.Originally Posted by HDNitehawk
That head on a good set of Gitzo legs will give you the stability, but will set you back $1,200 or more depending on which of there tripods you pick out.
I would suggest whatever you start with, think ahead on what clamp system you go with. It can cost you more to switch up if you plan on expanding your set up later. Everything I have now is Acra Swiss compatible.
I like Manfrotto as a good compromise between quality and price. Also recommend Arca-Swiss style plates - I have my 190CXPRO4 legs with 468MG head and 694CX monopod with 234 head fitted with Wimberley C-12 clamps.
Thanks for the assistance. $1200 is a little more than I was looking to spend on a tripod and head setup. I'm a newbie when it comes to this gear. By clamping system, are you referring to anything more than the head?
The 190CXPRO4 has a lot of good reviews. The 468MG has several options with a "quick release" on it. What do I need too consider when deciding on a model?
Mpieris,
Thank You!
Manfrotto makes quality tripods and offers some nice features, like the tilting and pivoting center column. The one that Neuro recommended is a nice one and it's reasonably priced for it's quality, as tripods can get very expensive quickly. I'm not a fan of the Manfrotto proprietary quick release below either. I found it a little cumbersome to use. I also think there are better choices than a Manfrotto Head.
Here is an example:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc...tem_Quick.html
The way to go is with the more universal, Arca-Swiss style. You will also need to buy a camera body plate. There is the knob release and the lever release.
http://reallyrightstuff.com/Items.as...ampsLR&key=cat
Here are some other quality heads of varying prices:
http://reallyrightstuff.com/Items.aspx?code=BALLHEADS&key=cat
http://www.markinsamerica.com/MA5/category.php?req=1
http://bestballhead.com/list.aspx?cat=100
http://www.kirkphoto.com/Ball-Heads.html
Other reasonably priced ,quality tripod legs and heads are from Feisol:
http://www.feisol.net/feisol-tournament-tripod-ct3442-rapid-p-31.html
I'll be gone for the day, so I'll check back tonight or tomorrow.
Have fun looking,
Rich
Last edited by Richard Lane; 06-17-2012 at 10:33 PM.
The clamp + plate is how you attach your camera to the head.
I'd recommend just the 468MG, no RC anything. Like Rich, I'm not a fan of the Manfrotto clamps. I used the RC2's for a while, but there's some play when they're 'locked' into the clamp, and the other Manfrotto plates are too big (extend beyond the camera base).
The Arca-Swiss system locks robustly, no play, and it's a standard system supported by many vendors.
So, for the 468MG, I'd get a Wimberley C-12 clamp (which is Arca-Swiss type). For the camera, a universal plate like the Wimberley P-5, or a camera-specific plate or L-bracket from RRS or Kirk. For non supertele lenses with a tripod collar 28-300, 100-400, 70-200/2.8), a Wimberley P-20 plate works well.
Many thanks for all the info. Didn't know there was so much in tripod and head setup selection. After researching the suggestions you've provided, I think I have underestimated on the budget. Looks like I will need to set it at around $800 - $1000. I'm Canadian and a lot of the places I've checked either don't carry the models/brands mentioned or are priced much higher than what I see on US websites. I guess I can always import, but then I have to consider shipping and duty costs. Any Canadians (Toronto area) out there know where the best place is to get this type of gear for a good price?
Camera gear is not charged duties at the border. Shipping, HST, and any brokerage fees are all that will be on top of US prices. Avoid UPS shipping methods. They charge ridiculous fees for broker and handling. B&H and Adorama are both highly recommended as cross-border shopping friendly.
In the T.O. area I don't know the marketplace as I prefer to avoid the area. Camera Canada in London has a good web site and the people there seem to know what they are talking about. Will order things in for people and may be able to suggest excellent lower cost alternatives. Henry's does carry more items across the chain, but they are way overpriced. Will pricematch according to their policies. Use www.photoprice.ca to compare prices on items and verify stocking before going into one of their stores.
Check if what you want is listed on photoprice.ca It will give you to your door pricing, including shipping, duty, brokerage, taxes, currency exchange etc. Due to pressure from some stores, due to pressure from camera manufacturers, they have semi-removed the US pricing from the site for certain items. Instead of inter-mixing the results they'll just show where the cheapest US price would fall, and provide a link to their US site where you can see US pricing.
It's taking me a while to research the right tripod, head, and clamp options for my needs. Rich, do you or anyone else have any experience with Feisol (tripod and/or head) or Best Ballhead? I checked B&H and Amazon, but couldn't find any user reviews on any of the products. For Feisol, I think any of the 3301, 3401, or 3402 legs look to meet the specs I'm looking for. It also fits within my original budget (although I'd still spend more to avoid a piece of junk that I'd have to replace in a year or two. From a ballhead perspective, the CB-40 looks like it would be ok. The main hesitation I have is because it doesn't seem to be as popular as some of the other brands. It's tough to see what the feedback is from actual people that made the investment. The other option I've been looking at is the Manfrotto 190cxpro3, but not sure on the head.
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