Any smaller, lighter alternatives to a Manfrotto Junior Geared Head?

[applemint]

Tempted by the idea of a geared head for landscapes and macro - but the only ones I can find are the Manfrotto Junior Geared Head and the Arca D4. The latter sounds perfect but costs £900 - waay over my budget! The Manfrotto is not cheap but affordable at £135 ish (or less if I can find a used one) but I mainly use micro four thirds or a fairly light dslr (A57) so the size and 1.2 kg weight of the Manfrotto seems a bit like overkill even though it's the smallest , lightest and cheapest of their 3 geared heads (hence junior).

Does nobody else make an afforable geared head? Anyone used the Manfrotto one? I quite like the ballheads I have but for precise composition they can be a bit of a pain even though they don't droop, like some do, precise composition or small adjustments can be tricky.

 

[Faldrax]

I have the Manfrotto 410 - although it's not small or light, it is great in terms of accurate positioning, and the quick release on each axis means I find it as fast as my old 3-way pan / tile head (or faster, as I don't end up retrying to get it pointing exactly where I want it!). The stubby controls also make it more compact for its height.
(Picked mine up for <£90 s/h as I recall)

 

[HoppyUK]

Yes, there is another geared head - the Arca Swiss Cube, and even more expensive.

It sounds like you might be okay with a regular 3-way head. Have you tried one? This Manfrotto 460 is good http://www.jessops.com/online.store...gnesium Head&gclid=CM3FppvwkrwCFZShtAodXDEANA

Or perhaps this Induro PHQ-1 at £200, kind of a poor man's A-S D4, but a very high quality head and sweet to use http://www.dalephotographic.co.uk/mall/productpage.cfm/DalePhotographicOnline/_PHQ1

 

[applemint]

Thanks, not tried a regular 3 way no, but those 2 options look interesting - will look into them.

 

[markmullen]

Yes, there is another geared head - the Arca Swiss Cube, and even more expensive.

And absolutely lovely! Probably my next head, when I feel the need to upgrade from my 405 and 410 combo.

To the OP, the 410 is very good, if you do go for it I would recommend the Hejnar Arca Swiss conversion, it allows you to use Arca Swiss compatible L brackets, if you've not used an L bracket it will be a revelation!

 

[HoppyUK]

And absolutely lovely! Probably my next head, when I feel the need to upgrade from my 405 and 410 combo.

To the OP, the 410 is very good, if you do go for it I would recommend the Hejnar Arca Swiss conversion, it allows you to use Arca Swiss compatible L brackets, if you've not used an L bracket it will be a revelation!

There is a cheaper copy of the A-S Cube - PhotoClam Multiflex, but still v expensive
http://www.tripodballhead.com/2009/02/photo-clam-multiflex-geared-head_23.html

I've also seen a SunwayFoto copy of the A-S D4, though I don't think it's made it into production yet.

 

[LongLensPhotography]

Thanks, not tried a regular 3 way no, but those 2 options look interesting - will look into them.

I doubt 3 way head will be much fun. The beauty of geared systems is that they can be adjusted without loosening and knobs and can make really fine adjustments. I bought mine for architecture. I used to sweat and struggle with 3-way until I could get the framing as I wanted and still had work in post. Now it is a methodical easy tuning for a minute, then snap and its perfect. It is heavy as a pig though and it made my life harder when travelling to different countries and trekking. And apparently they are fairly delicate - so no sand, sea water and knocking around!