In a Pickle... :) again (Tripod Heads)

[stokes]

Bit of a long story but i bought a set of Manfrotto 055XPROB Legs and have been using a red snapper RSH-12 head with it. i have been using my gripped d90 and various smaller lenses and standard strap with no hassle.

The legs are great, and the head is even better!

Now.....

The problem. I bought a 70-200 f2.8. And its a little to heavy for a standard strap, so i went over to the black rapid set-up, and found a great compromise using the rapid T1 screw with a manfrotto plate.

Im planning on shooting a bit of sport, so bought myself a manfrotto monopod head, and its great.

Now, to use my monopod and carry my camera its fine, but to use my tripod im going to have to take the plate off, and attach the snapper plate...... hmmm... might get a little repetitive me thinks?

So im thinking of getting a Manfrotto head to go with my manfrotto legs.

The question is..... do i have to? I love my Redsnapper head, and due to it getting a fault, i have a brand new shiny one here on the side, thanks to joes great service.....

If its yes go fully Manfrotto, which i think will be the best plan, the next question is do i get the:

496RC2 or 498RC2 ball heads?

I may be upgrading to a d700 soonish, so would the 496RC2 cope with a gripped d700 + 70-200 f2.8 + TC?

 

[stokes]

No one has any thoughts

 

[footman]

I have attached a Kirk type clamp to my Manfrotto monopod head so there is no need at all for a Manfrotto head.

I hope that's what you mean.

 

[john-oh]

If you want compatibility you need to go with something like the Arca \ Kirk type plates, tends not to be a cheap option though ...

 

[footman]

 

[arad85]

If you're off and on the tripod/BR often, then Manfrotto head is probably the way to go. The 496 has a 6kg weight limit. Unless you think you need the 8kg or the panning ability the 498 gives you, save money and get the 496. Chice solely on that IMHO.

BTW, I have the 498 and really like it (I also have just "upgraded" to a BR strap, so will get the T1 too )

 

[arad85]

If you want compatibility you need to go with something like the Arca \ Kirk type plates, tends not to be a cheap option though ...

He wants compatibility with the black rapid strap system. There is a screw which you can get (T1) that makes a Manfrotto QR-2 into the connector on the black rapid. See: http://www.blackrapid.com/product/hardware/fr-t1/

 

[stokes]

thanks for the advice. I think i knew the answer really, just was trying to put explore another possibility and avoid the inevitable.

The ease of use is just to good to be messing around changing plates.