tripod & heads kaffuddle :(

[strumstrum]

I cannot get my head(ha I made a funny) arond all the different head options available..

looking at upgrading my tripod and seeing as I have a Manfrotto Monopod I thought id go for a legs and head option then I can use the head on that aswell.. but OMG its a minefield, been in town this morning and even more confused as Jacobs dont stock a massive range and Jessops hardly had any options..

so, to hold a Canon 10d + nifty or a Fuji S100FS what is a resonably priced head..

Ta

 

[GarynLea]

What head do you have on your monopod? Nearly all heads are standard fitting, 1/4" or 3/8", what does make the difference is the QR plates. I invested in the RC4 system so have a 808RC4 three way pan head for my 055 legs and will be looking at the 490RC4 for my monopod so that the plates will be transferable.

Manfrotto have a new system to help you decide what you need ... http://www.manfrotto.com/Jahia/site/manfrotto/pid/4482/lang/en#userneeds

 

[DuncanDisorderly]

The 055 Pro legs are superb; very rigid, not too expensive and that cunning horizontal column thing is well worth having.
I've just got a 410 geared head - it's SOOOOO much better than my old ball head. I was a confirmed ball head man but was lent one for a day to give it a go. The annoying bit where you refine the framing is so much easier that I wish I'd got a geared head years ago.

 

[Buck]

I know what you mean re a mine field

A friend lent me his Manfrotto 190Pro as he'd just upgraded to an 055XPROB - the 055 was far better in terms of rigidity/sturdy feel.

He was also using an RC322 grip head which was also 'revolutionary' in comparison to the 460 head on his old tripod (3 thumb screws to adjust).

I now have an 055XPROB (bought second hand but you'd swear it was new for less than the 190 costs new)

I am still struggling with the head choice and Duncan now has me intrigued as to going for a geared head but until I change my mind the 322 is on my shopping list

<goes off and investigates geared heads and prices>

 

[Buck]

The 055 Pro legs are superb; very rigid, not too expensive and that cunning horizontal column thing is well worth having.
I've just got a 410 geared head - it's SOOOOO much better than my old ball head. I was a confirmed ball head man but was lent one for a day to give it a go. The annoying bit where you refine the framing is so much easier that I wish I'd got a geared head years ago.

Duncan which model have you gone for please?

 

[DuncanDisorderly]

Morning!
My head is a Manfrotto 410 - here a link to some good piccies and a couple of reviews
I'm afraid I went for the 055CXPRO3, it's a tad pricey but given that I carried it on my back for seven hours the day after it arrived I'd say that for me it's worth it. Almost a kilo heavier is the otherwise identical and much cheaper 055XPROB - I'd recommend this to you without qualification; the versatility of that weird center column is amazingly useful.