What head? (& tripod)

dhracer

dhracer

Messages
63
Edit My Images
No
Sorry :'( I have done a search but none of the old threads I've found seem to answer my question.

My old velbon tripod is woefully inadequate for my new camera so I'm looking for a new tripod and head. I don't mind it being heavy as I don't want to spend spend much for the time being and tbh as long as it's less than 5kg that's nothing to carry around.

It's for a 5dII and primarily the 17-40L, any other lens I use on a tripod is unlikely heavier (possibly the 135L) as I'd probably be using a monopod when (if) I get round to buying a longer lens.

The RS-284 Legs sound perfectly adequate and go really low too but I'm not sure on the ball head, is the RSH-12 one going to be ok? (seems to have mixed reports of going floppy on the threads I've found).

Any alternatives/thoughts on the head esp would be great. :thumbs:
 
If you are going to shoot landscapes (17-40?) I prefer my geared head (Manfrotto 410) over my ballhead. It is very precise to aid your composition, leveling horizons etc.

Its a lot bulkier, heavier, slower and costlier than say a typical ballhead. I also use it for macro aswell so maybe it can justify it on those two fronts.
 
Yeah, it would be almost exclusively for landscapes. I must admit I hadn't really considered anything other than a ball head (they seem really popular on here).

Is a geared head really worth the extra?

I thought a ball head would allow me to compose easily and I could just lock it off with the other hand when ready? (this might be an extremely naive view as I've only ever used a ball on a monopod for Motorsport)
 
Last edited:
Having started out with a Manfrotto ballhead, and then moved on to the 410 geared head, I would also concur with other posters and say get the geared head.

Definitely a lot more precise, I always found a little bit of slippage with the ball head when locking it off, the geared head really does allow for more precise positioning.
 
Think you may have overlooked something important. You also need to check what load the tripod and head can accept. If you can weigh up your camera and heaviest lens and batteries all together then allow a few extra pound load you will be ok.

A flimsy tripod fully extended with a camera on top is useless, even shutter slap could make a weak tripod move let alone wind etc. So always test a tripod fully extended in the shop first to see how stable it is.

Realspeed
 
Last edited:
Already done :thumbs: 5d is ~1kg and the lens is ~500g.

The legs will take 7kg (manfrotto) or 10kg (RS) and the geared head 5kg. So well over the weight I'll be putting on it :)
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top