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11/07/2006 12:13:46 PM · #1 |
Hey DPC gang,
I have a heavy duty Bogen/Manfrotto tripod and when I was out shooting photos of the moon the other night using my Sigma 50-500mm lens, the Bogen head I was using could not support the weight of the lens+camera very well.
The lens is about 5 lbs and the camera about 2. The head I am using right now has a quick release plate, is a ball head, and has the big squeeze trigger handle to move it around. I think it is rated to 5 lbs and I like it, but not if I'm going to use this lens.
Any suggestions on a good head with quick release and good motion (doesn't have to be Ball head) that can support the weight?
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11/07/2006 12:31:27 PM · #2 |
Manfrotto 3030 3-way head. holds my largest lens without 'slumping'.
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11/07/2006 12:51:19 PM · #3 |
| If the head that you are using has adjustment screws - tighten these and try the camera and lens. |
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11/07/2006 12:52:34 PM · #4 |
| In my limited experience I've found that the three way pan heads hold their position better than ball heads. Having said that, tightening the screws to see if that helps beats spending money on a new head. |
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11/07/2006 12:54:47 PM · #5 |
| I had the Sigma 80-400 (only 3 ounces lighter than the Bigma) on my 20D. The head was the RC322 (I think that's the one you have by its description). It had no problem handling that weight. You should be able to adjust the holding tension with the adjustment wheel. Try it out and save some money (hopefully). |
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11/07/2006 12:56:07 PM · #6 |
You don't mention a budget, if you are serious, look into a geared head. They are often used on camera stands to support large format cameras. These heads may weigh upwards of 10 lb by themselves, so a tripod upgrade maight be in order too.
If you realy want to get into astrophtotography, get a solid equatorial mount that will track objects.
Message edited by author 2006-11-07 12:57:22. |
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11/07/2006 01:45:39 PM · #7 |
I've got a Kirk BH-3 ballhead which will support my D200 + Bigma using the tripod mount of the lens adjusted for best balance with the lens extended. Droop isn't a problem in this case, but it just barely passes.
Usually referenced for these matters is Thom Hogan's Tripod 101 which recommends an even bigger head for these heavy lenses (and I basically concur from my experience).
Message edited by author 2006-11-07 13:53:31. |
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11/07/2006 01:49:30 PM · #8 |
Thanks everyone. I do need to go back and see about the tension wheel. I may just have not had it tight enough.
I appreciate all the feedback.
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11/07/2006 02:05:57 PM · #9 |
I have a Bogen 488RC2 head on a 3021BPRO and the specs for the head say it will support 17.6 lbs and tripod 13 lbs
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11/07/2006 10:21:16 PM · #10 |
If you've got the 322RC2, change it from vertical to horizontal. The spec says "11 lbs (5.5lb capacity when in the vertical position)"
Otherwise, there are a ton of heads from Manfrotto alone. See //www.bogenimaging.us/product/catlist.php3?SID&manufid=1§ionid=6
IMO, the 3039 is a nice head if you want a 3-way head. (I have the 3047 but wish I had spent the extra money on the 3039). |
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11/07/2006 10:27:04 PM · #11 |
Originally posted by NstiG8tr:
I have a Bogen 488RC2 head on a 3021BPRO and the specs for the head say it will support 17.6 lbs and tripod 13 lbs |
I have these same legs, and the 488 head, but the RC4 version. For heavier lenses, I'd definitely recommend the RC4. I had an RC2, and the much smaller plate did not provide as sturdy a mounting surface. The head itself is quite stable.
Edit: This *is* a mid-size, lower-cost ball head. There are definitely more robust ones out there, but not at this price (about $100 USD).
Message edited by author 2006-11-07 22:28:06. |
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11/07/2006 10:47:36 PM · #12 |
Highly recommend going with an Arca-Swiss compatible setup. The Kirk BH-3 is the cheapest ballhead that'll handle that type of weight, and it goes up from there (and yes, they make a plate for the Sigma).
I use an Acratech because I preferred the ergonomics, but everyone has their own tastes.
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