Well I'll Be Damned! - DPChallenge Forums

02/09/2007 02:54:42 PM · #27

I've never used that bleeping clip, and I'd remove it in a second... if it would do any good... but it won't.
The cap on the end of the columns is still too large to fit through the opening, so even if the clip is removed, it won't go through.

TechnoShroom

Canon EOS-30D

Canon EF 24-105mm f/4.0L IS

02/09/2007 02:56:32 PM · #28

Originally posted by kirbic:

Dammit, you're right.

glad2badad

Apple iPhone 16 Pro

Lensbaby Sweet 35 Optic

02/09/2007 03:02:30 PM · #29

I wonder if they've upgraded the center column from what you have. They mention that the newer column can be purchased for owners of the previous version.

Please pardon the long post here, but the Bogen Imaging website isn't friendly for URL links.

From the description listed for the 3021BPRO (I've underlined center column info):

3021BPRO TRIPOD (BLACK) / Cat. No: 3021BPRO

Manfrotto has taken the 3021BPRO tripod and made it even more versatile! The main refinement to this series is with the center column. Designed as an alternative to the low-angle adapter, the new center column enables the head to be left mounted to the column when switching between low angle and normal shooting.

The top section is detached without tools by simply unscrewing the knob at the bottom of the column. Good news for existing 3021BPRO users is that an 055TSB upgrade column is also available.

As with the previous series, the 3021BPRO has a removeable center column that doubles as a horizontal lateral arm. Not only does this allow the camera to be offset from leg position, but it provides the simplest way possible to shoot from directly overhead.

In addition, the new 3021BPRO also comes with leg warmers on two legs which helps keep hands protected in cold weather and protects the body when carrying the tripod on shoulders. A new strap, the 458HL, (available as an optional accessory) has also been introduced to better carry the tripod. It simply snaps to the center column.

Key features include:

New center column design allows you to leave the head mounted on the column when switching between low angle and normal shooting.
Leg warmers on two legs which keeps hands protected in cold weather and protects the body when carrying the tripod on shoulders.
Double positioning vertical and horizontal center column.
Rapid-action lever leg locks with just 45Â° run.
4 leg-angle settings.

A couple of product images (hope this is allowed) from the Bogen Imaging Inc. website.

DrAchoo

Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX5

02/09/2007 03:05:02 PM · #30

I took this shot with at least 20 pounds of sand duct taped into a plastic bag hanging off that clip. It worked well.

TechnoShroom

Canon EOS-30D

02/09/2007 03:05:38 PM · #31

No, it's the same.

02/09/2007 03:10:19 PM · #32

Originally posted by glad2badad:

I wonder if they've upgraded the center column from what you have...

That's the same column that I have, and I believe the same one that they've had for some time. It's a two-part column; the bottom (long) section can be removed for the low-angle work. Removing the bottom is also how you switch between vertical & horizontal column orientation. The clip, and the round shape of the bottom end cap on the column prevent it being removed in a single piece.

02/09/2007 03:15:31 PM · #33

Originally posted by DrAchoo:

I took this shot with at least 20 pounds of sand duct taped into a plastic bag hanging off that clip. It worked well.

Well now, those *were* some extreme conditions! My M.O. is to slip the strap of my camera bag over the top of the tripod, and let the bag hang between two legs. With the amount of cr@p I carry in my bag, that tripod's going nowhere!
Seriously, if I often shot in very inclement conditions, I might feel differently about the clip system, but I still think I'd avoid suspending weight from the bottom of the column. If the weight swings, it puts torque on the column, and could very well introduce blur into long exposures.

glad2badad

Apple iPhone 16 Pro

Lensbaby Sweet 35 Optic

02/09/2007 03:16:08 PM · #34

This is the part throwing me off - wondering why the head needs to come off to take out/reposition the center column.

"The top section is detached without tools by simply unscrewing the knob at the bottom of the column."

I take it unscrewing this "knob" then is the hassle? From the picture it looks like the top would actually come off, but they word it saying at the "bottom of the column". ???

TechnoShroom

Canon EOS-30D

Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM

02/09/2007 03:19:38 PM · #35

The nob at the bottom is what you turn (a good 40 times) so that the top detaches. There's a threaded rod that goes through the column up to the top which screws into the part that connects to your head.

EDIT: It's only 12 complete revolutions but feels like 40.

Message edited by author 2007-02-09 15:21:13.

glad2badad

Apple iPhone 16 Pro

Lensbaby Sweet 35 Optic

02/09/2007 03:22:41 PM · #36

Originally posted by TechnoShroom:

... EDIT: It's only 12 complete revolutions but feels like 40.

Thanks! I think I've finally gotten the concept thru this thick skull of mine. :D

idnic

Canon EOS-60D

02/09/2007 03:27:46 PM · #37

Originally posted by glad2badad:

When you unscrew that knob on the bottom, it removes the head on the top (long threaded shaft).

Oh, sorry, missed the previous reply while I was reading :P

And yeah, it does feel like 40 turns and my 3-way head is heavy to hold onto while your removing it.

Message edited by author 2007-02-09 15:28:44.

Skip

Canon EOS-1D X

Canon EF 300mm f/2.8L IS USM

02/09/2007 04:48:37 PM · #38

it's a pain in the

i had to swap it to get my camera as close to the ground as possible for this shot

then swap it back to get shots like these...

unscrewing/screwing that thing definitely takes some of the fun out of being there.

fotomann_forever

02/09/2007 05:04:19 PM · #39

Hey, now there's a tripod that might help with my hate of tripods... thanks Cindi... yet another item in my B&H wish list... I'm never gonna get that damn thing cleared !

yakatme

Lytro Illum Light Field Digital

Nikon AF-S Nikkor 17-35mm f/2.8D IF-ED

02/09/2007 06:20:41 PM · #40

O.K., I'm interested.

Can anybody recommend a good head to go with this tripod?

I would like something with a quick release. I've been thinking about a pistol grip head but I hear that they don't support the long lenses that I use and that they aren't good for stitching multiple shots for panoramas.

Lytro Illum Light Field Digital

02/09/2007 06:34:54 PM · #41

Originally posted by yakatme:

Can anybody recommend a good head to go with this tripod?

I would like something with a quick release. I've been thinking about a pistol grip head but I hear that they don't support the long lenses that I use and that they aren't good for stitching multiple shots for panoramas.

488RC-4.
Note that I strongly recommend the RC-4 plate over the RC2, it's much more secure, and has both horizontal and vertical bubble levels. The 488 should support all but the biggest supertele lenses.

Edit:
The 488 has a separate panning axis marked in 15-degree increments which is great for panos, but of course, like any head not specifically designed as a pano head, it puts the rotational axis under the mount point, which is not correct (needs to be under the entrance pupil of the specific lens used). For this reason, panos shot using *any* standard ball or 3-way head will have some parallax affecting objects that are close to the camera (how close they need to be to be a problem depends on the lens and the scene).

Message edited by author 2007-02-09 18:38:42.

yakatme

Nikon AF-S Nikkor 17-35mm f/2.8D IF-ED

02/09/2007 06:46:34 PM · #42

Thanks kirbic. Is the 488RC-4 a quick release?

edit to add: Well, I decided not to simply take the lazy way out by asking and I looked it up. Thanks for the recommendation. It's about time that I get a decent tripod and I think that this combo is just about perfect. The height for a guy who is 6'3" tall is the only problem, but I suppose that I just have to deal with stooping over a little.

Message edited by author 2007-02-09 18:49:21.

Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM

02/09/2007 06:49:36 PM · #43

Originally posted by yakatme:

Thanks kirbic. Is the 488RC-4 a quick release?

Yes it is. There are two version of the 488; the -RC2 has a small rectangular quick-release plate, and the -RC4 has a larger, D-shaped plate. The -RC4 is much more robust, has the twin bubble levels, and doesn't seem to have the problem with loosening up like the -RC2 had. I've used both.

idnic

Canon EOS-60D

02/11/2007 01:49:40 AM · #44

Carried my 3021P for about 4 hours today... I'm so upgrading. Anyone want a kindly used silver 3021? 18 months old. :)

Spork99

OM System OM-1