DPChallenge: A Digital Photography Contest You are not logged in. (log in or register
 

DPChallenge Forums >> Hardware and Software >> Manfrotto Tripods (boring, i know)
Pages:  
Showing posts 1 - 23 of 23, (reverse)
AuthorThread
03/17/2007 03:04:38 AM · #1
Hello

I wrote a post on here a few months ago asking for some advice on decent tripods to replace a cheap one I bought (which happened to be a complete waste of money as it moves in the slightest bit of breeze).
Most of the advice I recieved back then was to go the Manfrotto/Bogen route and since then i've spent some time researching them.

BUT, i've recently purchased a canon 70-200mm telephoto lens which is fairly heavy, so my question is now which model in the manfrotto range would be best suited to supporting a 300D SLR with 70-200mm lens stuck on the front? I've been looking at the 055ProB which suggests it would be perfect for the job, but i'm wondering if there are any better/cheaper alternatives?
I would also be looking at a ball head to attach to it, do these come in different sizes to support different weights and if so which one would be the best for me?

I would be grateful for any advice from you guys

Chris
03/17/2007 03:55:50 AM · #2
i am/was in exactly same position as you and i dealt with the problem in a way i ordered 055PROB and 322RC2 head.

period. :-)
03/17/2007 12:30:36 PM · #3
3021 pro

488 midi ball RC2 head

These components are used by many here and are worth your consideration.

680 compact 4 sec mono pod

I also use a B/M 680 mono with a 3229RC2 head. 3229 head

In selecting your gear, it is worth considering how all the pieces will match up together. One great feature of rapid connect plates is the ease at which to change bodies/lenses and get back mounted ready to shoot. Whatever plate system you decide upon, try to get enough plates for each body/lens collar. Also consider utilyzing the same connection system for each head. Simply simplifies transitions from one support to another and accross your entire tool bag.

Message edited by author 2007-03-17 13:06:19.
03/17/2007 12:31:34 PM · #4
Originally posted by Flash:

3021 pro


Yup! :)
03/17/2007 12:32:49 PM · #5
Originally posted by idnic:

Originally posted by Flash:

3021 pro


Yup! :)


Yup yup!
03/17/2007 12:43:57 PM · #6
Yet another vote for the 3021 pro. As far as ball heads, the 488 is an outstanding value, but I'd suggest the RC4 version in place of the RC2. The RC4 plate is larger, and much more secure. It also has two bubble levels (for portrait and landscape orientations) that the RC2 version lacks.
03/17/2007 01:02:28 PM · #7
Originally posted by aliqui:

Originally posted by idnic:

Originally posted by Flash:

3021 pro


Yup! :)


Yup yup!


me too. I love my 3021. I got the 486 rc2 head though and while it has done fine, I would get something different if i were buying a head again.
03/17/2007 01:17:13 PM · #8
Ditto!! 3021 with 488RC4
03/17/2007 01:27:48 PM · #9
3021 pro vote from me too! Does the F/4 IS have a tripod collar? Remember to use that instead of the camera's tripod mount. It's a great balancing point and you can rotate the camera without the head going sideways for portrait-oriented shots.
03/17/2007 01:28:13 PM · #10
I have a pair of 3021b Pro's with 701RC2 heads. Which are better suited for video cameras. Depends on if you are mounting direct to the camera or the lens. Anyway the Legs are great. If you get the 3021 and a decent head you will never regret it.

03/17/2007 01:40:57 PM · #11
3021pro and 804rc2 head. The head is solid enough to hold my 180 f/3.5 Macro which is every bit as bit as the 70-200.
03/17/2007 02:02:16 PM · #12
055CLB CLASSIC TRIPOD BLACK
468MGRC0 HYDROSTATIC BALL HEAD REL.RCO

On a budget, I'd choose the above or similar with like or better specs. The ball head, especially, needs to lock firmly enough without having to be re-adjusted evrey time a long lens is mounted.
03/18/2007 10:45:56 PM · #13
Thanks for all the advice. I have been researching the suggestions that have been mentioned here and got really confused as i dont think they sell the 3021Pro in Australia, and instead they call it the 055Pro over here. (correct me if i am on the wrong track)

So I think i'm gonna go for the 055Pro legs for now, then save up some cash in the next couple of weeks and think about what head to get for it, although at this stage i'm tempted by the 322RC2 head, does anyone already have this combination? Would love to hear some reviews
03/18/2007 11:20:02 PM · #14
I thought the 055 and the 3021 were different items. I'll check the Manfrotto site. Back in a minute. :D

Bogen Imaging, Inc. - Go to tripods/rapid column.

The 055 listed is Carbon Fiber and weighs less than the 3021, but it does look configured the same (center column, min height, etc...).

At B&H Photo:
3021 Pro - $158 US
055MF3 - $316 US


Message edited by author 2007-03-18 23:31:07.
03/18/2007 11:34:15 PM · #15
I have the 3021 pro as well. I agree with everyone here that it is a great tripod. However, will you be doing any walking whatsoever with it? If so, I will tell you right now, go for one of the carbon fiber tripods instead. I have had my tripod for a few years now. I love it. It is sturdy and tall, but HEAVY! I will probably be purchasing a second tripod, a bit shorter and made of CF this summer to take backpacking with me.

As far as the head goes, I have the 322RC2 head. It is also a good value, but again, heavy. I firmly believe that there is not one perfect head, as it depends on what you are doing. The ball head is a fine idea, but when I try and do a multiple image pano, it is difficult. And again, with the packing, on the new tripod someday, I will be getting a very small, lightweight ball head.

Just my .02.

Scott
03/18/2007 11:46:10 PM · #16
this is the one I have seen which i think is the australian version of the 3021Pro

//www.manfrotto.com/Jahia/op/preview/cache/offonce/pid/2277?livid=68%7C69&idx=71
03/18/2007 11:48:48 PM · #17
Originally posted by dewdodesign:

this is the one I have seen which i think is the australian version of the 3021Pro

//www.manfrotto.com/Jahia/op/preview/cache/offonce/pid/2277?livid=68%7C69&idx=71

You could be right. It does show it as an all aluminum model. Hmmm...
03/18/2007 11:52:57 PM · #18
I think the adage hold true that you can have two of the following, but not three: cheap, sturdy, tall. I think light also fits in there somewhere...
03/22/2007 11:23:45 AM · #19
yea. it's in TEH bag :-) , i'm still thinking how to explain in to my wife ... (thinking)

322RC2
055PROB
03/22/2007 11:30:17 AM · #20
Originally posted by goc:

yea. it's in TEH bag :-) , i'm still thinking how to explain in to my wife ... (thinking)

322RC2
055PROB


Somthing like "Hunny, wouldn't it be terrible if my expensive camera went crashing to the floor? That would be such a shame. Don't you agree?........"
03/22/2007 11:41:00 AM · #21
Originally posted by goc:

yea. it's in TEH bag :-) , i'm still thinking how to explain in to my wife ... (thinking)

322RC2
055PROB

Congrats! As for the explanation, a feature that comes in handy with that tripod is the ability to shoot straight down now. Duplicate those important records, etc... , of course you could buy a nice scanner I suppose for what the tripod cost. :D

Good luck. :P
03/22/2007 12:50:42 PM · #22
I'm leaning towards the 190XPROB legs and the 488RC0 head, personally.
03/22/2007 02:06:14 PM · #23
Hey Christopher. Nothing about tripods that's boring to this crowd! :) But I want to mention that if I'm not mistaken, the Canon 70-200 has an optional tripod collar that you should consider. Not cheap -it runs about $100 US I believe, but probably money well spent if you expect to use that lens on the tripod with any frequency. I know bear_music sprang for one awhile back.
Pages:  
Current Server Time: 01/02/2026 03:51:17 AM

Please log in or register to post to the forums.


Home - Challenges - Community - League - Photos - Cameras - Lenses - Learn - Help - Terms of Use - Privacy - Top ^
DPChallenge, and website content and design, Copyright © 2001-2026 Challenging Technologies, LLC.
All digital photo copyrights belong to the photographers and may not be used without permission.
Current Server Time: 01/02/2026 03:51:17 AM EST.