Bogen / Manfrotto Tripod Heads bad for D300?

Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM

05/25/2008 02:00:26 PM · #1

Well I got my first "pro" Manfrotto tripod and what I assumed is a "pro" head, also being a Manfrotto, the 804RC2. The problem is, when my camera is in the vertical position, it slowly creeps from the weight, regardless of how much I tighten the release plate. The plate offers no lock pins compatible with the D300s locking hole. So I looked online to find if there was a plate for the D300 and came across a discussion on dpreview saying that Manfrotto is really falling behind in heads and plates and that others are switching to other brands.

I know Manfrotto makes an anti-rotation plate, however is is incompatible with the D300 battery grip.

So my question is, should I return the Manfrotto head (I have 5 days to return it) and get something else? If so, what should I get? If not how can I stop my D300 from dropping when in vertical?

Thanks much!

Mick

Canon EOS-5D

05/25/2008 02:55:57 PM · #2

Bogen Imaging lists the 804RC2's load capacity at 8.82 pounds. If the combined weight of your camera, battery pack, and lens is less than or equal to that amount, then it should support it. Apparently, the 804RC2 has a spring gizmo that's supposed to help compensate for heavy, off-center loads. Is there any tension adjustment for the head?

If you can't get it to work, then you might want to switch to something with a greater load capacity. My 322RC2 head is rated for 11.0 pounds. It also has a dial built into the grip that allows me to adjust the tension on the ball. It's more expensive than the 804RC2, but I think it's a great head and well worth the cost.

I'm sorry, but I guess I misunderstood your post. I thought the head itself was creeping. Apparently, the camera is turning on the adapter plate. I'm not sure what you can do to fix that. My adapter plate has a layer of rubber that sits between the plate and the camera. I've never had any problem with it creeping, even with my heaviest telephoto lens and a battery pack attached.

Message edited by author 2008-05-25 15:10:17.

Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM

05/25/2008 03:01:39 PM · #3

The problem is when the camera is turned 90 degrees vertical for tall shots, the lens slowly drops (as the camera twists on the plate).

Mick

Canon EOS-5D

05/25/2008 03:12:36 PM · #4

Yes, I just edited my response after re-reading your original post. :)

idnic

Canon EOS-60D

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

05/25/2008 03:15:24 PM · #5

Originally posted by togtog:

The problem is when the camera is turned 90 degrees vertical for tall shots, the lens slowly drops (as the camera twists on the plate).

Rotate the other direction. I had a tripod head that used to do that. Not always handy to rotate the other direction, but I got used to it. :)

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

05/25/2008 03:53:16 PM · #6

Rotate which other direction?

Mick my plate does have rubber however it still creeps, most noticable with macro shots, that after a few minutes the point I was aimed at is now off to the side, although the camera still looks straight.

idnic

Canon EOS-60D

05/25/2008 03:56:29 PM · #7

Originally posted by togtog:

Instead of flipping it 90degrees to the left for portrait orientation, which is causing it to come unscrewed.... flip it 90 degrees right instead. Then the bolt tightens and slippage ends.

05/25/2008 03:57:23 PM · #8

oh, interesting idea, I will have to try that, thanks :)

Tamron 16-300mm Di II VC PZD MACRO w/Canon Nikon mount

05/25/2008 04:33:17 PM · #9

I am wondering now, does anyone know, just how much can I tighten my plate? I don't want to tear the thing out of the camera body, I worry I have enough strength to do so. There is a chance I am not tightening it enough because of that worry.

JulietNN

Canon EOS R7

05/25/2008 04:45:02 PM · #10

It is a good job this is a photography site, or you could get the wrong ideas here!

Nuno

Nikon D700

Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 24-70mm f/2.8G ED

05/25/2008 06:30:19 PM · #11

I've got a Manfrotto 055XProB with the 804RC2 head.

U use it with the D300 with the grip on and nothing of you describes happened with mine. And I've used it with the 24-70 f2.8 frm Nikon atatched, with is a farly heavy lens.

So I'm gessing you've got a defective head/plate issue there.

Carl Zeiss 35mm ZF f/2.0 Distagon T

05/25/2008 06:35:16 PM · #12

Or I am under-tightening the plate to the camera. I'm worried since there is an obvious gap provided by the rubber pad that I might rip the socket right out of the bottom of the camera. I am trying to search on google but I am having no luck finding out how tight is too tight.

virtuamike

Nikon D2X

05/25/2008 07:36:19 PM · #13

One of the benefits of switching to an Arca compatible setup is that you don't have to deal with plates slipping.

kirbic

Canon EOS R5

Canon RF 24-70mm f/2.8 L IS

05/25/2008 07:40:10 PM · #14

I had an RC2 style head, and changed over to the RC4. Far superior resistance to the type of creep you describe, and a much nicer locking system.

Mr_Pants

SiPix Blink

05/26/2008 01:04:45 AM · #15

Originally posted by togtog:

I would say that you are, indeed, under-tightening. I ramp mine up about as tight as it goes, using the little metal hoop on the underside of the QR plate. The threaded hole in the camera body is really quite strongly constructed.