Manfrotto 808RC4 vs 322RC2 - DPChallenge Forums

Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR II

02/26/2009 06:14:06 PM · #1

Hi all

I'm looking to get a new head to go onto a set of Manfrotto 055xPro legs.

Is the pistol-grip 322RC2 ballhead considerably better than the 808RC4 3-way head? Because there is a special on at a local store and I can get the 808RC4 for approx. $80 less than the pistol-grip head.

What are your suggestions?

02/26/2009 06:20:09 PM · #2

I hate that ballhead. The 808 3-way is the head I use. I hate ballheads, did I tell you that? I want a head that allows me to establish a level then pan without losing it. I hate ballheads. Except really, really expensive ones that allow m to establish a level then pan without losing it. And even then I only tolerate them. Did I tell you I hate ballheads?

Get the 808...

R.

chromeydome

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

02/26/2009 06:23:55 PM · #3

Now wait just a damn minute! Whaddya got against baldheads?!?! You hairy basta--er, oh, uh--nevermind........

02/26/2009 06:29:44 PM · #4

Originally posted by chromeydome:

Now wait just a damn minute! Whaddya got against baldheads?!?! You hairy basta--er, oh, uh--nevermind........

Relax, Chromey. My father just died, with a full head of hair, glorious hair, at the age of 92, and I have inherited his hair (unlike my brother, who takes after Uncle Walter) but I'm not in the least prejudiced against baldies, I swear...

R.

chromeydome

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

02/26/2009 06:33:49 PM · #5

It's all good. I can use my hip pocket to carry something besides a comb! (unless I'm feelin nostalgic...)

ralph

Nikon Z9

02/26/2009 06:44:11 PM · #6

Originally posted by Bear_Music:

My father just died, with a full head of hair, glorious hair, at the age of 92, and I have inherited his hair

shaved his hair + you got it ? all.??
:P

02/26/2009 06:51:34 PM · #7

Originally posted by ralph:

Originally posted by Bear_Music:

My father just died, with a full head of hair, glorious hair, at the age of 92, and I have inherited his hair

shaved his hair + you got it ? all.??
:P

Hahaha! Just tryin' to make chromey jealous...

R.

Tygerr

Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR II

02/26/2009 07:09:58 PM · #8

Originally posted by Bear_Music:

Thanks Robert. That's exactly the kind of unequivocal response I was looking for. The price difference had already basically made up my mind, but I guess I needed some re-assurance that I wasn't being penny wise, pound foolish.
I'll be picking up the 808 tomorrow.

Nikon AF-S DX Zoom Nikkor 17-55mm f/2.8G IF-ED

02/26/2009 07:14:33 PM · #9

Originally posted by Tygerr:

Originally posted by Bear_Music:
I hate that ballhead. The 808 3-way is the head I use. I hate ballheads, did I tell you that? I want a head that allows me to establish a level then pan without losing it. I hate ballheads. Except really, really expensive ones that allow m to establish a level then pan without losing it. And even then I only tolerate them. Did I tell you I hate ballheads?

Get the 808...

R.

Thanks Robert. That's exactly the kind of unequivocal response I was looking for. The price difference had already basically made up my mind, but I guess I needed some re-assurance that I wasn't being penny wise, pound foolish.
I'll be picking up the 808 tomorrow.

Let me add one caveat: if it's your style to shoot action from a tripod, you want a ballhead. It gives you complete flexibility to pan at any angle while still providing some stability. I don't do action, I'm a landscape guy. So the ability to pan on level is critical to me.

R.

justamistere

Nikon D3s

02/26/2009 09:47:07 PM · #10

I really, really love the Geared Heads!. First I bought a ballhead (Manfrotto RC2 mount). As soon as I locked it in place with the large 70-200 Zoom (about 12 Lbs Total), it would sag/slip down. And what if I wanted to move it slightly Up/Down/Left/Right/Pan-Left/Pan-Right, I couldn't. It would be Total trial-and-error, trying to frame something.

That's why I loved the 405 GEARED HEAD RC4 mount. It can do all of the above, it's excellent for Macro-Photography, Landscape, etc. It is a little heavy to do backpacking trip with it.

The less expensive "410 JUNIOR GEARED HEAD" is suitable for less Camera-and-Lens weight. The "400 GEARED HEAD" head is for larger format cameras, looks interesting.

chromeydome

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

02/26/2009 10:08:09 PM · #11

I have the Arca Swiss Ball Head left over from my large-format camera days: nice mount, holds a lot of weight without slipping, and pans separately from the ball.

Conveniently, the superb Camdapter hand straps come with an arca mounting plate (I think a manfrotto option for the mounting plate is available, too).

Tygerr

Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR II

02/27/2009 03:42:00 AM · #12

Originally posted by Bear_Music:

Don't worry... I'm getting no action over here ;-) So the 3-way head should work fine.

Originally posted by justamistere:

The geared heads look awesome, but given my needs at the moment, I can't really justify the price. I'll put them on my wishlist though :-)