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05/18/2004 09:30:59 PM · #26 |
I own the Bogen 3030 Head, with quick release. The head was great for an airshow where I wanted the ground shots to be level. The quick release was great when there was fly-by and I needed to get the camera off the tripod in a hurry, to hand hold.
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05/23/2004 09:05:59 PM · #27 |
Originally posted by micknewton:
I also wonder if the grip would get in the way of my 10D's battery grip when I'm using the tripod mount on my Canon 35-350L lens. |
I encountered this problem today. I had to change the orientation of the QR plate on the lens collar. The QR lever was hitting the battery grip. It would likely have worked OK with the 1.4x converter though.
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06/03/2004 10:12:04 PM · #28 |
Originally posted by jmsetzler:
Originally posted by micknewton:
I also wonder if the grip would get in the way of my 10D's battery grip when I'm using the tripod mount on my Canon 35-350L lens. |
I encountered this problem today. I had to change the orientation of the QR plate on the lens collar. The QR lever was hitting the battery grip. It would likely have worked OK with the 1.4x converter though. |
I just got my 3021Bpro legs and 322RC2 head from the UPS guy. So far, I really like this setup. It’s sweet! I had to change the orientation of the QR plate because the lever would hit the battery grip, but it was easy to do. It seems to be well made, and a well thought out design too. Thanks for the tip John!
--Mick
Message edited by author 2004-06-04 15:15:13.
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06/03/2004 10:37:00 PM · #29 |
I am certain that you will come to really appreciate the versatility of your 3021 pro. It is truly a 1st rate piece of gear. Mine has been half way around the world and just keeps doing it's duty.
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06/04/2004 01:48:30 AM · #30 |
Originally posted by micknewton:
I just got my 3021Bpro legs and 322RC2 head from the UPS guy. So far, I really like this setup. It’s sweet! I had to change the orientation of QR plate because the lever would hit the battery grip, but it was easy to do. It seems to well made, and a well thought out design too. Thanks for the tip John!
--Mick |
Welcome :)
I'm glad you are happy with it... I think it's a great combo. I personally don't think you can get a more versatile rig than this. The ease of use on that head is incredible.
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06/04/2004 05:57:21 AM · #31 |
I bought the 3001BPRO (in stealth black) with the 332RC2 head about a month ago. I am very happy with both. I like the flip style leg locks on the PRO models vs. the twist style. Pistol grip head is SWEEEET!
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06/04/2004 06:14:06 AM · #32 |
My 3001BPRO and 322RC2 arrive next week :) I am glad this thread has proven my choice to be a good one.
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06/04/2004 07:22:17 AM · #33 |
This thread inspired me to wander down to the camera store(s) at lunch and look at real tripods. I left very confused.
The Manfrotto model most available here is a version of the 190D, and Gitzo has several models, the most interesting being the carbon fibre version of Model 1128.
I spent lunch looking at specs, and concluding that the Manfrotto 190 was Rock Solid and the Carbon model seemed solid, but looked less so.
My 3 questions:
1) Before anyone here bought the bigger, heavier, and clearly solid Manfrottos, did you look at the carbon fibre types and opt not to get them?
2) Are the carbon fibre models solid? (Read that, as solid as the bigger heavier aluminum models, or is that marketing hype.)
3) How much weight should I plan for when reading the specs? I have a heavier DSLR (Fuji S2), the heaviest lens I have is a Nikon 70-200, and I sometimes have a flash on top.
Thanks in advance,
Bill
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06/04/2004 08:04:55 AM · #34 |
I looked at carbon fibre. I am going to use mine for landscape and rainforest shot and some still life. I don't believe they are stable in outdoor conditions due to the light weight. The point to having a tripod is for rock solid stability so I went for the Manfrotto.
On the flip side... If you travel and only shot in calm outdoor settings, indoors or studios then the carbon fibre is for you.
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06/04/2004 08:49:17 AM · #35 |
Shortly after I made my initial post in this thread, I did order another tripod and head. I developed a need for a tripod that was slightly shorter when folded up. I bought the Manfrotto Carbon One (3444/440) with an Acratech head:
This particular tripod weighs 3.6lbs and the head weighs 1lb. It's a good bit lighter than my 3021/322 combo. It is, however stable enough when I put my camera on it. My camera rig weighs enough to make this rig completely stable. |
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06/04/2004 09:05:02 AM · #36 |
Originally posted by jmsetzler:
Shortly after I made my initial post in this thread, I did order another tripod and head. I developed a need for a tripod that was slightly shorter when folded up. I bought the Manfrotto Carbon One (3444/440) with an Acratech head:
This particular tripod weighs 3.6lbs and the head weighs 1lb. It's a good bit lighter than my 3021/322 combo. It is, however stable enough when I put my camera on it. My camera rig weighs enough to make this rig completely stable. |
ditto
Message edited by author 2004-06-04 09:57:27.
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06/04/2004 09:39:51 AM · #37 |
Gordon and jmsetzler:
One clarifying question: when you say stable enough, I assume you mean normal outdoor conditions where there may be some wind? One thing I forgot in my original post is that I do travel frequently, and an advantage in weight is probably worth the extra money for me if stability is OK.
Best, and thanks
Bill
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06/04/2004 10:00:27 AM · #38 |
stable in any conditions I've used it in, including with the center column extended way out to the side hanging he camera off the end of it, over a leg.
The arcatech head is rated at at least 25lbs, but in tests has supported over 70lbs without slippage. Also nice is the collar stop, rather than the usual single point stop for a ball head, which means you have more even variable drag control than with a typical ball head, and when you stop the ball head, it stays stopped.
The only minor thing people might not like about the tripod is the 3 adjustment legs - though there are slightly longer two adjustment versions available.
This isn't a cheap combination though - I've spend slightly over $1000 for my tripod/ head/ bracket setup.
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06/04/2004 10:26:40 AM · #39 |
Thanks Gordon. I pm'd a couple of specific questions your way, but one general question. Am I reading the specs wrong or is your Acratech head rated to carry more weight than your carbon legs?
Bill
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06/04/2004 10:26:44 AM · #40 |
| If it's windy outside, your problems usually go beyond your tripod and its stability. I guess it depends on what you are trying to photograph though. Macro work would normally be out of the question in the wind. Landscapes may or may not be doable in high wind. Most landscape shots like more depth of field and slower shutter speeds. If the tripod isn't moving because of the wind, something else in the scene will be. |
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06/04/2004 10:30:02 AM · #41 |
Originally posted by bill_hk2002:
1) Before anyone here bought the bigger, heavier, and clearly solid Manfrottos, did you look at the carbon fibre types and opt not to get them? |
I looked at the carbon fiber models and decided they weren’t for me. They are somewhat lighter and more compact, but they are also significantly more expen$ive. They’re better suited to hikers, backpackers, climbers, etc., where weight and compactness is critical.
Originally posted by bill_hk2002:
2) Are the carbon fibre models solid? (Read that, as solid as the bigger heavier aluminum models, or is that marketing hype.) |
They are very solid, but because they are lighter, they are a bit less stable, especially in windy conditions. That can be remedied by hanging a counterweight from the tripod after it is setup. However, unless you’re going to lug it up the side of a mountain, or need it to fit into the smallest space possible, why pay the extra money?
Originally posted by bill_hk2002:
3) How much weight should I plan for when reading the specs? I have a heavier DSLR (Fuji S2), the heaviest lens I have is a Nikon 70-200, and I sometimes have a flash on top. |
Just add the weight of each individual component to get the total weight that you need to support. Use the weight of your heaviest lens, and don’t forget to include the weight of any batteries.
--Mick
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06/04/2004 11:17:19 AM · #42 |
Originally posted by jmsetzler:
If the tripod isn't moving because of the wind, something else in the scene will be. |
Good point, thanks.
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06/04/2004 11:22:01 AM · #43 |
Originally posted by bill_hk2002:
Thanks Gordon. I pm'd a couple of specific questions your way, but one general question. Am I reading the specs wrong or is your Acratech head rated to carry more weight than your carbon legs?
Bill |
Yes the head is rated to carry more than twice what the legs are rated as supporting with everything extended. If I ever spend the $6000 to get a 400mm F2.8L or equivalent I'll need new legs (and a whole new wimberly system or equivalent too.
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06/04/2004 11:43:20 AM · #44 |
Originally posted by micknewton:
Originally posted by bill_hk2002:
1) Before anyone here bought the bigger, heavier, and clearly solid Manfrottos, did you look at the carbon fibre types and opt not to get them? |
I looked at the carbon fiber models and decided they weren’t for me. They are somewhat lighter and more compact, but they are also significantly more expen$ive. They’re better suited to hikers, backpackers, climbers, etc., where weight and compactness is critical. |
I've been seriously intrigued by the Giottos MT-8170 Carbon Fiber tripod (the MT-8180 is the more compact 4-section version). At only $269, it is significantly cheaper than most other CF tripods, and seems like a good bang for the buck. Supports 26 pounds, has spiked feet, carrying strap, retractable hook to add extra weight, ability to position center column horizontally, etc. Anybody with any first-hand experience? (The price makes me wonder if it is only partially constructed of CF or something...)
For reference, my current setup is Bogen/Manfrotto 3221 legs, with a Kirk BH-1 ball-head.
Message edited by author 2004-06-04 11:51:37. |
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06/04/2004 11:55:08 AM · #45 |
| Eddy, I don't have any first hand experience with the Giotto or the Gitzo stuff, but I do prefer the flip-lock leg releases rather than the twist models. |
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06/04/2004 03:09:52 PM · #46 |
Originally posted by jmsetzler:
Eddy, I don't have any first hand experience with the Giotto or the Gitzo stuff, but I do prefer the flip-lock leg releases rather than the twist models. |
Me too. One of the really nice, and totally unexpected, benefits of the Manfrotto 3021Bpro legs is that the locking levers are adjustable. My last tripod had flip-lever locks as well, but after several years of use the cam on the levers wore out and wouldn’t tighten down on the leg. This lets the leg slip, which really sucks when you’re trying to setup a shot. If the levers on the 3021 get loose you can easily tighten them up again. That’s a way cool feature in my book.
--Mick
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06/04/2004 04:02:05 PM · #47 |
Interestingly the advantage of CF over other materials isn't so much the weight (if you look at roughly equivalent tripods, with a head attached, they end up pretty much close to the same weight) but CF just doesn't vibrate anywhere near as much as aluminium does - it dampens and settles down a whole lot faster. Also, it conducts heat a lot less, keeping either warmer in the cold or cooler in the heat compared to bare metal.
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06/04/2004 04:53:14 PM · #48 |
Originally posted by bill_hk2002:
My 3 questions:
1) Before anyone here bought the bigger, heavier, and clearly solid Manfrottos, did you look at the carbon fibre types and opt not to get them?
2) Are the carbon fibre models solid? (Read that, as solid as the bigger heavier aluminum models, or is that marketing hype.)
3) How much weight should I plan for when reading the specs? I have a heavier DSLR (Fuji S2), the heaviest lens I have is a Nikon 70-200, and I sometimes have a flash on top.
Thanks in advance,
Bill |
The carbon fibre were not available when I first obtained my 3021. I have seriously looked at them and drooled about owning one....and will own one at some point....just can't justify the expense for the weight savings at the moment.
I believe that they are exceptionally stable for their intended purpose.
The supported weight should easily exceed any normal dslr platform/system. (It might struggle with an 800mm f/4, but that is not what I would call "normal")
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08/03/2004 03:59:07 PM · #49 |
Originally posted by EddyG:
Originally posted by micknewton:
Originally posted by bill_hk2002:
1) Before anyone here bought the bigger, heavier, and clearly solid Manfrottos, did you look at the carbon fibre types and opt not to get them? |
I looked at the carbon fiber models and decided they weren’t for me. They are somewhat lighter and more compact, but they are also significantly more expen$ive. They’re better suited to hikers, backpackers, climbers, etc., where weight and compactness is critical. |
I've been seriously intrigued by the Giottos MT-8170 Carbon Fiber tripod (the MT-8180 is the more compact 4-section version). At only $269, it is significantly cheaper than most other CF tripods, and seems like a good bang for the buck. Supports 26 pounds, has spiked feet, carrying strap, retractable hook to add extra weight, ability to position center column horizontally, etc. Anybody with any first-hand experience? (The price makes me wonder if it is only partially constructed of CF or something...)
For reference, my current setup is Bogen/Manfrotto 3221 legs, with a Kirk BH-1 ball-head. |
Isn't it 'cheaper' because it is only a pair of legs without a head ?
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08/03/2004 06:49:20 PM · #50 |
FWIW: I ended up buying the Manfrotto 190 and have been very happy with it. I found that the extra weight helps give a little extra stability and lowers the center of gravity. This is important when your "assisstants" are less than 10, and still learning to be careful around photographic equipment.
In terms of use, I hauled it all over vacation, including a bit of hiking, and found that the extra weight wasn't that important.
Hope that helps. Thanks to all for the feedback, and apologies for letting so much time slip by before reporting back.
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