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

DPChallenge Forums >> Hardware and Software >> 3 tripod heads?
Pages:  
Showing posts 1 - 24 of 24, (reverse)
AuthorThread
 12/06/2004 01:09:57 PM · #1
I'm having trouble deciding which tripod head to buy. For the most part I'll using it for portraits and macros, but I'm sure it'll see action for other things as well. I like "quick and simple", but I also know macro work needs a bit more precision. Anyway, these are the choices I've come up with, any help would great:

Bogen / Manfrotto 329RC4 Low Profile 3-Way Pan/Tilt Head with Quick Release

Bogen / Manfrotto 322RC2 Grip Action Ballhead (RC2 Quick Release)

Bogen / Manfrotto 488RC4 Midi Ball Head with Rapid Connect 4 System (Quick Release)

My research seems to say ball heads are great, but not cheap ones. And good macro work is much better done on 3 way heads. But the ease of use of the grip action seems like a God send to me. Anyone have any experience with these (or know of something better for under $100.00)

Thanks in advance ... Milo
 12/06/2004 01:26:22 PM · #2
I've got a grip action - possibly the very one you listed. It's great for quickly aiming your camera - but when you need to do just a little adjustment for something, leveling out a horizon or nudging something out of the frame - well, it's a pain. It does a good job of panning, seems to "let go" of that axis before the others, but - well, I've got a new tripod head on my Christmas list. This one as a matter of fact.
 12/06/2004 02:19:19 PM · #3
Thanks Joe, I've read other similar things regarding the grip action. I guess I can scratch that one off the list :)
 12/06/2004 02:28:50 PM · #4
I have the 322RC2 and I don't have the problems that Joe mentioned. I find it quite easy to make slight adjustments. If the tension dial is adjusted properly, it works very well.
 12/06/2004 03:14:10 PM · #5
My response is not so much your head choice, but about quick releases. I used bogen heads for many years, but quit because I had three dirrent types of quick release plate. Switching plates is not "quick" at all. Also I find that the traditional bogen square plate get loose easily. I have converted completely to the arca swiss system. Although some components are slightly expensive it offers many advantages sush as...

Universal compatability - If you get rid of equipmnet through sale, theft & etc. you won't be force to buy the same brand replacements.

Quality - Most manafacturers making arca swiss products are machined from solid stock not die cast.

Adaptablility - I use for the most part Giottos ball heads (great for the money), but on the 4 heads I have 3 different brand clamps- Really Right Stuff, Kirk & a independent maker I found on e-bay (heaver but cheaper$ ebay user id newtechmachine)

Also if you get into bigger glass the system has gimbal heads and lens tripod collars with the plates built-in.

And in my opinion the best part of the system is the L plates which keeps the camera directly over the head when shooting vertials.
 12/06/2004 04:36:35 PM · #6
thanks Steven ... seems I have more research to do.
 12/08/2004 11:52:18 AM · #7
Originally posted by jmsetzler:
I have the 322RC2 and I don't have the problems that Joe mentioned. I find it quite easy to make slight adjustments. If the tension dial is adjusted properly, it works very well.


I didn't have problems with mine until I got my D70 and some larger lenses - I had to tighten up the tension to keep it from drooping, the grip is very tall and gives a long lever-arm on the ball, especially when you go for vertical shots. Once I tightened it, it got a bit stiff for close-in work.
 12/08/2004 01:36:34 PM · #8
I also have the 322RC2 and have not had any problems even with a 400mm lens on my 10D.

Message edited by author 2004-12-08 13:37:02.
 12/08/2004 02:12:04 PM · #9
If you can cope with the weight of it, the 3047 Deluxe 3-Way RC0 (AKA 029) is a good head - the bubblelevels really help get the camera lined up properly. I'm also considering the 488RC0 Midi Ball Head, since it shares the same hex QR plate as the 3047, since I'm finding the 3047 it just a bit too heavy to lug around all the time.
 12/08/2004 02:15:20 PM · #10
I have a 3047 head also, which I have abandoned basically. That HEX qr plate is not my favorite. It makes it more difficult to use the camera off the tripod with the plate still attached.
 12/08/2004 02:19:26 PM · #11
Thanks Manic, ... and John, and everyone else.

For me the decision was made for me. B&H Photo posted a used Bogen 3030 head w/quick connect for $35.00 so I ordered it this morning. I couldn't decide, so price won out :)

If I end up hating it, It'll be no big loss of money ... but I think it'll be fine.
 12/08/2004 02:19:49 PM · #12
Originally posted by jmsetzler:
It makes it more difficult to use the camera off the tripod with the plate still attached.

True, but with the battery grip on, I find I don't notice the plate very much...
 12/08/2004 02:26:47 PM · #13
I would love to keep this thread alive as I'm currently considering the last two on the list and am also wondering why they're essentially the same price (since one of them has the grip action)...What's the trade off that allows it to sell at the same price?
 12/08/2004 02:32:15 PM · #14
Manic - I noticed when I was researching that the 3047 is 7 inches tall. Does it seem solid when tilted 90 degrees?

Originally posted by Manic:
If you can cope with the weight of it, the 3047 Deluxe 3-Way RC0 (AKA 029) is a good head - the bubblelevels really help get the camera lined up properly. I'm also considering the 488RC0 Midi Ball Head, since it shares the same hex QR plate as the 3047, since I'm finding the 3047 it just a bit too heavy to lug around all the time.
12/08/2004 02:39:04 PM · #15
Originally posted by thatcloudthere:
I would love to keep this thread alive as I'm currently considering the last two on the list and am also wondering why they're essentially the same price (since one of them has the grip action)...What's the trade off that allows it to sell at the same price?


The third one is rated at a higher weight capacity. IMO, it's overkill for most 35mm work.
 12/08/2004 02:53:16 PM · #16
On the grip action - I have the 3265, not the 322RC2. The difference is that the 322RC2 is a side grip while mine is vertical - with about 1/2 the weight capacity. I should have looked at the model numbers before shooting off my mouth.

Do avoid the 3265 with a bigger camera though.
 12/08/2004 03:10:08 PM · #17
Originally posted by hopper:
Manic - I noticed when I was researching that the 3047 is 7 inches tall. Does it seem solid when tilted 90 degrees?

Yup, it's very solid, even with a big lens.

Message edited by author 2004-12-08 15:10:15.
 12/08/2004 03:37:59 PM · #18
Originally posted by hopper:
Manic - I noticed when I was researching that the 3047 is 7 inches tall. Does it seem solid when tilted 90 degrees?

Originally posted by Manic:
If you can cope with the weight of it, the 3047 Deluxe 3-Way RC0 (AKA 029) is a good head - the bubblelevels really help get the camera lined up properly. I'm also considering the 488RC0 Midi Ball Head, since it shares the same hex QR plate as the 3047, since I'm finding the 3047 it just a bit too heavy to lug around all the time.


I used a 3047 head on a 3058 tripod for my 4x5 camera, while it was a bit on the small side for a view camera (IMO), it did a fine job. It would be great for anything up to a larger medium format camera and probably is overkill for any 35mm size camera. I sold it and got a 3057 head, which is even bigger and certainly even more overkill on a smaller camera. If you can deal with the size/weight the 3047 is a great head.

For my 10D, I have the 322RC2 head. It's great for 35mm size cameras. One feature that I have found valuable is that you can re-configure the head to have the camera mount with the grip on the left side, the right side or, on the end of the handle like the other Bogen grip. I have had no problems with the head slipping or moving due to the weight of the camera.


12/08/2004 05:15:22 PM · #19
I use a 488RC2 and find it not solid enough for use on big lenses like Sigma's 50-500 Ex. For other lenses like Nikkor's 17-35 or 24-85 it is plenty solid. But stretching the 50-500, requires frequent adjustments for intended framing.

I would suspect that those using lenses in the 500-800 range prefer a larger unit than a midi ball.
 12/08/2004 07:18:39 PM · #20
Originally posted by Flash:
I use a 488RC2 and find it not solid enough for use on big lenses like Sigma's 50-500 Ex. For other lenses like Nikkor's 17-35 or 24-85 it is plenty solid. But stretching the 50-500, requires frequent adjustments for intended framing.

I would suspect that those using lenses in the 500-800 range prefer a larger unit than a midi ball.


The best thing for big glass is a gimbal style mount, like the Wimberley. It's expensive, but I have never heard anyone ever complain about how well it works. Another, less expensive option is the Bogen Long Lens Support
I haven't heard much about the Bogen, but I would expect that it's fine, but not equal to the Wimberley.
 12/08/2004 08:26:52 PM · #21

I have similar head, but I am frustrated by it. Small adjustments are not easy, even with a light camera lens. The head moves ever so slightly when I tighten it. Very annoying. And I don't like the quick-release system. It is somewhat awkward.
I'm thinking of saving up for a Acratech Ultimate Ballhead and switching to Arca-Swiss type QR-system.

12/08/2004 08:33:16 PM · #22
Originally posted by joebok:
On the grip action - I have the 3265, not the 322RC2. The difference is that the 322RC2 is a side grip while mine is vertical - with about 1/2 the weight capacity. I should have looked at the model numbers before shooting off my mouth.

Do avoid the 3265 with a bigger camera though.


Actually the 322RC2 can be used both vertical or horizontal (on the side) by removing two screws and changing the mounting plate, or whatever you want to call it.

I have mine in the vertical position and am very happy with it so far.
 12/09/2004 09:12:03 AM · #23
Originally posted by jonr:
I'm thinking of saving up for a Acratech Ultimate Ballhead and switching to Arca-Swiss type QR-system.

Trust me, you won't be sorry moving to the A-S quick-release system.

I used a Bogen ball-head with their "hex" plate, and quite frankly, it sucked compared to the Arca-Swiss-style L-bracket that I use now (from ReallyRightStuff).

There is a night and day difference in terms of the stability of the camera... the L-bracket is rock solid. Plus, an L-bracket allows you to flip your camera into portrait orientation without floppping the ball over. When you do that, you lower the viewfinder, and also move the center of gravity of your camera/lens off-axis of the center of the tripod.

I went with a Kirk ball head and couldn't be happier. (I almost went with the Acratech, which I've heard very good things about.)

Message edited by author 2004-12-09 09:16:36.
 12/09/2004 06:18:16 PM · #24
Originally posted by Spazmo99:
The best thing for big glass is a gimbal style mount, like the Wimberley. It's expensive, but I have never heard anyone ever complain about how well it works. Another, less expensive option is the Bogen Long Lens Support
I haven't heard much about the Bogen, but I would expect that it's fine, but not equal to the Wimberley.


Thanks. I was not aware of either unit.

Regarding the Acratech, I believe that Gordon uses one. Saw it in Texas. Real solid unit.
Pages:  
Current Server Time: 09/13/2025 07:20:04 PM

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 © 2001-2025 Challenging Technologies, LLC.
All digital photo copyrights belong to the photographers and may not be used without permission.
Current Server Time: 09/13/2025 07:20:04 PM EDT.