good head :-D - DPChallenge Forums

Canon EF-S 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 IS

01/15/2006 09:53:24 AM · #1

Between the Bogen 3265:

//www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=5558&is=REG&addedTroughType=categoryNavigation

And the Bogen 322RC2:

//www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=303591&is=REG&addedTroughType=categoryNavigation

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The 322 supports more weight, and keeps the camera mount closer to the ball (which should be more sturdy than the 3265).

Which would you choose / which do you have experience, and would you recommend one over the other and why?

Basically, my cheap tripod now would actually be easier to just mount your camera, lock everything in place, then if you need to recompose, actually pick the whole dang thing up and move it...yeah, it's that bad.

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A few things that are important to me:

Ease of use (something that isn't going to be a pain to pan/tilt/recompose, etc).
Sturdiness (obviously, the sturdier the better. I would be willing to sacrifice a bit of sturdiness for some ease of use, but obviously, the head still needs to hold its own.
Name-brand I want something that is going to have a nice warranty with it (like Bogen's 5-year warranty)...not some no-name brand that is going to go out of business and leave its consumers stranded with a junk product.

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Thanks!

CEJ

Canon EOS-40D

01/15/2006 10:23:41 AM · #2

I used to wonder why people would spend so much for a tripod (I even asked this in a thread somewhere). I rarely used one before. Now however, it is a different story. I thoroughly understand why a better tripod is necessary.

Wish I could help you with your question, but I will be watching this thread to see the opinions. I am in the market.

01/15/2006 10:27:52 AM · #3

Originally posted by Alienyst:

Wish I could help you with your question, but I will be watching this thread to see the opinions. I am in the market.

Cool...the only thing I really know so far is that the 3265 has the mount about 4 inches above the ball, which can cause some stability issues...but I know it's really popular. I tried one out at the camera store yesterday and it was really simple to compose and adjust.

I didn't notice that the camera seemed to heavy for it (I had a d2hs on it with a light lens, maybe an 18-55).

01/15/2006 10:28:40 AM · #4

Dave,

I just ordered a new bogen/manfrotto tripod and head yesterday as I was looking for something sturdier than what I now have, and something that would be a lot easier to use thn my cheap promaster1600 quick release tripod. I went with the 3265 as I felt the weight it supported shoudl be adequate for my equipemnt, plus it was the design I was looking for. Also of concern was weight as I will be taking it with me outdoors shooting and the heavier tripods are just too much to lug around for a long time.

01/15/2006 10:33:48 AM · #5

Originally posted by ShutterPug:

Sweet, let me know what you think of it, especially with your 70-200 (that'll be approaching the weight limit, although I believe that weight limit of 5 lbs is only in the vertical (portrait) position).

I wish the camera store had the 322RC2 to try out as well...I just think the side-mounted pistol grip will seem odd and hard to get used to.

01/15/2006 10:35:46 AM · #6

the 70-200 is the reason I had no choice but to buy a new tripod head. The old one won't support the weight. :-(

Strikeslip

Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS

01/15/2006 10:37:51 AM · #7

Dang!

I thought this thread was about "Good Head", but it turns out to be about "Good Head" instead.

Dang!

CEJ

Canon EOS-40D

Canon EF-S 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 IS

01/15/2006 10:37:57 AM · #8

Just looked at the links you posted. The 3625 only supports 5.5 pounds (per specs) whereas the 322 supports 11 pounds. I like the looks of the 3625 but like the weight capacity of the 322. With the 20D, say my 75-300 and if I had one a flash attached, seems I would want the 322.

Remember, I don't know much about pods - yet - but even without the flash (especially since I don't have one) my thought process is telling me the 322 would be more stable/sturdy since it can handle more weight. Is this faulty reasoning?

Canon EF-S 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 IS

01/15/2006 10:43:56 AM · #9

When I get mine, if I find it can't support the weight as well as I would hope then I'll simply return it for the other. I prefer the stly of the 3265 so went with that for starters.

CEJ

Canon EOS-40D

01/15/2006 10:50:10 AM · #10

sorry for being ignorant, but what is stly?

01/15/2006 11:20:15 AM · #11

Originally posted by Alienyst:

sorry for being ignorant, but what is stly?

Think she may have meant 'style' but I could be wrong.

You have a good point...I may just take my camera down there with 80-200 and see how I feel about the 3265...although even the slightest bit of 'shake' will be multiplied, being that the camera is further away from the swivel point...although I don't think I'll be shooting with my 80-200 on there all that often anyway.

01/15/2006 01:02:59 PM · #12

Originally posted by Alienyst:

sorry for being ignorant, but what is stly?

my apologies - my typing is not that great. I did mean Styles

Mick

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

01/15/2006 01:25:33 PM · #13

Originally posted by dpaull:

I really like my 322RC2/3021BPro setup.

I should point out that I switched the orientation of the quick-release plate by moving the QR lever from the back to the front. I did this because with the lever in the normal position at the back, the battery grip on my 10D wouldn't allow the lever to open all the way. Luckily, the 322RC2 gives you the option of moving the QR plate.

DanSig

01/15/2006 01:51:33 PM · #14

I was just testing the 322RC2 at the local store, I found it totally useless for Canon Cameras, as the grip on the head is on the same side as the shutter button, for a head like that I want to be able to hold the camera and press the shutterbutton to focus at the same time I'm adjusting composition with the head.

so it's useless for me.. and it can't be turned over, only works one way :(

Nokia N900

Tamron AF 18-270mm F/3,5-6,3 Di II VC LD Aspherical [IF] macro for Canon

01/15/2006 01:55:11 PM · #15

Originally posted by DanSig:

remote shutter release?

But I hear you. I've got the head, and had been under the impression that it was reversible. It is, sort of, I suppose, in that you can flip the plate around on the camera. I figure if I'm in a situation where it is a problem though, I'll just use a different head.

pgatt

Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L USM II

01/15/2006 02:00:09 PM · #16

I've turned mine around - I use it ALL the time with the grip in my left, trigger the shutter button with my right hand. Don't understand, m why you say you can't do it, but I find it very very useable in my left hand. When you have the release squeezed you can also pick which side of the grip is up so you can have the trigger side at the front or the back with a bit of playing. Sorry, just my two cents. The head is slightly frustrating at first, but worth it's weight in gold, once you get the hang of it. It's worth enduring the learning curve, for mine at least.

Nokia N900

Tamron AF 18-270mm F/3,5-6,3 Di II VC LD Aspherical [IF] macro for Canon

01/15/2006 02:02:54 PM · #17

Originally posted by pgatt:

I should have added that I did just get it, so I'm still gettin acquainted with it. You currently have it configured so that you use it in your left hand, and have the level indicator and quick release on your side of the camera? I must have missed how to get it set up that way. (What am I missing?)

editted to add: it does appear as if the plate at top can be flipped around, I just need to find the correct screwdriver . . .

Message edited by author 2006-01-15 14:07:52.

Nikon AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 16-85 f/3.5-5.6G ED VR

01/15/2006 02:34:39 PM · #18

Originally posted by micknewton:

Originally posted by dpaull:
Between the Bogen 3265:

//www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=5558&is=REG&addedTroughType=categoryNavigation

And the Bogen 322RC2:

//www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=303591&is=REG&addedTroughType=categoryNavigation

I really like my 322RC2/3021BPro setup.

I should point out that I switched the orientation of the quick-release plate by moving the QR lever from the back to the front. I did this because with the lever in the normal position at the back, the battery grip on my 10D wouldn't allow the lever to open all the way. Luckily, the 322RC2 gives you the option of moving the QR plate.

Wow...I think you've talked me into the 322...that looks like a sweet setup.

I am understanding correctly in assuming that I CAN set it up so the grip is on my left hand, no?

EDIT: Forgot to say, sweet pictures, great lighting.

Message edited by author 2006-01-15 14:35:03.

cbeller

Nikon D300

01/15/2006 02:38:09 PM · #19

Originally posted by dpaull:

Wow...I think you've talked me into the 322...that looks like a sweet setup.

I am understanding correctly in assuming that I CAN set it up so the grip is on my left hand, no?

Yes, left, right, or vertical. It's sweet!

Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 USM Macro

01/15/2006 02:42:05 PM · #20

OK thanks, looks like it's going to be the 322.

Spork99

OM System OM-1

01/15/2006 02:49:06 PM · #21

Originally posted by DanSig:

so it's useless for me.. and it can't be turned over, only works one way :(

You can move the mount that the QR plate attaches to to the other side (so that the handle is to the left) or you can mount it on the end like a normal pistol grip.

Mick

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

01/15/2006 05:06:32 PM · #22

Originally posted by dpaull:

I am understanding correctly in assuming that I CAN set it up so the grip is on my left hand, no?

Yes, you can configure it several different ways, including left-handed operation. However, it should be noted that this head IS NOT made for panning. If you need to pan, then you should consider other types of ball heads. Some are made with features that are specifically designed for panning.

Originally posted by dpaull:

EDIT: Forgot to say, sweet pictures, great lighting.

Thank you! I had them in my portfolio from a previous thread.

Mick

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

01/15/2006 05:12:09 PM · #23

Originally posted by m:

editted to add: it does appear as if the plate at top can be flipped around, I just need to find the correct screwdriver . . .

My 322RC2 came with a hex wrench for this.