Bogen Tripods / Heads: 190X-055X / 3265-322

10/27/2007 01:28:31 PM · #1

There have been numerous discussions on this subject, but (for me) it depends upon usage.

I have a crappy tripod and one of the legs is not holding and even the 486RC2 head annoys me (LOL), so I have been looking at replacements.

Mostly to be used with my 40D and 100-400L - usually fully extended! On a monopod and a tripod, but mostly a mono when I am out at the zoo or such.

For heads, I like the 3265 grip action ballhead but wonder if the center of gravity of my combo would be better served with the 322 model head?

Does anyone have experience with the 3265 and 100-400L lens on a monopod?

For tripods, it is between the 055XPROB (replacement for 3021PROB) and the 190XPROB (I want the center column feature for macro). There is a one pound weight difference so I would rather have the lighter one - the 190XPROB.

Need feedback and experience! Thanks!!

10/27/2007 02:17:43 PM · #2

What about the 486 annoys you? I've been using the 488RC4, and like it quite a bit. I prefer the RC4 quick-release to the RC2 version (I've used both) but the RC4 camera/lens plate is quite a bit larger. that may or may not be a concern for you. The 488 is a heavier-duty head than the 486, but of course it's also heavier.
I think you'd be well served with either of the tripods you mentioned. I have the 3021B Pro, and am very satisfied with it. I have no reference point on the 190X.

10/27/2007 02:33:29 PM · #3

I am always hunting for that knob to adjust the camera! Must be just me, but it seems to be in a different place than I need it to be :)

It also shifts after I have set it so I need to set it higher than what I am shooting to get it sort-of right (on a heavy lens like the 100-400L).

For quick adjustments (like at the zoo), I was hoping the grip action would work better for me.

Sony 16-50mm f/3.5-5.6 (E-mount)

10/27/2007 05:07:34 PM · #4

What you need to avoid the shift is a larger ball, and to make sure you balance the camera/lens combination if possible. The grip-action may or may not be to your liking. I tried them in-store, and wasn't impressed.
The only time I need to play the "set t above" game to any degree is with a long lens and the plate mounted to the camera (unbalanced, with lens hanging off front). Otherwise, it's point, lock & go.
The *really* stiff ball heads are the ones from Really Right Stuff, Kirk, Acratech, Markins, etc., but they are very pricey.

jmsetzler

Sony Alpha a6400

10/27/2007 05:19:13 PM · #5

I used to have the 322 head and I don't recommend it at all. I had trouble with ergonomics using it with the 70-200 and that would probably be compounded with the 100-400.

The tripods you are looking at also seem to be about the bare minimum requirements you would want for a 40d/100-400 combo also. That's a fairly heavy combination and I don't think you would be overly happy with any of the heads or leg sets you have listed.

I tried out one of the 3265 grip heads also, and it's ok until you turn a heavy rig vertical with it. The sag is difficult to work with. Unfortunately, the weight of your rig is going to require a more substantial head and leg combination to get the best results. I'm shooting with similar weight on my 3021BPRO leg set, and I'm using the 468MGRC2 ball head with excellent results...

10/27/2007 05:25:05 PM · #6

John, I *think* the 468 and 488 probably share the same ball size. I agree that with the listed camera/lens combination, especially at 400mm, sag is a major concern.
I *much* prefer the RC4 connection system over the RC2. I find it much more solid, and it does not loosen and require periodic readjustment like the RC2 seemed to. Glad I switched.

10/27/2007 06:54:17 PM · #7

The 055XPROB takes a 15.4 pound load, so that "should" be sufficient, no?

The 40D/100-400L = 4 lbs 10.1 oz. (add a battery and we're at 5 lbs)
My 486RC2 = 1 lb (and takes 13.2 lbs)

Just when I think I have it all figured out, I don't! :)

The 488RC4 is 1.7 lbs and takes 17.6 lbs, though the one I really like is the WH-200 Wimberley Head Version II! Only $600

The 055XPROB is the replacement for 3021PROB, and I've decided to go with that one.
I also really like the Wimberley Sidekick but there are issues with Bogen heads.

Switching gears again and looking at these.

Message edited by author 2007-10-27 19:09:05.

10/27/2007 07:16:01 PM · #8

Originally posted by papagei
Switching gears again and [url=//www.tripodhead.com/faqs-ballhead-recommendation.cfm:

looking at these[/url].

In the "Medium Capacity" range, the Acra-tech is a really unique mechanical design. This thread has actually got me interested in trying out this head, but that won't happen until sometime next year at earliest.

10/27/2007 07:42:15 PM · #9

I know. To afford these, I'd have to sell the lens I am getting all this for! Looked at the Arca Swiss z-1 and it takes a 130 pound load! Hardly need that.

Here B&H's page on the Sidekick and related info.

I am back to the 055XPRO and perhaps the 488RC4 head.

Message edited by author 2007-10-27 19:42:49.

10/27/2007 08:26:05 PM · #10

Have you looked at Induro tripods?

10/27/2007 08:52:24 PM · #11

Originally posted by cpanaioti:

Have you looked at Induro tripods?

I haven't, but I like this one!

I also found this: Acratech Ultimate Ballhead They are as interesting to photograph as to use.

Any Acratech users here?

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

10/28/2007 06:52:39 PM · #12

Originally posted by papagei:

Originally posted by cpanaioti:
Have you looked at Induro tripods?

I haven't, but I like this one!

That's the one I have. You can put any head you want on it as well so any brand head should work with it.

PhotoDave

Canon EOS-5D Mark II

10/28/2007 07:00:11 PM · #13

I just bought the 190XPROB for my 40D and seems to work very well with that and my 70-300IS on it, very stable. I got a cheapish ball head with it though and will prob take that part back tomorrow and get something more of my liking...

-dave

Sony 16-50mm f/3.5-5.6 (E-mount)

10/28/2007 08:06:48 PM · #14

Originally posted by dknourek:

Thanks for the input. I managed to fix my tripod which is a carbon fiber one - but a no-name brand - with a simple allen wrench :)

In the mean time, I found more heads!! I am concerned that the Acratech Ultimate and GV2 are more geared to long lenses with tripod collars. I would also have to go with the GV2 to get the panning action.

I found a couple more brands that I like: The Kirk BH-3 and the Markins Q-Ball M10 (it even comes in red - in case I forget where I put that darned tripod LOL

If anyone has experience with the Kirk or Markins, I'd love to hear from you.

jmsetzler

Sony Alpha a6400

10/28/2007 09:17:32 PM · #15

Originally posted by kirbic:

Originally posted by papagei
Switching gears again and [url=//www.tripodhead.com/faqs-ballhead-recommendation.cfm:
looking at these[/url].

In the "Medium Capacity" range, the Acra-tech is a really unique mechanical design. This thread has actually got me interested in trying out this head, but that won't happen until sometime next year at earliest.

I had the acratech and I now have the manfrotto head I listed above and like it a LOT better...

10/28/2007 09:42:23 PM · #16

Well John - it had better be good because I just bought one! I hate it when there are too many good choices!

At least I can probably use the QR plates I already have (?)

Ingrid

Originally posted by jmsetzler:

Originally posted by kirbic:

Originally posted by papagei
Switching gears again and [url=//www.tripodhead.com/faqs-ballhead-recommendation.cfm:
looking at these[/url].

In the "Medium Capacity" range, the Acra-tech is a really unique mechanical design. This thread has actually got me interested in trying out this head, but that won't happen until sometime next year at earliest.

I had the acratech and I now have the manfrotto head I listed above and like it a LOT better...

Message edited by author 2007-10-28 22:16:20.

10/28/2007 10:15:32 PM · #17

Who's Jim?

Originally posted by papagei:

Well Jim - it had better be good because I just bought one! I hate it when there are too many good choices!

At least I can probably use the QR plates I already have (?)

Ingrid

Originally posted by jmsetzler:

Originally posted by kirbic:

Originally posted by papagei
Switching gears again and [url=//www.tripodhead.com/faqs-ballhead-recommendation.cfm:
looking at these[/url].

In the "Medium Capacity" range, the Acra-tech is a really unique mechanical design. This thread has actually got me interested in trying out this head, but that won't happen until sometime next year at earliest.

I had the acratech and I now have the manfrotto head I listed above and like it a LOT better...

10/28/2007 10:17:05 PM · #18

Senior moment - I meant John! Ack

Sony 16-50mm f/3.5-5.6 (E-mount)

10/28/2007 10:17:51 PM · #19

Originally posted by papagei:

Senior moment - I meant John! Ack

;oP

We all have them from time to time.

jmsetzler

Sony Alpha a6400

10/29/2007 12:41:46 AM · #20

Originally posted by papagei:

Well John - it had better be good because I just bought one! I hate it when there are too many good choices!

At least I can probably use the QR plates I already have (?)

What exactly did you buy?