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DPChallenge Forums >> Hardware and Software >> Manfrotto Tripods
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09/20/2005 07:38:20 PM · #1
I'm ready to trash this $15 Best-Buy no-name tripod. Let's get a manfrotto!

Any suggestions? Anything you love/hate in a tripod? What's the best tripod for the price?
09/20/2005 07:39:27 PM · #2
I'm very happy with my 3021BPRO. It does everything a great tripod should do and i think it's about $150. You will need to choose a head to go with it that suits your own style and needs...
09/20/2005 07:56:45 PM · #3
Originally posted by jmsetzler:

I'm very happy with my 3021BPRO. It does everything a great tripod should do and i think it's about $150. You will need to choose a head to go with it that suits your own style and needs...


I second the vote for that exact tripod. I will have this tripod until I'm 80...

For the head, I got the 322RC2 or something like that.
09/20/2005 08:48:27 PM · #4
Originally posted by jmsetzler:

I'm very happy with my 3021BPRO. It does everything a great tripod should do and i think it's about $150. You will need to choose a head to go with it that suits your own style and needs...


Well, I have to agree. I also have the 3021BPRO with the 322RC2 head. Grouped as a kit here.

This set-up has not disappointed me.

JV
09/20/2005 09:06:18 PM · #5
Originally posted by thatcloudthere:

Originally posted by jmsetzler:

I'm very happy with my 3021BPRO. It does everything a great tripod should do and i think it's about $150. You will need to choose a head to go with it that suits your own style and needs...


I second the vote for that exact tripod. I will have this tripod until I'm 80...

For the head, I got the 322RC2 or something like that.


I also use this tripod. you can't go wrong with it. Strong and able to go high enough for me to use without being hunched over. Gotta love it.

09/20/2005 09:29:38 PM · #6
one of my requirements for my tripod head was that it had a level in it to measure both front-to-back and left-to-right level. the one i settled on has a bubble level that does both. that was pretty important to me, especially because i chose a ball head.
09/20/2005 10:06:29 PM · #7
Originally posted by muckpond:

one of my requirements for my tripod head was that it had a level in it to measure both front-to-back and left-to-right level. the one i settled on has a bubble level that does both. that was pretty important to me, especially because i chose a ball head.


THIS is the perfect solution for that.. i bought one of these and I use it quite a bit.
09/20/2005 10:07:09 PM · #8
I'm in the market for a new tripod as well. I was looking at the vertical version of that grip. Seems like the horz version would be a little awkward to grab compared to a joystick style vertical. What do you think?
09/20/2005 10:17:25 PM · #9
Originally posted by Kaizen:


Well, I have to agree. I also have the 3021BPRO with the 322RC2 head. Grouped as a kit here.

This set-up has not disappointed me.


I agree with this tripod as well and love it, but I choose the 3265 grip ballhead. I just liked the feel of the vertical joystick-style head. It also felt more solid to me than the 322RC2 even though that one is rated stronger.

Edit: Neil, I got sidetracked at B+H while typing this (so easy to do). You're right about the vertical joystick, that's why I got it. Try them both out for fun and see how they feel.

Message edited by author 2005-09-20 22:23:18.
09/20/2005 10:20:24 PM · #10
The 322 has some issues moutning a lens on the pod with a canon body and a battery grip.. there are some 'space' issues.
09/20/2005 10:26:39 PM · #11
Originally posted by jmsetzler:

The 322 has some issues moutning a lens on the pod with a canon body and a battery grip.. there are some 'space' issues.


Same thing with the 3265. Kind of a pain in the a$$ to take the grip off the camera just to mount the camera properly. Kind of defeats the whole quick-release idea. I wish they would make a spacer for the q/r plate.
09/20/2005 10:39:20 PM · #12
Originally posted by Kaizen:

I also have the 3021BPRO with the 322RC2 head. Grouped as a kit here.

This set-up has not disappointed me.

JV


good to hear this about this set up, this kit has been on my wish list at B&H for about 2 weeks now. Just have to wait a few more weeks before I can buy it plus a LOT of other goodies

James
09/20/2005 10:42:38 PM · #13
Originally posted by jmsetzler:

The 322 has some issues moutning a lens on the pod with a canon body and a battery grip.. there are some 'space' issues.


do you mean like using the lens ring collar dealy where you mount the lens to the pod and not the camera on the pod?

if so I may have to rethink my future purchase of this set up

James
09/20/2005 10:45:38 PM · #14
i have a manfrotto 3021Pro with a 488rc2 midi ball head and it flat out rocks! the ball head has a panning lock. the whole rig will support 15-17 lbs. heavy, but very, very sturdy. it runs about $250+, and pound-for-pound, it's worth it in the long run.
09/20/2005 10:46:38 PM · #15
3021Pro Manfrotto here with 3-way 3030 head. No complaints whatsoever.

R.
09/20/2005 10:47:40 PM · #16
This is a great set up: 3021/3030 for $199.95. Although you may want to go for a different head.
09/21/2005 05:25:27 PM · #17
Thanks guys, any more suggestions? That one looks really nice, I'm tempted!
09/21/2005 05:37:54 PM · #18
Originally posted by Plexxoid:

Thanks guys, any more suggestions? That one looks really nice, I'm tempted!


Looks fine if you like ballheads. I don't. But I photograph stationary scenes almost exclusively. I get much more control with a 3-way head. If you're trying to react to flowing variables, then a ballhead is the way to go. With a 3-way you can square up your planes and still pan or tilt without losing the set orientation.

On the other hand, when I'm shooting a seascape and I see a gull flying by, I have 3 separate controls to loosen up before I can track it :-) But when I'm planning on stuff like that, I handhold....

Robt.
09/21/2005 06:33:18 PM · #19
Originally posted by Telehubbie:

Originally posted by Kaizen:


Well, I have to agree. I also have the 3021BPRO with the 322RC2 head. Grouped as a kit here.

This set-up has not disappointed me.


I agree with this tripod as well and love it, but I choose the 3265 grip ballhead. I just liked the feel of the vertical joystick-style head. It also felt more solid to me than the 322RC2 even though that one is rated stronger.

Edit: Neil, I got sidetracked at B+H while typing this (so easy to do). You're right about the vertical joystick, that's why I got it. Try them both out for fun and see how they feel.


As long as you're not opposed to using an Alan wrench on a couple of bolts you can reposition the grip on the 322RC2 from the default right-handed configuration to a vertical or left-handed orientation. The Alan wrench and instructions for making the conversion come with the 322RC2.

As you may have guessed, I too own (and love) the 322RC2 ball head, but it's attached to a Gitzo Explorer 2220, which I fully expect to be using in 30+ years. The reason that I chose this tripod is because of the huge flexibility afforded by the rapid column and the independently locking legs. At $250 this tripod is more expensive than the 3021BPRO, but it was well worth the extra money to me.

(edit to fix quote)

Message edited by author 2005-09-21 18:35:55.
09/21/2005 07:26:41 PM · #20
I have the Manfrotto #390 Junior Manfrotto. It's sturdy and well constructed with aluminum legs and cast metal head/plate. It has a reversible center-post, which I like. It's also nice and light for hiking and what not. It was under $150.00 CAD. However, I don't like that the head isn't removable and hence can't be replaced with a pistol grip or panning head. It doesn't have a level bubble either.
09/21/2005 07:29:52 PM · #21
Originally posted by jmsetzler:

Originally posted by muckpond:

one of my requirements for my tripod head was that it had a level in it to measure both front-to-back and left-to-right level. the one i settled on has a bubble level that does both. that was pretty important to me, especially because i chose a ball head.


THIS is the perfect solution for that.. i bought one of these and I use it quite a bit.


I just use a line level and it only costs a couple of bucks at the hardware store. Not quite so convenient but it works none the less.
09/22/2005 03:55:13 PM · #22
I also use the 3021pro. My head choice is the 488RC2.

sp edit

Message edited by author 2005-09-22 15:55:48.
09/22/2005 04:28:32 PM · #23
3021 pro w/ 322 grip.

The only issue with the 322 and the10D/20D grip has to do with not being able to open the battery door on the grip while the QR plate is installed. Not really a big deal. Also, you can easily configure the 322 with the grip on the left or right sides and also set it up as a vertical grip.

IMO, it's the best of the lot.
09/22/2005 06:00:58 PM · #24
Originally posted by Spazmo99:

3021 pro w/ 322 grip.

The only issue with the 322 and the10D/20D grip has to do with not being able to open the battery door on the grip while the QR plate is installed. Not really a big deal. Also, you can easily configure the 322 with the grip on the left or right sides and also set it up as a vertical grip.

IMO, it's the best of the lot.


You can also keep the grip right-handed and switch the quick-release mounting plate (and its release lever) from the back to the front. I did this with mine and it works great...



I really like the 3021BPro + 322RC2 combination.


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