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11/09/2009 09:29:55 AM · #1 |
| Was wondering what some of you prefer and why. I'm looking at getting a manfrotto 190XB and would like to hear some input on the two different heads. Pan/tilt or ball head? |
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11/09/2009 09:37:15 AM · #2 |
| personally, i really like the Manfrotto 322RC2. The ball head is super convenient for quick adjustments and it easily supports my 40D and 400mm f/5.6. Also, when it's locked in place, it doesn't sag or move at all. I love it for photographing surfers and birds because it's so easy to adjust. It comes in a right hand configuration, which didn't make a lot of sense to me, but you have a lot of options for how you configure it. I have it set up so I can operate it with my left hand while shooting with my right. |
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11/09/2009 09:40:09 AM · #3 |
| I like a ball head so I can make quick changes, and I don't require the accuracy of a pan-tilt head. |
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11/09/2009 11:19:07 AM · #4 |
I just sold that tripod and went to the Manfrotto 055XPROB because the 190xb was too short for me and I was raising the center post and noticing a decline in sharpness. Make sure you get a tripod that puts your eye at the same level as the viewfinder.
I also just changed from a ballhead back to a pan/tilt Manfrotto 808RC4. Many ballheads offer the advantage of being lighter and quicker to adjust, but a pan/tilt will give you more precision. On the other hand I'm not sure I was prepared for how heavy the combination I switched to would be. |
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11/09/2009 12:41:00 PM · #5 |
Originally posted by smichener:
...Make sure you get a tripod that puts your eye at the same level as the viewfinder. |
Yes, absolutely. You don't want to be raising the center post when you need stability, and you don't want to be crouching down to get your eye to the viewfinder, that's a back-breaker!
Originally posted by smichener:
I also just changed from a ballhead back to a pan/tilt Manfrotto 808RC4. Many ballheads offer the advantage of being lighter and quicker to adjust, but a pan/tilt will give you more precision. On the other hand I'm not sure I was prepared for how heavy the combination I switched to would be. |
Again, good thoughts... I actually went the opposite direction, finding that a ball-head, though more difficult for some things, met more of my needs than the pan/tilt head. All depends on specific needs. When considering a ball-head, make sure you get one with a large enough ball. It makes a huge difference in solidity. A separate panning control is also a very nice thing, bringing in some functionality of a pan/tilt head, with the convenience of a ball-head.
Another thought; consider your options for the mounting plate carefully. Within the Manfrotto line, I much prefer the RC4 system to the RC2. Much more solid, and has a nice level built into the mounting plate. |
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11/09/2009 12:48:02 PM · #6 |
| You might want to consider weight in your purchase also! i bought a velbon carbon fiber and ball head for nearly the same money as a bogen and it is much lighter! link |
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11/10/2009 03:59:47 AM · #7 |
Thanks for all the replies. I think I'll go with a ball head. As far as hieght goes, The 190 seems ok for me. I am 68" tall but when I use a tripod I am usually very low to the ground for landscapes. This one gets to around 7".  rider, I went to the link and I couldn't find one of their tripods that seemed to meet my needs. |
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11/10/2009 08:09:01 AM · #8 |
| I thought the 190 was going to be okay too, but after using it for a year, and another year on my back and knees, I decided to upgrade to the taller 055XPROB. As for raising to close to 7 feet, remember that's with the column extended, and you will lose stability if you raise it. |
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