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

DPChallenge Forums >> Hardware and Software >> Tripod Heads
Pages:  
Showing posts 1 - 13 of 13, (reverse)
AuthorThread
11/15/2007 06:51:28 AM · #1
Im in the market for a tripod head. im looking at these two
Bogen-Manfrotto 322RC2 Horizontal Grip Action Ball Head with RC2 Rapid Connect Plate (3157N)
and
Manfrotto BOGEN 804RC2 Basic Pan Tilt Head with Quick Release
Does anyone have any experience with one of these tripd heads? I just need something sturdy. Something than can hold Mark sideways. I would apppriciate any input.
11/15/2007 06:54:38 AM · #2
if you plan to shoot with any lense longer thaan the 100mm canonf2/8, reconsider or at least check the weight each can handle. I paid for my experience.
11/15/2007 08:17:38 AM · #3
That ball head suffers from slippage with heavy equipment attached.

The pan tilt is great for video but I would consider a good three way head though the type depends on the type of photography you plan to do.

I use this one with the 100-400 attached without a problem.
11/15/2007 08:17:48 AM · #4
On kirbic's recommendation in another thread I recently got myself the RC4 version rather than the RC2, I think the larger surface of the quick release plate and the additional friction are a big bonus. It's quite heavy though, but so is the RC2 I guess.
11/15/2007 08:26:13 AM · #5
I'd heard too many negatives about the grip action ball head and went with a regular ballhead that I have trouble positioning (slippage et al). So I agree and can back (from my experience) what cpanaioti says.

I'm going to lose the ball head and go for a tilt pan or something similar to the one he suggested.
11/15/2007 09:09:49 AM · #6
I agree that the grip-action heads, while convenient, are not going to cut the mustard with heavier equipment. You want at least a mid-sized ball head, something like the 488. I do wholeheartedly recommend the RC4 connection system over the RC2. It's much more secure, and easier to actuate, though the camera plate is rather large. I used to use the RC2 heads, and I ditched them in favor of the RC4.
11/15/2007 09:28:02 AM · #7
I just got the 808rc4 myself, very nice head. I was looking for something I could use for still phot and with my GL2 camcorder.

Here is a quick overview and good pis showing both the 804rc2 and the 808RC4 heads.

808rc4 and 804rc2 comparison.
11/15/2007 10:13:49 AM · #8
after reading the negs of the ball heads, the 3 way head seems to be the best choice. BOGEN 808RC4 Professional Three Way Head w/Quick Release

this one seems to be the best one suited for my needs. thanks all for the input!
11/15/2007 10:18:21 AM · #9
I have the 808rc4 Very nice piece of equipment. I love it. It will handle just about anything you can mount to it. The mounting plates as Kirbic said are much larger and a bit of a pain if you like to keep it on the camera. However even that has an advantage as it can be used to keep your camera upright on a table top or other flat surface for those quick shots where you dont feel like setting up the legs etc.


11/15/2007 10:20:48 AM · #10
Good Move. You won't regret it.
ETA: That is a good price too. I think I paid $139.00 for mine at one of the local camera shops.

Originally posted by Fetor:

after reading the negs of the ball heads, the 3 way head seems to be the best choice. BOGEN 808RC4 Professional Three Way Head w/Quick Release

this one seems to be the best one suited for my needs. thanks all for the input!


Message edited by author 2007-11-15 10:22:22.
11/15/2007 12:23:01 PM · #11
WTF. I paid 129€ at the cheapest place I could find it :(
11/15/2007 01:03:51 PM · #12
My heaviest lens is the Canon 70-200 L IS and my ball head is fine for the most part. Personally, I LOVE my Bogen/Manfrotto set up and wouldn't even consider a tilt and swivel head after using my ball head. The grip action ball is a MUST. I can't speak to heavier lenses though.

Jeff
11/15/2007 01:09:43 PM · #13
Originally posted by Fetor:

after reading the negs of the ball heads, the 3 way head seems to be the best choice. BOGEN 808RC4 Professional Three Way Head w/Quick Release

this one seems to be the best one suited for my needs. thanks all for the input!


I'd agree. I'm not a fan of ball heads for anything but action work with a tripod. I upgraded recently from the entry-level RC-2 3-way head to the 808RC-4 and it was money well spent. That head is SOLID and the release plate is much more stable and secure.

R.

ETA: the problem with ball heads, for me, is the inability to lock in separate planes and then adjust the others separately, for critical alignment in landscape work. When I used a ball head, something was always dropping out of whack alignment-wise.

Message edited by author 2007-11-15 13:11:17.
Pages:  
Current Server Time: 03/28/2024 12:54:26 PM

Please log in or register to post to the forums.


Home - Challenges - Community - League - Photos - Cameras - Lenses - Learn - Prints! - Help - Terms of Use - Privacy - Top ^
DPChallenge, and website content and design, Copyright © 2001-2024 Challenging Technologies, LLC.
All digital photo copyrights belong to the photographers and may not be used without permission.
Current Server Time: 03/28/2024 12:54:26 PM EDT.