Ball Head or Pan & Tilt

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Denisw

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I'm buying a Manfrotto 055CXPRO4 tripod and I'm not sure whether to get the Manfrotto 488RC4 Midi Ball Head with RC4 System or Manfrotto 808RC4 Tripod Head. I use a Canon 50D with Battery grip and will use the tripod an head for indoor and outdoor photography for Landscape and Portrait. I've never used a ball head only had a shaky old tripod with a fixed pan & tilt which is now at the end of it's days. I would appreciate any advice re which is more practical.

Thanks in anticipation:)
 
Try the Novoflex Magicball from Speedgraphic.

It's like an upside down B&S head. The ball is fixed to the tripod and the camera fixed to the socket. Sounds strange, but its very flexible and has fewer restictions to movement than a normal B&S.

It's also very easy to remove the camera so you don't need a quick release system.

j.
 
This week's Amateur Photographer has a group test of tripods and heads so buy a copy!

Personally, I like ball heads rather than pan/tilts but that's just my preference.

Your best bet is to go to a shop that has a wide range of stock and have a play with an assortment of heads to see which YOU find easiest to use and sturdy enough for your use.
 
I think most people go for ball heads, as they are quick and versatile, and also more compact. But the big advantage of pan-tilts is that you can adjust each plane individually, and crucially, when you let go without locking it, it tends not to crash down and smash the camera on the legs :eek: Manfrotto's Action Grip 322 avoids this, as do one or two other variations on the ball head.

Choosing the right tripod head is important - it's your main 'user interface' when using a tripod, so get to try a few. Equally important is a quick-release plate - faffing around without one is a nightmare ;)
 
Thanks for the advice I will try and get access to some tripods and heads as suggested. I will probably have to go into London to somewhere like London Camera Exchange as the local Jessops doesn't carry much stock (Eastbourne branch). We have a Camera shop nearby but he only has all-in-one tripods which is not what I'm looking for.
 
Denisw said:
I'm buying a Manfrotto 055CXPRO4 tripod and I'm not sure whether to get the Manfrotto 488RC4 Midi Ball Head with RC4 System or Manfrotto 808RC4 Tripod Head. :)
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Just an update Bought the 055CXPRO4 C/F Tripod and after trying the two heads decided on 808RC4 Pan& Tilt. This system is great, light and easy for outdoor work and very stable. Thanks again for your advice :thumbs::)
 
808rc4 pan and tilt works well
 
That will last you for ever :)
 
Yes I think it's well balanced and the P & T head is really sturdy whilst at the same time remains easy and quick to adjust. The Q90 system is handy too for overhead shots with the centre bar in the horizontal position. I think this love affair could last a long time.
 
I've got an 808 on 055 legs, great combo especially with the spring loaded head.

Real quality bit of kit and should last forever.
 
Dave W said:
I've got an 808 on 055 legs, great combo especially with the spring loaded head.

Real quality bit of kit and should last forever.
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It's :love: :love: :love: and they say that all you need. I love the spring loaded head It's brilliant and very quick to adjust. the one twist turn for disengaging the spring is excellent. Can't wait for the weather to ease a little then I will all over the South downs seeking out good views to capture and the opportunity to really test the ability of the set up in acquiring shots for stitching into nice panoramics. Come on weather

Incidentally what bag would you recommend for this kit?
 
I can't recommend one as I never use one.

I have been looking at the Manfrotto bags but they're not cheap. I will bet however that they are great bags if the rest of their kit is anything to go by.
 
I bought a set of Giottos legs about 9 months ago which I love, and a giottos ball head which I am less happy with.

Nothing wrong with the head, great quality, holds my 40D and 70-200 F4 L very steady in any position. Just that I find it irritating not having the additional control of a pan and tilt head.

I will be adding a pan and tilt head to me kit collection in the spring.
 
Dave W said:
I can't recommend one as I never use one.

I have been looking at the Manfrotto bags but they're not cheap. I will bet however that they are great bags if the rest of their kit is anything to go by.
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Yes they are a bit expensive but I'm seriously considering the Manfrotto MBAG100P Tripod Bag padded 100cm £68.46 at Warehouse express, only hesitation was re rest of kit, glass, flash remotes filters etc. I was wondering if there was a bag on the market that would house the tripod with the head attached plus camera glass and accessories which would mean only one was needed rather than humping two around?
 
will69 said:
I bought a set of Giottos legs about 9 months ago which I love, and a giottos ball head which I am less happy with.

Nothing wrong with the head, great quality, holds my 40D and 70-200 F4 L very steady in any position. Just that I find it irritating not having the additional control of a pan and tilt head.

I will be adding a pan and tilt head to me kit collection in the spring.
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I will probably add a Ball head to my kit later I went for Pan and Tilt for the very reason you state, additional control. There is a downside though, the Pan and Tilt I bought is much heavier than the Ball Head I was considering i.e.
Manfrotto 808RC4 Pan & Tilt: 1390g
Manfrotto 4888RC4 Mini Ball: 800g
(these two create a balance system when used with the 055CXPRO4 Tripod).
 
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