Following my thread on which tripod (geared) head... I ended up with this

V8burble

V8burble

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Andrew
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Following a bit of research and views from TPers, I've ended up with this setup for my archiving work. Used it for the first time today with a Nikon 105mm macro (again after some TP input) for medieval coins and hey what a great setup it has proved. So easy to get spot on framing and rock solid camera positioning. Happy me ;)

410 geared head and 2.1m column studio stand which the arm counter weights perfectly with the camera in place and locking wheel undone.

studiostandand410.jpg
 
Nice set-up, the only criticisms I had with the 410 was due to my arthritic hands gripping the movement knobs - which is not really the heads fault, but I always wished for something bigger or ridged instead of recessed - the inner quick release ones were great though. That and the mounting plate, as my other tripod heads used the more common(?) hexagonal ones, but I just bought a hex plate adapter. Still a far better head than the more expensive 405 geared head ;)

Paul
 
Thank you Paul

Yes it is such an easy setup to fine tune compared to anything I've tried before.

Wow your fingers must be bad! Unless your was a bit stiffer than this one maybe. I do find the quick release rings a little stiff to release but not enough to worry me and enough to know I can't release them by accident.

I wasn't sure if the geared head would exhibit any backlash or creep but in every orientation I've needed so far it appears rock solid and a dream. I never actually tried the 405 big brother although I was going to in case I needed to go larger than DSLR for this work but I'm more than happy with how my humble D3 is performing.
 
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I used the 410 with a Mamiya RB67 and it was perfectly stable, so I can't think of any DSLR that it couldn't cope with! My 410 always felt quite stiff, but the 405 felt worse and although the 400 was brilliant it was unfortunately out of my price range at the time.

Paul
 
I have tried a number of heads but the 410 is the best although I can understand the problems if you do have arthritic hands.

I have found the 410 to be rock solid when I use my gripped 60D and Sigma 70-200, I love the fine adjustment.

My only criticism, other than already mentioned, is the weight, it is certainly no lightweight but I have it permanently attached to my Manfrotto 055CX03PRI and carry them in the large, padded Manfrotto tripod bag.

Andy
 
Iv just ordered a 410. Thanks for posting your experiences. I had a 804rc2 head which iv given away and always fancied a geared head for better precision. Glad to hear this relatively cheap model is more than adequate.
 
Yes I thought about a 405, but to be honest I'm more than impressed with the 410. If I could change anything it would be to have even slightly more gear ratio to achieve even finer movement but then it wouldn't be so useful in other ways. The 410 has had a Cambo 45 with adjustment rail fitted to it with no problem at all and that's one large camera. If I could afford to put a digital back on it I would. http://www.cambo.com/Html/products_photo/set01/english/internet/Item286.html

You wont be disappointed Whiterabbit ;)
 
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