Tripod: Head Choice

Dark Star

Dark Star

TPer Emeritus
Suspended / Banned
Messages
12,829
Name
John
Edit My Images
Yes
Hi gang - I see many recommendations for the Manfrotto 190 Pro (and I'm nearly there, in my mind, to buy one) but which head?

I like the look of the 804RC2 3 way - is there any experience out there? Or are there any recommendations? Would a ball head be better value?

My uses will be macro and landscape mainly (and probably anything in between).

All advice gratefully received :D

Thanks in advance, as ever.
 
The problem with three way heads is they're heavier than a ball head and more bulky. Coping with the three handles when making minor adjustments to line up a macro shot can also drive you mad. I'd advise a ball head - all three axes of movement are available with the release of one lever and they lock in postion just as quickly.

The combined weight of the pod and head is very important - too heavy and you just wont want to carry it any distance, so again... it's a ball head for landscape work.

Like all things costs vary enormously... and the more you pay, the more accurate the head is machined and the lighter materials you get. I'd recommend getting a ball head with QR plate though and get a couple of spare plates to attach to any longer lenses with a tripod collar.... saves a lot of messing about. :)
 
Come round and borrow my tripod with Manfrotto 488 ball head for a while - must help you decide :)

(and no just borrowing mine is not an option )
 
Thanks CT - that is sound advice and some aspects I'd not considered.

Robert thanks - expect a knock this evening or tomorrow :)

John
 
Three way heads are great for studio and wedding type work. They're a boon for pano landscape shots where you can obviously pan around accurately in one plane with a view to stitching shots together, but that's the exception rather than the rule, and by choosing a quality pod like the Manfrotto, you can always add another head later should the need arise. :)
 
I've recently got the Manfrotto 488 ball head - this is definitly the one ofr my landscape needs. you have a wheel for tightening the ball, and there is a release for allowing the hed to swivel round the centre axis only - for pano shots. Spot on I'd say!
 
I just bought (two days ago) the 804RC and have used it for landscape and macro since. I also have the 486RC2 which is great for a general purpose ball head but i found lacked the finer control i was after. mind - if i'd had the 488 as Richard describes i'd probably have stuck with that :bang:
 
Hi

I spent a long time looking for a good ball head and decided to import myself a Really Right Stuff BH-55. Really Right Stuff
You wont be dissapointed its verywell made and has a lot of adjustment on its friction settings.

Mark
 
Thanks for all the advice - and, of course, the demo from Robert - choice made: Manfrotto 190 Pro + 488 rc2 ball head - ordered yesterday arrives Thursday :D
 
Good choice on both counts! :thumbs:
 
I hope so!! Well priced as well from T4 cameras in Swindon - £78 for the legs, £53 for the head - certainly the best price I could find on the net!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top