Manfrotto confusion

nikonpup

nikonpup

Senior Member
gorf said:
ball heads look to be the way to go.

Manfrotto also have a joystick head which looks to be a type of hybrid. Does anyone have any thoughts about this?

Usage: Macro & landscapes.

http://http://www.manfrotto.co.uk/light-duty-grip-ball-head
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i have manfrotto joystick on a mono pod and a tripod, i like the control it give me to be able to move my camera very quickly. Mono pod and macro, the joystick is not that much help, i get to much movement. Landscape on the tripod is fine, the joystick is just another ball head.
 
S

Steve Bell

Senior Member
I have an older 055P, quite sturdy. It used to support my Toyo 45A 4x5 field camera, my MF Mamiya and does my current Nikon kit. Can't fault it.
 
D

Deleted

Senior Member
I'm probably decided on the Manfrotto 055 new series. The New 055 Tripod Series | Manfrotto

I'll try to afford the carbon model, if not the aluminium.

There are 2 options with this model, a 3 section & 4 section. With my old Velbon tripod, it was always a trouble opening the legs. Would an extra leg mean the opening & closing the tripod will take longer? Is a 4 leg less solid?

The 4 leg is very slightly more expensive, is very slightly heavier (0.2lb), has the same size when extended, but packs 2.76" smaller. To me, the very slightly smaller packing size (3-leg 24.02" v 4-leg 21.26") doesn't seem to justify the additional clip on each leg to deal with. (3-leg 9 clips v 4-leg 12 clips)

Usage: Landscape, Macro & Close-up indoors & outdoors.

Has anyone tried both models?
 
W

WayneF

Senior Member
I tried a Velbon Sherpa 600R, and one leg simply broke off. There was no accident or force, it just broke off in my hand when opening it one day (an early day). The leg seems to be very thin metal, arguably thick enough for the threads here.

800_8516.jpg


The Manfroto 055 seems a much better deal. Plus Manfrotto makes replacement parts available, B&H carries a lot of them. I am generally no Manfrotto fan (cost and strangeness, etc), but tripods have to be an exception.

Four legs might be shorter packed, but any 4th leg has to be smaller diameter than the 3rd (sturdiness?), and has to be a bit heavier, and is extra opening effort (three times). Probably either way works though.
 
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nikonpup

nikonpup

Senior Member
gorf said:
thanks ron

so you'd suggest ball head is good for landscape & a 3-way is best for macro?
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i have the manfrotto 322rc2 mounted on both a tripod and a monopod. I like this cause i can pull the trigger and move it in any position quickly. No loosening and tightening knobs.
for macro on the tripod it is fine, not so much on a monopod, to much movement for me.600_6957 (982x1000).jpg
 
Horoscope Fish

Horoscope Fish

Senior Member
LensWork said:
I have, and prefer the 3-section: lighter weight, faster setup and takedown and a little less expensive.
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I have had tripods over the years with three legs and four. I have found three legs to be better than four for all these reasons state above. I can't really say three vs four legs has had any practical effect on stability though. I think stability, or lack of stability, can mitigated by other factors making the number of legs pretty much a moot point.

When it comes things mechanical, though, fewer moving parts has always seemed to work to my advantage, however small it may be.

....
 
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D

Deleted

Senior Member
Thank you all very much for your advice.

My Velbon thing is going on Ebay!

Manfrotto it is & 3 sections. I just have to find the money for the carbon version! :)
 
C

crashton

Senior Member
You are making a wise decision Gorf. A quality tripod will last for very many years. Carbon dampens vibration better than aluminium it's a good way to go.

Over the years I've bought & broken or wore out a few tripods. Had I bought a quality one I'd have been money ahead.

I use a carbon Gitzo Explorer with a RRS head. It was a lucky find for me, used at B&H. I could not tell it from new. I'm sure it will outlast me.
 
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D

Deleted

Senior Member
Thank you all for your help!

I'm going for the 3-leg carbon MT055CXPRO3 with a ball head as recommended. I'm having to take a bit of a flyer on the head as I can't see them up close. The 055 series seems to be matched to the 055 range, so I'm thinking of going for the 055 magnesium ball head with Q2 quick release MH055MO-Q2.

Reminder of my usage: Landscapes, close-up & macro (indoors & outdoors). I've got no huge lenses (yet), the biggest would be the 70-200mm f4 at 850g. Body: D610 or D620/D750.

Would the 055 head & Q2 release be suitable?
 
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