Manfroto Tripods What ONE

[hellgap]

Im looking at a couple manfroto tripods the one im looking at is a 055 x pro b tripod with the 804 rc 2 head the second is the Manfroto mvh 500 ah flat base on the same 055 x pro b tripod. I want to maybe have the ability to do good video but still shoot macro landscapes and wildlife oh ya and the moon. What one do you all think will be the best for me There are no comparisons out there because one is a video head the other a photo head really. Ide also like to know would I get good enough panning from the 804 or would the 500 fluid head just be in another league of its owns. Please reply I don't want to waste 300 plus on a tripod set up and 5 months later get a different one. thanks kelly

 

[TCampbell]

You can always swap tripod heads. I own three tripods and five different heads.

I don't have any experience with the specific models you're looking at. I personally prefer ball-heads because of their simple flexibility. I used to use pan/tilt heads but they're not only bulkier, they take longer to set up. A ball-head is a simple ball and socket design so you can just point it anywhere, tighten, and it stays. I use a gimbal head when using a heavy lens -- and their advantage is that the gimbal hangs in such a way that the center of of gravity for the camera becomes the pivot point. This neutrally balances the camera so that without even snugging the tripod, you can point the tripod anywhere and it'll just stay put (you can't do this with a pan/tilt head or ball-head design.)

I'm not a video shooter, but the heads I have are fluid design and I can see how having a head with fluid movement would be extremely nice for smooth video when panning the camera.

Incidentally, it is not necessary to match the brand of the head to the brand of the tripod base. The tripods typically have a 3/8" screw for mounting the head and any standard head mounts on the 3/8" screw. They're also usually able to be converted to 1/4" 20 thread (which is what the tripod hole in the base of your camera uses.)

 

[astroNikon]

I believe FLUID heads are great for panning with video.
So ... if you are going to do Video then you want a fluid head.

Of course, you don't have to pan to take still pictures, so it could do landscape, etc. too.

 

[hellgap]

Thanks guys I am new at this I have a 40 dollar tripod now. I have a more expensive window mount but never really thought of using it either. I do plan on some video as the t4i with the new 40mm stm is suppose to be very decent for a dlsr . I just hate spending money without looking at the best options. I know that interchanging heads is possible but I have been talking with some of the pro photographers at the hockey games now all the video they shoot is on the 501 manfroto and a twin leg manfroto tripod. They really like them now the guy I talked the most to shoots wedding video and stills and also uses both manfroto heads and tripods. The biggest dealers around here where I live sell manfroto they also sell gitzo but I think they are way way over priced. I was also told today the 808 rc 4 is no longer sold or at least available here in Saskatchewan so I do like what iv3e seen . I just really need confirmation from some users to let me know the pro s and cons. Keeping in mind the new manfroto 500 head is smaller than the 501 but larger than the 701 . Ide like to know how people do with the pan on the 804 rc 2 while in video . Also my pictures of the moon suck because Im not steady with what ive got. I know both will be great for moon shots but would the fluid head be a good choice for photo shooting. kelly

 

[hellgap]

Come on people 120 views please chime in thanks kelly

 

[lambertpix]

It seems to me you're almost certain to need two heads -- especially if you're shooting macros. I've got a Manfrotto 190CXPRO4, and I love it for landscapes & super-entry-level macro stuff (ie, no rails, focus stacking rigs, etc.). The swing-arm center column is a big benefit to me. I tried an Induro with one of those center columns you can swap out and hang upside down, and the design of the Manfrotto arm design cleans its clock.

Tim's right about the heads, BTW -- my tripod didn't come with a head, in fact. I'm using a Giottos ballhead on mine right now, and while it would be ok for simple panning, I wouldn't attempt anything more than that with a ballhead of any design at all. The designs of most video heads I've seen not only smooths motion by damping the movement, but the longer handles give you the mechanical leverage to help control movement better, too, I believe.

You'll have to weigh how much of a pain it is to switch heads. If you want to go with only one head, I'd be inclined to try a dedicated video head first -- it might wind up being ok for most of your stills, even if it's not quite as quick as a ballhead, whereas the ballhead is very likely not going to meet your video needs at all.

 

[astroNikon]

I don't use Manfrotto - so that is why you aren't getting alot of people chiming in. You are asking Manfrotto specific equipment questions.

But as mentioned the panning heads smooth out the motion. Forget about smoothing out the motion on regular ball heads heads except for maybe a Slik ball Head 800 which allows panning on the ball head. It's pretty nice too, but not as smooth as a fluid head. I would forget ball heads for any panning from what I've tested. A fluid head is best for video, and it does amply great enough for everything EXCEPT flipping the camera 45 degrees for portraits as (from what i've seen ) most video heads don't do that. An except maybe is My SLIK SH-909 panning head though is pretty smooth.

Since you are new, you are doing what you need to do. Asking pros, touching and testing the equipment at a camera store. Just write down your criteria, and start widdling down the list of what is best for you - or maybe it is 2 heads, or 2 tripods. test your camera on that equipment too at a camera store.

 

[hellgap]

Thanks guys this type of reply is helping. I kinda figured that in the near future ide get the second head .I have also in the past few days figured I may be asking to much from one type of head. I have heard that the OPTECA CFT90 or cft90 are very good choices for a light ball head type carbon fiber tripod set up. I would use it as my second tripod . I could then alternate heads as well . The tripod I have pukes crap seriously. I might buy the 55 x pro b tripod first with the 500 a flat base fluid head first that way I can get the 804 manfroto head later or even just get the opteca to have 2 tripods. I have a decent monopod it wasn't expensive but I looked for a monopod that I could hit a bear in the head with and make him think lmao. But seriously thanks guys I have been to the camera store and they actually brought in a 500a for me to look at in my hands and I alone think that was dam good of them to do with out me asking. They ordered one in and called me at home to let me know . He put my name on it and said I don't have to buy it but Ill have first dibs. Now I really don't know how much video ill ever do but I thought it would be nice to try a bit and for doing panoramic shots would be awesome. I know the 55xprob is heavy but Im sure it will be excellent for what macro I do. I am looking at the MPE 65

 

[hellgap]

Opps wrong button , So im looking in the future at seious macro lenses and the mpe 65 is the one ill get I think the 55xprob will be great for what I do . Bug s flowers and that sorta stuff for macro . The wildlife lens im getting is the 100/400 L 4.5 5.6 because it will be more universal for me. So thanks for chiming in you pro s anyone else please add . kelly

 

[Sleepy_Sentry]

It's hard to go wrong with any Manfroto-- it's a question of your preferences. First, I would go with the ball head as it is much easier to use. As for the legs, do you need something light or want something that stays put no matter how windy it is? What gear do you wish to put on top of the tripod? Any telephoto lenses?

 

[astroNikon]

I'd stay away from any brand tripod from a general store though (Walmart, Meijer, etc) even Manfrotto which is better than Sunpak though - the ones I've seen are nice but still wobbly. But all the Manfrottos, Benros etc from a camera stores have been great.

I'd also be careful about the heads too. There are different Ball heads, even when I looked at the Manfrottos. Some are just NOT good at all for panning.
For instance 3 of my 4 heads are here.


They are nothing at all like each other.
On the far right is a SLIK SBH-320, which you will find for $180 on Amazon. weight is 400grams
in the middle is a SLIK Ball Head 800, $80 on amazon - weight is a whopping 760 grams heavy
and the far left my Velbon fluid panning head.

If you notice there's only one knob on the 320. Basically forget about panning. This is a fixed position ball head. you put it in one position and take your pictures. If you attempt panning you will find yourself pointing in anything BUT a fluid motion. I've tried it, This head now basically is used 90% of the time as a flash stand. Except I do use it for taking long exposure shots of the sky now too. A great, heavy duty, FIXED position ball head.

The 800 has 3 knobs. The bottom one is for panning left/right and is quite smooth. the 2nd thick one is a friction which is great for allowing pseudo-panning in all directions. The 3rd for your normal adjustments. If you look at the circular quick release you see that it too is designed for panning left and right. The quick release does allow rotation and does it nicely. But the base of the head is much more fluid and is a very good left/right panning head.
But this one stinks for portrait work, the circular and rotating quick release does not hold 100% tight when at 90degrees. And for portrait work the lens weight keeps tiling it. If this thing had a handle, it would be the swiss army knives of ball heads.

on the left is my Velbon Fluid panning head, and a cheap one by comparison to the other 2 (but it can't hold much equipment weight limit-wise). It is very fluid motion LEFT/RIGHT AND UP/DOWN. Great for video.

Also look at the weight. The 800 head is great but it weighs a TON. But for Video, the cheap little Velbon is the best. The 800 is close 2nd but the rotating quick release can cause issues. That's where the handle on fluid heads is so valuable in keeping a nice fluid motion. If the 800 had a handle on it it would be very good (not great) for video.

now my SLIK SH-909 is great at everything except a fluid panning motion UP/DOWN, but costs $220 on amazon and requires a heavy duty tripod and is BIG.

 

[KenC]

I agree that the 055x is convenient for macro because the center column swings out and becomes an arm for low-angle shots. However, when you're using it in this configuration your camera is not supported on three legs anymore because it is hanging on the end of a single more-or-less horizontal column, making any wind or vibration a problem. Under ideal conditions I'm sure it works very well, but we often don't have those, so I can't see paying for that feature.

 

[hellgap]

Ken I think the arm positioned in the 90 degree angle is one of its best features I do see the tipping problem but most of the time doing macro you could find some weight for the legs. I bought a 804 head last night on the bay. I got bent over on the new sneaky shipping gimmick they have. Its called GSP they make the seler believe its the best way to ship international and rip you off for brokerage fee. I ended up saving 20 dollars lmao live and learn . I know its way to hard to try and cover all areas with one tripod that I will buy the 55xprob and the 500ah fluid head. Then I will get a second carbon fiber tripod. Im leanng toward the opteca cft90 its a little heavier than the 80 and it has a ball head. I believe then ill be covered. I can always use tripods for light stands and such. Im still really ticked off about ebays shipping scam.

 

[astroNikon]

Never buy anything eBay Global Shipping Program. It's a broker fee that is killer and they raise all the costs. They have the package shipped to Erlanger Kentucky and then off to the international destination. I was selling something a few months ago and accidentally selected that. A guy from Canada (I'm in Michigan) bought it and paid $70 shipping for a box about the size of a camera kit. I could have shipped it direct for probably $35.