Recommendation for Tripod Head

[gammatian]

Hi all,

I need a tripod head to fit a tripod I bought.

My budget is low (less than $100 hopefully) but don't want to compromise on quality either. Currently using a D70 (old I know) and 18-200. I may want to use heavier lenses next time, so wouldn't mind sinking in slightly more than $100 to get a versatile head which can hold heavier loads.

Recommendations with where I can buy them would be much appreciated!

[ianwurn]

How heavy is your intended setup in the future ?

[nickmak]

IMO a rather good tripod head that I've been using for the past 7 years has been my good ol' Manfrotto 486RC2 ballhead. It is able to take a 70-200 f2.8 plus my 1DMKII with ease. I went as far as putting my 500mm f4L + 1DMKII (~6-7 kg) on it and it managed to hold it's position very well... not that anyone should try it!

Before you make a purchase, be sure to know what type of tripod head you're looking for. Also don't skimp on camera support, 'cause you don't want your equipment to fall off a cheap head because it can't hold the load.

Cheers,
Nick

[Octarine]

Originally Posted by gammatian I need a tripod head to fit a tripod I bought.

Pan head? Ball head? Go to the shops and see how both models work. You can mount either one on your tripod, the screw system is standardized into 2 sizes and there are adapters. Estimate the intended load, give some buffer and see what fits. Also keep in mind the max load of your tripod, the weakest link defines the overall performance!

[Garion]

Originally Posted by nickmak IMO a rather good tripod head that I've been using for the past 7 years has been my good ol' Manfrotto 486RC2 ballhead. It is able to take a 70-200 f2.8 plus my 1DMKII with ease. I went as far as putting my 500mm f4L + 1DMKII (~6-7 kg) on it and it managed to hold it's position very well... not that anyone should try it! Before you make a purchase, be sure to know what type of tripod head you're looking for. Also don't skimp on camera support, 'cause you don't want your equipment to fall off a cheap head because it can't hold the load. Cheers, Nick

The Manfrotto 486RC2 isn't really that ideal for heavier setups above 1.5kg weight in total, due to the fact that it has no tension control, and this ballhead does suffer from "creep" after some time. Basically I would not entrust heavy telephoto setup with this ballhead due to these factors. I'm sure you'll know, a heavy lens like 500mm f4 deserves to be mated with a full gimbal head and heavy duty tripod. Trying to mount it on a 486RC2 is akin to suicide.

To TS: If you can, try to up your budget to accomodate at least a Markins Q3 or something (abt $400+)

[xintothezonex]

im using the manfrotto 486RC2 ballhead on my d300 with batt grip and 70-200 lens.
can even take vertical shots with it and no problem at all.
i bought it at TK cost $100.
I think its cheap cos I already compare the price at CP.

[UncleBen]

Save & buy the best you can afford as you do not need to keep upgrading in future & it will last you many years to come.

For your eyes...http://reallyrightstuff.com/rrs/item...atus=0&Tp=&Bc=. Start drooling & save at the same time .

[nickmak]

Originally Posted by Garion The Manfrotto 486RC2 isn't really that ideal for heavier setups above 1.5kg weight in total, due to the fact that it has no tension control, and this ballhead does suffer from "creep" after some time. Basically I would not entrust heavy telephoto setup with this ballhead due to these factors. I'm sure you'll know, a heavy lens like 500mm f4 deserves to be mated with a full gimbal head and heavy duty tripod. Trying to mount it on a 486RC2 is akin to suicide. To TS: If you can, try to up your budget to accomodate at least a Markins Q3 or something (abt $400+)

Haha... True, I actually have a seperate tripod and and wimberly gimbal for it... I was mucking about with the lens that time!

[Reportage]

Originally Posted by gammatian Hi all, I need a tripod head to fit a tripod I bought. My budget is low (less than $100 hopefully) but don't want to compromise on quality either. Currently using a D70 (old I know) and 18-200. I may want to use heavier lenses next time, so wouldn't mind sinking in slightly more than $100 to get a versatile head which can hold heavier loads. Recommendations with where I can buy them would be much appreciated!

its pretty simple...look at the tripodheads being sold in BnS. Just a rough guide of how long such heads will be sufficient for the work.

[gammatian]

Hi guys,

Thanks for the advice.

I may want to get a 70-300 next time. I think that is probably the heaviest lens I will get, unless some of you guys feel otherwise?

I don't mind sinking in money to get a good head but $400+ is a little heavy on my wallet. Anything within the range of $100 - $200?

Also did a bit of reading. Realised that something called Arca-Swiss system is good. Any brand to recommend for that?

[iron symphony]

Arca swiss is more than $400 i believe... haha.

If i might suggest, getting manfrotto 484CR2