Smooth & Strong Balls

Iceman27 · 12th June 2004

Hi all,

Currently considering bying my 1st ball head (Manfrotto 486). Would like to hear from you all regarding your experiences with this product. I also look forward to suggestions on alternate products that I can consider with a S$120 budget.

Cheers!

smallaperture · 13th June 2004

The 486 is one of the most popular around becos it is big enough for most amateurs, and pretty affordable. Big enough for the 80-200 F2.8 kind of lens. It all depends on whether you're using it with those lenses with tripod collar or not.

If you are using exclusively with lenses with tripod collars, that is to say, those bigger and heavier and longer lenses, then, there is a Video head, Manfrotto 700RC2, which is very, very smooth becos of the fluid movements. Only 2 degrees of freedom - panning and tilting. The third movement is by turning the lens on its axis round the tripod collar.

Bring your camera and lenses to try them out at CP and see for yourself what suits you best. Do not forget to get a good sturdy tripod legs that is equally important. If you're tall, go for the 055, if not the 190 would do well.

Iceman27 · 15th June 2004

Thanks for the advise Smallaperture, realised that it does not have a panning base. What is the loss? Or should i go for the 488?

Cheers!

12th June 2004	#1
Iceman27 Member Join Date: Feb 2004 Posts: 265	Smooth & Strong Balls Hi all, Currently considering bying my 1st ball head (Manfrotto 486). Would like to hear from you all regarding your experiences with this product. I also look forward to suggestions on alternate products that I can consider with a S$120 budget. Cheers!

13th June 2004	#2
smallaperture Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Catchment Area Posts: 2,423	The 486 is one of the most popular around becos it is big enough for most amateurs, and pretty affordable. Big enough for the 80-200 F2.8 kind of lens. It all depends on whether you're using it with those lenses with tripod collar or not. If you are using exclusively with lenses with tripod collars, that is to say, those bigger and heavier and longer lenses, then, there is a Video head, Manfrotto 700RC2, which is very, very smooth becos of the fluid movements. Only 2 degrees of freedom - panning and tilting. The third movement is by turning the lens on its axis round the tripod collar. Bring your camera and lenses to try them out at CP and see for yourself what suits you best. Do not forget to get a good sturdy tripod legs that is equally important. If you're tall, go for the 055, if not the 190 would do well.

15th June 2004	#3
Iceman27 Member Join Date: Feb 2004 Posts: 265	Thanks for the advise Smallaperture, realised that it does not have a panning base. What is the loss? Or should i go for the 488? Cheers!