After a tripod

[petrolhead]

Was thinking about the Manfrotto 190PROB with either the 460MG or 804RC2 head

Was looking at the 055 range of tripods but need to think about the weight

What do you think about the above

Would you suggest and other combination.

Budget is £150 max

Will use for all maner of photography, night, portrait etc etc

[redmax]

I have the 190PROB and 460MG

I am very happy with the combo.

Its not particurly light but I wanted stability and relability over weight.
In fact when it is strapped to my Tamrac Expedition 5 you wouldn't know it was there.
The build quality and attention to detail is ....well...........Manfrotto....need I say more?

Cheers

[Kaoshan]

For me the deciding factor was the stability a tripod would provide with a 30D, 2x extender and the 100-400 L mounted. I tried several Manfrottos in Jessops and ended up with the 055prob. Now that I've got a 5D and battery grip I'm glad I made that choice. The manfrottos are extremely versatile and can get into some contorted positions

Don't forget to add a remote switch to your shopping list!

Canon EF 28-135mm f3.5-5.6 IS USM lens for sale.

[petrolhead]

Already have the remote

[steve.o]

IIRC you've got a 30D, whats the biggest lens you will be using with it (present and near future)?

I've got the 190MF3 with 460MG head. Im more than happy with that setup and the 190PROB would only make it more sturdy. Weight was a big factor for me hence I chose the magfibre. Again the 804RC2 head will be stronger than the 460MG (but a little heavier and bulkier). It's really down to what gear you'll be using.

To reiterate redmax's point, if you go for a Manfrotto you won't be disapointed.

[petrolhead]

Currently the 30D with Grip and a 300 /4 with 1.4 tcon

[steve.o]

Funnily enough I had a bloke come into work today after a new tripod for his 30D + 100-400 (a tad heavier than the 300/4). We tried the 055PRO with the 804RC2 and it was pretty solid. There was a very slight bit of play in the head when releasing the shutter but this is easily overcome by using the remote. I didn't have the remote to try this but I doubt you would need to use mirror lock up too often.

With your 30D + grip + 300/4 weighing in at around 2kg the 055PRO + 804RC2 seems like an ideal solution to me.

HTH

[petrolhead]

the 055pro is starting to get out of my price range and a tad heavier and longer

[petrolhead]

Its seems a bit of a toss up between the two heads I suggested.

One thing about the 460MG which seems to have been mentioned more is that its a plastic head whereas the other is metal

Is this a problem


Still not sure which to get

[steve.o]

The 460MG is made out of cast magnesium and is built pretty solidly. It can't take as much weight as the 804RC2 and is a bit more fiddley to make adjustments quickly, but it's a great compact 3-way head. Another thing to condsider is your height. Going for the 055 over the 190 gives you an extra ~6 inches. Depending on your height will effect how much of the centre column you will need to raise to ensure comfortable use. Raising the centre column a significant amount dramatically decreases the tripods stability.

Take a look on manfrotto's website for the different measurements of each. And if your still not sure head down to a local shop (maybe even with your gear) and try 'em out!

[Kaoshan]

I'd endorse steve.o's comment about trying some out!

If you are tall, you will find a shorter tripod with the centre extension tube raised less stable than a taller tripod with tube fully home. You also need to factor in the addition to height made by the head. If you are under six foot there is probably need for a taller model.

I played with quite a few heads before settling on the Manfrotto standard three way.

[petrolhead]

Is the 804RC2 more fiddly or the 460MG, was not sure which you meant

I am 5' 10"

[Kaoshan]

Sorry, didn't mean to confuse the issue on heads and was not specifically referring to either of those models.

I tried ball heads and three way heads and eventually preferred the latter. I decided on the standard head because the control grips were a bit larger, felt more comfortable and I thought gave me more control over my heavy body/lens setup.

The standard head is a very solid casting and adds just over 6" to the height of my 055.

[petrolhead]

So which one do you use?

[Kaoshan]

I use this guy. I got mine fom Jessops.

BTW I think that model has been superceeded by this one.