Tripod/Head for Macro

[Roy C]

Originally Posted by wolfie

I have the The 488RC2 and the 322RC2, for macro work I much prefer the 322. I use this head with my Canon 10D and either the Canon 100mm macro lens or my Sigma 180mm usually with the Canon twinlight macro flash.

You can see the set-up here http://www.worldphotographyforum.com...?t=111&page=11
See post 101

Interesting that you prefer the Grip Ball head - have you used the 322RC2 with a long (ish) birding lens - I am looking for a head for my 400mm f5.6 + 1.4tc and was looking at the 488RC2.

[wolfie]

Roy, on ocassions I use the 322RC2 with the 50-500mm Sigma and must say I'm very happy with it.

However before buying this head all I used was a basic pan & tilt one, so I was bound to see major improvements.

Harry

[Stuart R]

Hi to all

Just an update - Wimberley have confimed by email that the "Sidekick" will not fit on the 488RC2, and as "bpw" confirms, it appears to be difficult to pan with. It would appear that this is also the case with the 322RC2, which brings me back to the 488RC2. Out of interest, I decided to check the weights my various setups: -
D70+Sigma 150 = 1.7Kg
Zeiss 85TL = 1.9Kg
and
D50+ Tamron200 - 500 = 2.03Kg

Is the 488RC2 therefore a case of overkill?

Thanks for all the help and information

Stuart R

[nirofo]

Originally Posted by Stuart R

Hi to all

Just an update - Wimberley have confimed by email that the "Sidekick" will not fit on the 488RC2, and as "bpw" confirms, it appears to be difficult to pan with. It would appear that this is also the case with the 322RC2, which brings me back to the 488RC2. Out of interest, I decided to check the weights my various setups: -
D70+Sigma 150 = 1.7Kg
Zeiss 85TL = 1.9Kg
and
D50+ Tamron200 - 500 = 2.03Kg

Is the 488RC2 therefore a case of overkill?

Thanks for all the help and information

Stuart R

Hi Stuart R

I thought it was asking a bit much to find a Sidecick fitting for the Manfrotto head!

With regards to the 488RC2 being to much, I have to say no, if it wasn't for the price I would have an Arca ball and socket, for the price the 488RC2 is a good alternative. It has smooth friction lock controls with separate panning and is rock solid, it does not sag. I've fiddled about with lesser ball and sockets and generally been disappointed, with this head it's there first time.

nirofo.

[Leif]

Stuart: I agree with Nirofo. The 488 head is not expensive, or heavy and yet it has a good maximum weight rating, so it should last you. The larger the ball, the more weight it can carry, and the smoother the action. Do you intend to use a 300mm or 400mm lens in the future? The only criticism is that it does not use 'standard' Araca Swiss QR plates, but then again they are 30+ each compared to ~£10 for Manfrotto ones! Perhaps I should have bought one of those for my use. Leif

[Stuart R]

Thanks

Well there it is then- it's the 488RC2!!

I'm just off to WE to order it and I will let you all know how I get on with it.

Once again, thanks for all your hints and suggestions.

Cheers

Stuart

[Stuart R]

Hi

Got my new 488RC2 ballhead from WE but I am having a little problem - I can't get the 701 head off the base of the 055MF3 Tripod. I have taken the three small screws off and I have held the base in a racket but I am worried about damaging the tripod base. It just keeps turning but doesn't appear to want to unscrew from the central retaining screw. Any advice please!

I have just registered the ballhead at Manfrotto and the UK agents appear to be a company called Daymen in Wolverhampton - if I need to send the base/head unit to be fixed, is this the place to send it to?

Thanks

Stuart R

Who said life was easy!!

[nirofo]

Originally Posted by Stuart R

Hi

Got my new 488RC2 ballhead from WE but I am having a little problem - I can't get the 701 head off the base of the 055MF3 Tripod. I have taken the three small screws off and I have held the base in a racket but I am worried about damaging the tripod base. It just keeps turning but doesn't appear to want to unscrew from the central retaining screw. Any advice please!

I have just registered the ballhead at Manfrotto and the UK agents appear to be a company called Daymen in Wolverhampton - if I need to send the base/head unit to be fixed, is this the place to send it to?

Thanks

Stuart R

Who said life was easy!!

You need to go in from the underside of the head platform after removing the short section of the centre column, you'll need an extension bar and a socket, (don't know the size). You need to access this if you want to change the thread from 3/8" whit to 1/4" whit, it was a double ended screw in my column.

nirofo.

[Alex Paul]

As an owner and user of the 488RC2 . I can say it has been doing a fine job with my 100-400, occasional Tc and tubes and battery grip equipped 20D with no instabilty issues.. I also use it for macro work with a fully suited 180 with flash gear and once again find it very solid and smooth to move... It is probably at its comfortable limit with the 100-400 set up.... The true long and fast prime lenses probably do need more support....That's my take anyway....Take care....Alex