Tripod

[bcarbrey]

I some how mysteriously misplaced my old crappy quantum tripod. Sub consciously I think I left it on purpose at my last photo event and it has not been turned in.

So I am going to purchase a new one perhaps later today.


I am thinking of the Manfrotto:

488 RC2 Ball head http://www.manfrotto.com/page2306.html

And

055 PRO Legs http://www.manfrotto.com/Jahia/site/manfrotto/cache/offonce/pid/2277?livid=68&lsf=68&child=2

OR

190PRO Legs
http://www.manfrotto.com/Jahia/site/manfrotto/cache/offonce/pid/2050?livid=68|69&lsf=69&child=2

My longest lens at the moment is a 70-200mm f2.8 L IS with a TC .... eventually I hope to get a 500mm. Any thoughts or suggestions ?

These are in my rough price range, the legs I am undecided on as the 055 Legs are fairly heavy.....

Thanks

[Bobby]

Brent I have used the 055 manfrotto for several years and am quite happy with it. It does have some weight but I certainly find it manageable. It will support a 500.

[Rudi]

Brent,

I used to have the 055, but lately just use the 190PRO legs, I find them adequate for my shooting needs. If you're thinking of the 500mm, the 055 is probably a safer bet (although I plan to use a 300mm f/2.8 on the 190PRO legs down the line, I find them surprisingly steady).

And, as luck would have it, I use the 488 RC2 ball head. I love this one to bits! I am surprised at how strong it is - I originally used the 141 RC tilt and pan head (it's still sitting here on the table next to me, actually :)), but it was too heavy (VERY strong and sturdy though). Again, I will have no reservations using this setup with the 300mm f/2.8 L down the road, with an EOS 1 series attached, but I don't know about the 500mm - with an EOS 1 series attached, you're really stretching the envelope there.

Manfrotto have a (very conservative) guide as far as weight rating on all their gear, so you might give that a read. Even if the 500mm and camera combo is right at the top of the weight rating, I would use it with confidence - like I said, I have found the ratings to be very conservative!

FYI, I use the 70-200/2.8 L and the 100-400L on my 190PRO legs and 488 RC2 ball head with no issues, and will continue to use that setup with a 300mm f/2.8 L IS as well. The 500mm will add considerable weight to your setup though, so the heavier legs and possibly ball head might be a good idea (if you only want the one tripod to do all the work).

[bcarbrey]

I did it. I chose the 488rc2 head with the 055 Legs..


I chose the 055 Legs over the 190 for a couple of reasons

1. The height, I am 6'4" with a bad back so the little bit extra height is a big plus.

2. As I don't currently have a 500mm but hope to one day I wanted the legs that could handle it in the future

I have not had a chance to use them except for in my living room but I have no regrets and can't wait to try the new combo tomorrow

[Rudi]

Congratulations Brent! You'll be happy with that combo. :)

[Harv]

Congrats. I've used an 055 for 20 years and it's great. You should be very happy with it.

[Rudi]

Amazingly enough, after checking the Manfrotto website, my 190PRO legs and current ballhead are still going to be well within specs when I attach a 300/2.8L to my 1DIIn - and I would not have a problem exceeding the specs slightly, since I know how conservative Manfrotto are when giving out weight specs.

In your case, the 055 is the right choice. I think you will be very happy with it! :)

[Bobby]

Congrats on your choice Brent, not as exotic as the gitzo carbon fibre but a real workhorse that will outlast you and I.

[Rudi]

I have to say, I am not the biggest fan of the carbon fibre tripods (probably mainly because of the cost :D). By the time you put a good head on it, the weight savings are not significant (to me). If I trekked for days at a time, this might change my mind, but looking at the Manfrotto website, I am saving approx. 0.2 kg over buying an equivalent CF tripod. Big deal! Of course, the difference will grow as you move to the larger sizes, but I am talking about MY situation.

One thing that I really dislike about the Gitzo tripods are the twist-locks! I really hate those... rolleyes;