Tripod and ball head advise

[viewfinder]

As you probably know, I am allergic to tripod...

But anyway, since my cheap 25 years old tripod is now creeping and can't even stand still, I thought I'd better look into getting a new one and get use to using it.

I like travelling light, and don't have big long lenses, so something light duty would probably suit me best. But I am at a lost with all the choices, especially with the ball head and mounting brackets, etc.

I like the Manfrotto, I have a Manfrotto monopod which works really well for me. Is the 055 series too pricy and professional for casual use? Then there is the 190 series and the 715 series, now you can see why I am confused.

And the ball head... too many to even think straight! Manfrotto or other makes?

Is the Kirk (http://www.kirkphoto.com/) bracket a waste of time (and money)? I like the concept of being able to switch between portrait and landscape with the L bracket. Will this go with any of the Manfrotto ball head? I like their camera plates too.

Sorry about so many questions in a row, but any advise or recommendation you have would be very much appreciated.

Regards,
Jonathan

[Ron Lacey]

I'm happy with this Manfrotto Tripod (http://www.manfrotto.com/Jahia/site/manfrotto/cache/offonce/pid/2279?livid=68&lsf=68&child=2).

And, while I use this Manfrotto ball head (http://www.manfrotto.com/Jahia/site/manfrotto/cache/off/pid/2319?livid=80%7C81&idx=83)at present I plan to replace it with this one (http://www.manfrotto.com/Jahia/site/manfrotto/cache/off/pid/2315?livid=80%7C81&idx=83)which I've tried out, when I've saved up enough pennies :).

The Kirk thingy looks like a lot of money for what it does . If you're using a long lens you can quickly go from landscape to portrait by loosening the tripod ring and twisting the camera around if you're shooting landscapes with a short lens you usually aren't in that much of a hurry :).

Ron

[Rudi]

Jonathan,

Not to confuse the issue, I have a Manfrotto 190PROB in like-new condition, complete with Manfrotto 488RC2 ballhead for sale, if you're interested. I will throw in a padded Bogen bag if you like, that one actually IS brand new! :)

I like the tripod, and have used Manfrotto for many years, until recently, when I bought the Gitzo 2530 and Acratech Ultimate ballhead. I have used the 300/2.8 plus extenders on the Manfrotto with no issues, so if you have smaller lenses, I think the 055 is overkill (and unnecessarily heavy!).

PM me if interested, or if you'd like any info about the 190PROB (whether you want to buy mine or not, no obligation help is at hand :) ).

[Ak Photos]

one thing to keep in mind is that the different companies have different size quick release. The Manfrotto is different than the Kirk/RRS/Acratech, so if you want to use the Kirk L Bracket, I had one on my 30D and liked it and pro. will sell it if someone is interested. So I would suggest figureing out your uses, and then pick a QR plate style and then get teh head to work with it.

Good Luck

Kevin

[viewfinder]

Thanks Ron, Rudi and Kevin for your feedback.

I didn't realise how expensive a tripod could be, so judging by that, the 190 seems to be within my reach. Still not sure about the ball head, will probably decide based on the quick release plate as Kevin suggested. The Kirk are too expensive and probably not available down here, so I will probably end up with the standard Manfrotto issue.

Thanks again.

Regards,
Jonathan

[Ron Lacey]

I didn't realise how expensive a tripod could be, so judging by that, the 190 seems to be within my reach. Still not sure about the ball head, will probably decide based on the quick release plate as Kevin suggested. The Kirk are too expensive and probably not available down here, so I will probably end up with the standard Manfrotto issue.



If you were to get the Kirk you'd want to get a ballhead without a quick release and use the Kirk system. The Manfrotto quick releases are all quite good, if you decide on a Manfrotto head I'd definitely recommend you get one with their quick release built in.

Ron