Luminous Landscape Forum

Equipment & Techniques => Cameras, Lenses and Shooting gear => Topic started by: rgs on March 09, 2014, 11:30:16 pm

Title: New tripod head
Post by: rgs on March 09, 2014, 11:30:16 pm: I have a Bogan/Manfrotto 3021/055PROB. For years I have used (and been quite happy with) a very solid old 3055 ball head with a Manfrotto's RC0 large hexagonal quick release.

I'm looking at doing a bit more architectural work including some interiors and stitched panos. In preparation for that, I removed the ball head and attached my 3047 (also old - all Bogan no Manfrotto name attached) tilt/shift head thinking it would be more precise. Now I remember why I went to the ball many years ago.

So here is the question. The tilt/shift head is clumsy to work with and the ball head has only a rudimentary scale system for panos and no bubble levels. What I need is a solid ball head with bubble levels, Arca-Swiss type QR, and scales that will work well for panos. I would prefer under $200. As you can probably tell, I tend to get very long use from tripods so I don't want something that will give up or stop acting smoothly in 1 year (or 5 or 10). I need suggestions.

Thanks.
Title: Re: New tripod head
Post by: mhospelt on March 10, 2014, 12:21:05 am: If you plan to do architectural photos, look for a Manfrotto geared Head. Much more precise than a ball head. If you are on a budget, find a used one on Ebay.
Title: Re: New tripod head
Post by: graeme on March 10, 2014, 04:58:15 am: A manfrotto 410 junior geared head. I've been using one for about 5 years for stained glass & ( sort of ) architectural photography. A very good piece of kit for the money. I bought it after it was recommended by forum member Kirk Gittings ( architectural & fine art photographer ).

Using a ball head for architectural stuff would drive me mad.
Title: Re: New tripod head
Post by: ErikKaffehr on March 10, 2014, 06:06:13 am: Hi,

Hejnarphoto makes an adapter that can be used with Arca-Swiss type clamps: http://www.hejnarphotostore.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=16_17&products_id=5

Best regards
Erik
Quote from: graeme on March 10, 2014, 04:58:15 am
A manfrotto 410 junior geared head. I've been using one for about 5 years for stained glass & ( sort of ) architectural photography. A very good piece of kit for the money. I bought it after it was recommended by forum member Kirk Gittings ( architectural & fine art photographer ).

Using a ball head for architectural stuff would drive me mad.
Title: Re: New tripod head
Post by: rgs on March 10, 2014, 07:12:10 am: That was kind of my reasoning for getting the old pan/tilt out but a geared head makes more sense. Thanks
Title: Re: New tripod head
Post by: philbond87 on March 10, 2014, 11:35:28 am: I can also recommend the Manfrotto 410.
I converted it to Arca-Swiss with the Hejnar bolt-on adapter as well.

Although I've since replaced it I have to say that it was very good for the price and served me well and I had few complaints with it.
Title: Re: New tripod head
Post by: Walt Roycraft on March 10, 2014, 11:41:07 am: Quote from: graeme on March 10, 2014, 04:58:15 am
A manfrotto 410 junior geared head. I've been using one for about 5 years for stained glass & ( sort of ) architectural photography. A very good piece of kit for the money. I bought it after it was recommended by forum member Kirk Gittings ( architectural & fine art photographer ).

Using a ball head for architectural stuff would drive me mad.

+1
Title: Re: New tripod head
Post by: NancyP on March 10, 2014, 07:35:13 pm: +1 for Manfrotto 410 with Hejnar conversion.
Title: Re: New tripod head
Post by: Ellis Vener on March 11, 2014, 11:42:32 am: Another recommendation for the Manfrotto 410 converted with the Hejnar adapter to the Arca-Swiss compatible dovetail Quick-release system..