Luminous Landscape Forum
Equipment & Techniques => Medium Format / Film / Digital Backs – and Large Sensor Photography => Topic started by: Scotty-S on August 08, 2015, 05:02:34 am
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Hi all,
I am in the need of a tripod upgrade, currently using a Gitzo 1257 and RRS BH40 and would like something more heavy duty for my Pentax 645Z and lenses.
Currently I am looking at the RRS TVC-34 (4section, not the L) and either of the following heads, the RRS BH55, Arca D4m (non geared) or the Uniqball 45x.
One thing that I hate is having to recompose just to move the image a little up or down, but then blowing the nice level image that I have achieved. So I think the BH55 has to be out.
Anybody else using the D4m or Uniqball with heavy MF gear that can chime in on the quality of either?
PS I will most likely change the clamp on the D4m for an RRS lever as they are the best to use with gloves on.
Thanks, Scott
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I use the geared version of the Arca-Swiss D4 for my Linhof Techno, a quite heavy camera. As you can easily unlock the gears (unlike the Cube) I strongly suggest to have a look on that too and not only the D4m. I love to have gears for fine-tuning the leveling. The drawback is the higher price and somewhat higher weight.
The quality and precision is very good (a huge upgrade from a Manfrotto geared head I used before which had quite some play in it). The only problem I've heard about it that some parts of it might rust. I've used it for a couple of years without such problems though, but when I've been out in wet weather I do wipe off any excessive water, and due to my locations I rarely see salt water.
I'm not so impressed by the quick-release locks of Arca-Swiss in terms of ergonomy, so the RRS is certainly better designed. However I'm perfectly pleased with the old-school original classic screw clamp, it works well enough with gloves too. But it will be 3-4 seconds slower setup which really doesn't matter for my Techno which means a quite slow workflow anyway, but might mean something to you.
Mind though that while it was easy before to replace the clamp on D4/Cube heads it's now virtually impossible due to the change of loctite used. With blowtorch and professional loctite removal techniques you can probably do it, but you need to know what you're doing. For us regular consumers consider the clamp permanent.
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Hi,
I use the D4, too. What I think it is lacking is gears on horizontal adjustment. I would say that it is a serious issue, at least if you use anything north of 80 mm. Otherwise it is just fine…
Best regards
Erik
I use the geared version of the Arca-Swiss D4 for my Linhof Techno, a quite heavy camera. As you can easily unlock the gears (unlike the Cube) I strongly suggest to have a look on that too and not only the D4m. I love to have gears for fine-tuning the leveling. The drawback is the higher price and somewhat higher weight.
The quality and precision is very good (a huge upgrade from a Manfrotto geared head I used before which had quite some play in it). The only problem I've heard about it that some parts of it might rust. I've used it for a couple of years without such problems though, but when I've been out in wet weather I do wipe off any excessive water, and due to my locations I rarely see salt water.
I'm not so impressed by the quick-release locks of Arca-Swiss in terms of ergonomy, so the RRS is certainly better designed. However I'm perfectly pleased with the old-school original classic screw clamp, it works well enough with gloves too. But it will be 3-4 seconds slower setup which really doesn't matter for my Techno which means a quite slow workflow anyway, but might mean something to you.
Mind though that while it was easy before to replace the clamp on D4/Cube heads it's now virtually impossible due to the change of loctite used. With blowtorch and professional loctite removal techniques you can probably do it, but you need to know what you're doing. For us regular consumers consider the clamp permanent.
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I think Precision Camera will replace Arca clamps for a reasonable fee.
http://www.precisioncameraworks.com/Pages/arca_core.html
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RRS TVC-3 series is a great set of legs. I would consider the KPS T5 geared ballhead over the AS D4 variants. You can order the T5 without a top-clamp making it easy to choose the top clamp that you want to use. I currently swap between a pano clamp and a RRS lever release top clamp on my T5. The T5 geared ballhead is similar to the Cube in precision of adjustments, yet the speed of a ballhead at the same time. Fit, finish, and workmanship is on par with RRS and AS products.
Full review here on LL and on my blog, https://kendoophotography.wordpress.com/2015/04/15/the-kps-t5-geared-ballhead-in-search-of-the-elusive-white-unicorn/
:) ken
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Wow Ken, this might just be what I am looking for.
I have always felt that the cube was rather hefty but loved the geared adjustments.
I will look more into this.
Is there any sag or slip in the head after the movements are made?
Thanks, Scott
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Hi,
With gears there is no slip or sag as you don't lock down the head. You turn the gears until you are happy and than you don't touch it any more.
Best regards
Erk
Wow Ken, this might just be what I am looking for.
I have always felt that the cube was rather hefty but loved the geared adjustments.
I will look more into this.
Is there any sag or slip in the head after the movements are made?
Thanks, Scott
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I have seen "lift" or sag with the AS D4 and the less capable Sunwayfoto GH-Pro, particularly with heavier loads.
I have not seen lift or sag with the AS Cube or the KPS T5 geared ballhead.
I use the AS Cube primarily in studio or on my RRS TVC-33 tripod legs. I find the Cube is slightly top heavy on my RRS TVC-24 tripod legs. I use the KPS T5 geared ball head on both my TVC-24 and TVC-33 tripod legs. I use a RRS DVTL-40 on both heads with quick releases on both sets of tripod legs and studio camera stand which makes for very fast swapping of the heads. Primary gear used is Cambo WRS, Phase DF, and Canon 1Ds III, and A7r (ha ha) all handled with no problem. RRS, Cube, and T5 provide a great stable platform.
Ken
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I use a BH-55 on a Gitzo Carbon 3 series pod. Works perfectly. For hiking I sometimes take my Gitzo Carbon series 2 instead (using the same head). Always use an RRS panning clamp. Love that thing. As with most things photographic it's a matter of preference. Lot's of setups do the job. With a head like the Arca D4 its good to try it out first since it works differently than your typical ball head.
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You may also consider a manfrotto head. I use a 410 with a H5x and 35-90 with no issue, but you could bulk up to a 405 should you feel the need. You can use this adapter to still use arca style plates (I have a RRS 90 degree plate on my body)
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/555498-REG/Kirk_SQRC_3271_Quick_Release_Clamp_for.html
This would give you the fine gearing with quick releases for faster composition
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Chris Hejnar also makes some wonderful adapters for the 410 and 405 amongst others.
I have the 410 and it's great.
http://www.hejnarphotostore.com/category-s/146.htm
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You can also swap out the Manfrotto clamp for an Arca-style clamp:
http://www.hejnarphotostore.com/category-s/147.htm
It's easy, even I can do it.
This made my (bought used) 410 much more pleasant to use, the original Manfrotto proprietary clamp really wasn't that firm.
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I still use my Gitzo series 3 & 5 tripod paired with RRS BH-55, i never felt i need to change a thing even that BH-55 is slightly heavyweight compared to my Markins QT3, but talking about sturdiness i never look back.
Not sure what i may get if i detach my Gitzo tripod and go with RRS tripods, Gitzo is still a top notch quality and even through these years i have zero issue with the tripods, and my BH-55 is still going strong, need little lubricating and it will go as brand new.
Good luck with any gear you will get!
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I'm on a Gitzo 2542-LS with an Acratech GP head holding a DF+/IQ180.
I've haven't experienced vibration blur from insufficient support.
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Thanks,
My reasons for upgrading were not for lack of sufficient support, but for needing a taller platform, shorter closed length, plus more precise movement control of the head.
I am thinking that the KPS head and either the TVC24L or the TVC34 might be the go.
I need to look more into the KPS as I would love to try one.
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Maybe have a look at the Induro tripods.
I have the CT414 which looks to have been replaced now.
http://www.indurogear.com/products/induro-clt404l.aspx
I've found it a great fit from short closed length to tall if I need it to be.
Cheers
Andrew
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Hi,
I had an Acratech and I loved it. I may buy one again. But, one with a lever type release!
Best regards
Erik
I'm on a Gitzo 2542-LS with an Acratech GP head holding a DF+/IQ180.
I've haven't experienced vibration blur from insufficient support.
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The RRS BH55 is the best ball head on the market.....period
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The RRS BH55 is the best ball head on the market.....period
Another biased vote for the RRS BH-55 head, especially their clamp-lever one as I hate turning knobs for locks. Only one I use now too.
I have a Wimberley Sidekick Gimbal that slips into the BH-55 head for gimbal rotational action, but crikey that screw-clamp knob is a slow pain to use and I always need to re-check it over the lever that quickly cam-locks into place. Makes it a lot easier and quicker to flip landscape-to-portrait position too if a L-plate is on the camera.
Personally, I vote for fewer leg extensions. Four per leg is too slow to set up, more wobbly, and takes more maintenance to keep it working smoothly. I'd even settle for 2 per leg instead of the three sections I have now. If I need to go lower, I'll just splay the legs out at the yoke and its almost on the ground.
Somewhere down the line I'd like to try one of those Ries wooden tripods out of Washington State to see if they dampen vibrations more than carbon fiber, with the weight factor aside. http://www.riestripod.com/ (http://www.riestripod.com/)
SG
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Cube or BH-55
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Hello,
i use my Linhof Micro Head on my RRS 24. Like a brick....like it so much..:
Mueller
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Hello,
i use my Linhof Micro Head on my RRS 24. Like a brick....like it so much..:
Mueller
Would it be possible to replace the clamp on the Micro Head with one from RRS?
Best
Peter
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Is the 'Pan' movement geared on this?
This is the one thing I despise about my cube...would love it to be geared like the rest of the head.
Hello,
i use my Linhof Micro Head on my RRS 24. Like a brick....like it so much..:
Mueller
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If the Linhof is as heavy as the Cube, then imho it is a bit top heavy for the RRS TVC-24 legs---and the reason why I finally opted for the KPS T5 geared ball head for use with my TVC-24. The Cube is perfect with the TVC-3 series.
ken
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Hello guys, in my option the clamp could not be removed. But I use it with RRS brackets very good. It is compatible with Arca Swiss.
The Linhof head is a bit lighter than the cube. But ways smaller.
The gear of the Linhof is ways better than the cube. But the gear is very fine. You have the rotate the knob a lot of times....
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If I understand right: you mean the horizontal turn? No this is not geared...
Is the 'Pan' movement geared on this?
This is the one thing I despise about my cube...would love it to be geared like the rest of the head.
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Yes that's what I meant.
Thank you.
I really wish it was geared...All this precision and then you loose it at the last step!
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I'm also with the Manfrotto 410 crowd. It seems to handle most MF equipment very well - all movements geared and quick-move very easily, including pan.
It's also extremely keenly priced. In UK prices (including tax):
You can buy 5.6 Manfrotto 410s for one Arca D4;
" 6.8 " Linhof 3D Micro, or
" 7.6 " Arca Cube!
And for that price you can take it apart and shim/lubricate/adjust as many times as you want with very low risk!
Why would anyone want more?
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I have used both the Arca Cube and the Manfrotto 410; the Cube is much much better. I have never had the camera move not even a mm when it was mounted on the Cube. I can not say the same thing about the 410.
Also, I have spoken to a couple of photographers who shot with the 410s for years, and they would need to replace them once every two or three years and always have a back up on hand in case one failed on a shoot. They finally broke down and bought the Cube and kick themselves for not getting it sooner.
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mueller123,
The Linhof head is a bit lighter than the cube. But ways smaller. The gear of the Linhof is ways better than the cube. But the gear is very fine. You have the rotate the knob a lot of times....
In addition, the means by which the Arca C1 Cube and Linhof 3D Micro are levelled differs in orientation by 90°.
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I'm all for the big RRS and AS Cube
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I have used both the Arca Cube and the Manfrotto 410; the Cube is much much better. I have never had the camera move not even a mm when it was mounted on the Cube. I can not say the same thing about the 410.
Also, I have spoken to a couple of photographers who shot with the 410s for years, and they would need to replace them once every two or three years and always have a back up on hand in case one failed on a shoot. They finally broke down and bought the Cube and kick themselves for not getting it sooner.
I've heard people say this, but I can't see how it happens - do you hit things with it or something??
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For what it is worth, I have used the same Manfrotto 410 head for the last 12 years. No falling apart, no repairs. Right now my 8x10 is sitting on it.
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The only real negatives imho with the AS Cube is the price and weight. Once you invest in the Cube, it is one of those "a-ha" moments, and then you wonder how you got along without it for so long. With heavier RRS legs (TVC-series) the Cube is perfect. With lighter legs, the Cube is a bit top heavy. Here is where the KPS T5 geared ball head really is the best choice. I use the T5 and Cube interchangeably. The Manfrotto simply is not in the same class imho in terms of both build quality or capacity as the KPS T5 or Cube. The Manfrotto is heavier to boot---much cheaper, and simply not in the same class of tripod heads.
ken
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Yep. Further to Joe and Kens remarks.
I've had my Cube for 6 months. Still have my 410. I find the cube easier and more intuitive than the 410 and the levels are more accurate.
The only thing I wish for is a geared pan movement, but I won't be going back to the 410.
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Manfrotto 405
Once a year some service. Take everything apart and grease it.
12 years without problems during daily use....only the weight and size
is sometimes painful.
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Used a couple of the Manfrotto 405's for many years (don't bother with the 410)
never serviced / never pampered / never a problem / geared pan
I've always lusted after the cube on a looks / design basis but every time I nearly buy one I think will it really be such an improvement for the price?
Still.. damn sexy that cube!
Sam
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I've always lusted after the cube on a looks / design basis but every time I nearly buy one I think will it really be such an improvement for the price?
Still.. damn sexy that cube!
That's so true.......
But why all theses knobs? I only need three.
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That's so true.......
But why all theses knobs? I only need three.
That's a good question. Starting from the bottom:
The little base pan lever: spins the whole head. I find that very useful because with a geared head it helps to orient the tilt and yaw movements.
The single knob at the base: this one is questionable if you use L-brackets. It tilts the whole head so you can conceivably shoot portrait. I don't know anyone who shoots that way. An L-bracket set up is much more handy I think (or dual plates if you have a tech camera). It does allow you to shoot straight at the ground though, which I don't think the Lindhof can do.
The four tilt and yaw knobs: Obvious main controls. Note this is really two, but it allows you to use either hand.
The top panning lever: This one is really important to me and another reason why I no longer use ball heads. I really like to level the camera and be able to swing it around without screwing up the level. I know you can add a panning clamp to ball heads, but that is something else to buy and carry.
I've used the A/S B1, BH-55, BH-40, Cube, and D4 geared. I currently use the cube for the technical camera, the BH-40 for light travel with the Sony, and the D4 for normal use with the Sony.
I think Ken's recommendations for the KPS T5 is an excellent option but I haven't tried it myself.
The cube stays on RRS 34 legs, the other two swap out on the RRS 24 legs with the TA-2-LC base.
BTW, I really like that base, and once I get the new L bracket for the A7rII, I will try shooting with only that base for a while to see really how limiting it is. Backpacking without a ball head at all is enticing, and that thing is solid as hell. Not only would I lose the weight, but the tripod sits so much nicer on the backpack without a big heavy ball head.
Dave
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Arca Cube, no contest.
I've been going through one Manfrotto 410 head after another, each lasted about 3 years. Because I shoot architecture I find a ball head utterly hopeless, I want very small adjustments.
Had a credit note from a gear company burning a hole in my pocket and finally decided to use it to get the Arca cube a few months ago... its fantastic.
I'll never be going back. The speed of adjustment is a dream.
As for legs, I have loads, each to their own, of different heights and sizes. Yes the Cube is a meaty head, but I currently have it on one of the smaller manfrottos and while it feels a little top heavy when I pick it up its fine when set up. For a heavier camera I'd use a heavier set of legs, there are horses for courses.