Tripod choices

I plan on buying a tripod within the next few days. I have narrowed

my choices to the Bogen line. Legs will probably be the 3001B-PRO. I

will probably go for a ballhead but I am unsure as to which to buy.

The Midi ballhead seems adequate and it comes with a choice of

release plates named RC0, RC2, and RC4.

Could someone point out what are the differences among these plates.

One of them seems to be hexagonal; the sizes appear also to be

different. Are the differences among these plates important? Are

there "better" choices at a similar price?

 

The tripod will be for general use and hiking/backpacking. Price is a

major consideration. For use with Nikon FE and N-70 mostly with short

lenses but, ideally, should also allow using my 100-300 manual focus

Nikorr.

 

Thanks

If you're not going the Arca-Swiss route, I would recommend the Velbon PH-273QL quick-release mag ballhead. Best ballhead under $200, will hold fairly long lenses or MF without slipping, is very lightweight. Beats hell out of the Bogen/Manfrotto offerings IMHO and I've tried them all.

Antonio:

 

I have the Bogen legset you want to get - great choice - I'm very happy with mine - I have two other tripods - a Bogen 3030a & a Berlebach 8023 for using large format with - the 3001 is very solid for it's weight.

 

I would suggest looking at KLM - Giottos - Kaiser ballheads for great prices & good working ballheads. See:

 

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=pagination&A=nextPage&Q=&catId=140&compareCatId=140&shs=&ci=140&ac=&al=&bl=1491%2C171%2C195&sb=bs%2Cupper%28ds%29&sq=asc&fi=all&pn=2

 

Good Luck

And:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?A=search&Q=&b=1491&b=171&b=195&shs=&ci=140&ac=&Submit.x=18&Submit.y=4&Submit=Go

Look at the DIGI series by Bogen/Manfroto. I have the 719B and it is taller than the 3001 series, black finish, built in ball head and comes with its own carry bag(like backpack)I think the 724b replaced mine? Mine weighs about 4lbs and holds over 8lbs. Price under $100.

One thing to consider looking ahead is if you are apt to add a monopod or a different tripod and/or head at some point. If you've chosen something with a QR plate, then you are kind of locked into that plate, or it's the fuss of swapping plates on and off when changing pods.

 

The Bogen RC2 is OK for me at this point for the use I put it to. The Arca Swiss style QR systems gets a lot of use by people with larger and more expensive gear or more critical applications. It came from a need for both adjustability and security and appears to meet those needs - lots of people use it and recommend it. And it's not so proprietary that it's a single source item.

You can of course use the quick release system of your choice, although in my opinion, only three quick release systems are worth talking about for a camera that has to be rotated for vertical framing-- arca-swiss style clamps and plates, bogen hex plates with the anti-rotation plates, and Velbon QRA-635B and QRA-67B which also have anti-rotation provisions. The Bogen RC2 system has anti-rotation plates available, but the quick release adapter sold separately (and the one built-in to most of their newer heads) is poorly designed and allows a little wiggle/play in the plate after mounting. This didn't use to be the case, and for instance, the Bogen 3030 panhead still has it designed properly, but if you want a ball head with RC2 you are out of luck.