Bogen/Manfrotto tripod head for 350D.

[anesh]

I need a Manfrotto/Bogen head with the most important criterion

being the ability to change from horizontal to vertical with ease.

My budget is up to $110. I've looked at the 488RC2, 3265 and 322RC2

on the web but I'm too remotely located to view in a store. The head

may perhaps also be used on a monopod. Heaviest lens will be the 70-

200mm f/4. Thanx.

[cnhoff]

I am quite happy with my 350D/70-200f4 on the 488 head concerning stability and ease of use of the quick lock and horizontal/vertical modes

. I will buy the lens clamp later this month though, because you lose height when shooting verticals and i think it's not very convenient...i often find myself having the "greasy" ball in my hand when pushing the vertical release on my battery grip.

[cnhoff]

Btw i have the hexagonal RC0 quick release system.

[KenPapai]

Also the 486RC2 flips to vertical orientation too extremely easily; I use it and love it.

<p>

"COMPACT BALL HEAD WITH RC2 RAPID CONNECT SYSTEM / Cat. No: 486RC2 => Old Cat. No: 3413QR and 3055S<br>

Same as the 486 but equipped with a 3157N quick-release camera plate. The 486RC2 is a direct replacement of the 3413QR and 3055S ProBall and Heavy-Duty Double Action Ball Heads.

<p>

A strong die-cast construction, precision machined aluminum housing, and an extremely hard phenolic resin ball provides smooth movements across all tilt positions.

<p>

The 486RC2 features a single ratchet locking knob for 360� pan and a double groove for +90�-90� tilt movements. Camera plate has a 1/4-20" male thread, and head to tripod attachment is 3/8" female.

[yakim_peled1]

<a href="http://www.photo.net/bboard/q-and-a-fetch-msg?msg_id=00DBPt">http://www.photo.net/bboard/q-and-a-fetch-msg?msg_id=00DBPt</a>

 

<p>HTH.</p>

 

 

<p>Happy shooting, <br>

Yakim.</p>

[mike_h3]

Anesh:

 

I've used the 322RC2 for over a year now. I love it. Switching between horizontal and vertical is a snap. I've used it extensively with the 70-200/2.8IS so it will hold considerable weight. The horizontal pistol-grip (as opposed to the vertical 3265) improves stability. Good luck.

[anupam]

Buy the 486 head for under $40 without the RC release systems and get the arca swiss release clamp for $45 from Newtechmachines. They also sell on Ebay.

[nick dawson]

Old style joystick-grip 222 manfrotto head is a good choice. UK retail �70. Very positive when quickly switching between horizontal and vertical especially with light dslr. May be no good on a monopod.

[heather_m1]

I use the 3265 head with bogen 3021BPro legs. Don't get the 3265. I've used it for about 5 months and on vertical shots (which is mostly what I do for a living)it won't hold position. It slants down about an 1/8th of an inch. Just enough to throw your picture so you're adjusting the legs to make it straight. It does have a adjusting tension ring, but it still will not hold my Pro camera, and it is lighter than my 20d set up.

I do like the 322RC2 but fear it might end up doing the same thing in the long run.

Just my two sense,

 

Heather M.

[bennyboy]

ANother recommendation for the 488RC2 from me, I love mine to bits, plates are cheap, and I have one mounted to each piec of kit that needs one. The safety catch on the quick release has saved my bacon a few times too.