Continuing the conversation: Tripod / Head?

[JBW]

This is just a starting suggestion
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produ...ripod_410.html

[Mike Buckley]

This subject definitely is not my strength. Even so, I notice a couple of things to be aware of and am bringing them to the attention of the thread to ensure that there is some discussion of them.

There is significant contradiction of specs at that website, so be sure to look at the specs of the same model as advertised at the Manfrotto website. In one part of the description, the load and minimum height are twice as much as at another part of the description.

I also wonder why you would need a geared head instead of a ball head.

Last and related to some details Manfred and I discussed in an earlier thread: "Its carbon fiber legs are secured by the Quick Power Locks. These updated flip locks increase the tripod's rigidity by 50% compared to its predecessor." Manfred had mentioned that the diameter of the legs is what matters most when it comes to rigidity. I recently bought a Manfrotto tripod and its legs are a smaller diameter than those of the broken Manfrotto tripod it replaced. My new Manfrotto tripod has the same flip locks as this one, so maybe it really is as rigid as my first tripod thanks to the flip locks.

[JBW]

Being a bit a greener this wooden tripod has a certain appeal.
http://www.stabil.nu/tripods/?lang=en

[Manfred M]

Brian - the geared head makes sense to me. I have not used one myself, but getting one is near the top of the list of things I am looking at buying. The main thing stopping me is that Manfrotto has moved to Arca-Swiss plates on some of its higher end ball heads, but not on the older geared heads (yet?). I know there are work arounds (i.e. adaptors), but they are a bit kludgy, so right now I am waiting to see where they go. Arca-Swiss does make geared heads too, but they are outrageously expensive. Given your MS, I suspect the geared head is probably going to give you more accuracy in setting up the shot.

I suspect that the Manfrotto style quick release clamps are going to be a bit easier for you to handle than the twist lock legs that I prefer. Carbon fibre damps out vibrations much more quickly than aluminum, so that is probably worth considering for macro work as well. The only thing that works better than carbon fibre when it comes to damping are wooden legs, but they tend to be quite heavy. In your shooting environment, you could probably get away with aluminum, which will be lighter than wood but heavier than carbon fibre at a significant cost saving.

If you are looking at shooting tethered, the Capture One that you have is very robust and all you really need is a decently long cable. You might want to look at the TetherTools line and get them with the JerkStopper to protect the camera and laptop.

https://www.tethertools.com/ I got mine from B&H.

[Stagecoach]

Some thoughts to add to the discussion Brian ...............................

Three Way Head versus Ball Head

Whilst I like both heads I have (Manfrottos) I found that the 3 Way pan and tilt was a pain to use when the Tripod centre column is extended and tilted but the ball head is easier when used in this way. But the pan and tilt head I preferred for macro when the centre column was vertical.

Geared Head, Speed of use and accuracy.

The description 'suggests' the gearing can be disengaged for rapid movement, I'm not familiar with geared heads. I mention this because for bugs they move and easy quick adjustment of the position is advantageous.

If you are relying on AF to primarily focus the geared head will certainly have the advantage of accurate positioning and less tendency to creep whilst tightening and locking up I assume.

[DanK]

I've never owned a Manfrotto tripod, but that is the geared head I have used for years, so I can speak to that.

You can buy the geared head separately and mate it with any tripod you like. No need to use a Manfrotto. I mate mine with an Oben (B&H store brand).

The Manfrotto quick release is fine and easy to use, as long as you don't want an Arca-Swiss plate for other purposes. I do, so I bought a Hejnar adapter, which you can buy on eBay. It isn't kludgy at all; you actually remove the Manfrotto quick release mechanism entirely and replace it. However, it's a bit bulky.

Yes, the head allows disengaging the gears. Each adjustment knob has a collar for doing this. It is very easy to do, but I doubt it would be fast enough for bugs.

The head is heavy. I forget the precise amount, but you can get it off the B&H website, I think.

My bottom line: a geared head is definitely the way to go with static subjects, either flowers or stunned or chilled bugs, if you are aiming for a fairly high degree of magnification. It makes it far easier to make small adjustments to framing. I don't think I would use one for active bugs.

At low levels of magnification--say, whole-flower shots of large flowers--it makes less difference, and when shooting them, I sometimes don't bother replacing my ball head with my geared head.

If you add a focusing rail as well, which I do for ease of framing, the combination of geared head, Arca adapter, and rail is quite bulky and heavy. Here's mine:

[loosecanon]

I too have this kit
The 055 is great and the modern carbon fibre version is much lighter than may old aluminium version . Depending onuse you nay want to get a kit of spiked feet - enables use on slopes.
The geared head is good, but heavy - the much lighter geared head made of composite is good, but not suitable for unbalanced loads or heavy kit - the final position is not so precise. The junior head does use an older quick release plate.

Incidentally I use the Manfrotto hexagonal plate adaptor on the tripod which enables me to quickly change the head I want to use that day - ball head, pistol grip, three way etc. Each head is fitted with a quick release plate.

[LePetomane]

My next investment may be a geared head. A lot less bulky than the long levers and probably easier to fine tune.

[rpcrowe]

If I were considering a tripod and head, I would definitely restrict my choice of heads to one with Arca Compatibility. IMO - Arca Compatibility is the best thing since sliced bread.

I think that for the price you are considering to pay for the Manfrotto, this Gitzo setup might be better for your purposes...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nFHm1q6nxc8