New tripod

Joe T · 22-01-2006, 19:51

Just ordered:

Manfrotto 322RC2 HEAVY DUTY GRIP BALL HEAD (see here £90

Manfrotto 055MF4 055 MAG FIBER TRIPOD 4 SCT (see here ) £220

Manfrotto MBAG 80P - £45 (for a padded bag - woah!)

Looking forward ot getting it! It had better be good, for this kind of money! My current tripod is a "Boots" brand one from the late 70s or early 80s.

Venomator · 22-01-2006, 19:56

Nice stuff - I've been toying with the Manfrotto range Joe T - what in particular made you go for this set up ?

Hope it lives up to expectations !

Joe T · 22-01-2006, 20:04

I wanted an 055 PRO model as its the best they make - it has all the functions I could want, and its tall enough for me. I went for the CF to save a bit of weight, and the four section so that it folds up small enough.

I was temepted by getting a set of Gitzo legs (of similar size, weight etc) from HK for aroudn the same price, but I really couldnt see how they would be better. Plus they have those annoying twist locks.

The head looks like it should make changing position a breeze. Ive read lots fo good things about it. With a heavy lens on it, I'd like to be able to alter position with just one had. You can even use it left handed, whilst leaving your right hand free for the shutter - this means you can even get panning shots on it.

Venomator · 22-01-2006, 20:18

You didn't consider the Neotec 458B ?

http://www.manfrotto.com/Jahia/cache/offonce/pid/2280?livid=68|69&idx=72

Although I can see it is only three section and not quite so compact when closed up !

minimeeze · 22-01-2006, 20:22

£310 for a tripod...wow

Joe T · 22-01-2006, 20:23

Quote:

Originally Posted by Venomator

You didn't consider the Neotec 458B ?

HTML Code:

http://www.manfrotto.com/Jahia/cache/offonce/pid/2280?livid=68|69&idx

Although I can see it is only three section and not quite so compact when closed up !

Yeah, its 64cm when closed. Its also 2.4kg instead of 2kg.

I havent any experience of the Neotec system, so I dont knwo how easy I would find it.

Its also another £30, and I thought I'd spent enough!

Joe T · 22-01-2006, 20:24

Quote:

Originally Posted by minimeeze

£310 for a tripod...wow

I only want to buy once, if you know what I mean!

digitalfailure · 22-01-2006, 20:25

Not jealous at all

The ball grip is supposed to be a great bit of kit.

I have to slum it with a Manfrotto 190 alloy tripod and a 390rc2 pan and tilt head.

Only kidding about the slumming it.....it was a christmas present and so far it's been great and far excedes the level of support offered by my previous Velbon lightweight shakeapod

The Build Quality of the Manfrotto kit is 1st class.

Venomator · 22-01-2006, 20:26

Quote:

Originally Posted by Joe T

Yeah, its 64cm when closed. Its also 2.4kg instead of 2kg.

I havent any experience of the Neotec system, so I dont knwo how easy I would find it.

Its also another £30, and I thought I'd spent enough!

All reasons enough then ! It is light and compact I would go for so your choice is probably getting there.

Not sure about the head though - think I might need to play with that one first.

Let us know how you go with it when it arrives ...

P-E · 22-01-2006, 20:37

Be interested in how you find the tripod Joe........

I have the 055PRO (not MF) and find it wee bit heavy to cart around.......so I am looking for something lighter if possible.

Joe T · 22-01-2006, 20:40

Quote:

Originally Posted by P-E

Be interested in how you find the tripod Joe........

I have the 055PRO (not MF) and find it wee bit heavy to cart around.......so I am looking for something lighter if possible.

Will do. The CF version is 2kg as opposed to 2.4 so its light but not really by much.

P-E · 22-01-2006, 20:44

Quote:

Originally Posted by Joe T

Will do. The CF version is 2kg as opposed to 2.4 so its light but not really by much.

Yes .4 not much difference I know but yours is more compact yes?

Joe T · 22-01-2006, 20:46

Quote:

Originally Posted by P-E

Yes .4 not much difference I know but yours is more compact yes?

Yeah I went for the 4 section which is £10 more than the 3 section. Its around 10cm smaller when folded. Both are 2kg.

I think the CF ones extend a bit less than the others; but 165cm plus head plus camera is enough for me I reckon.

P-E · 22-01-2006, 20:50

Yes think I would have rather got a more compact one

Like you said.........you only "want to buy once"

CT · 22-01-2006, 21:22

Good choices there Joe - both with the legs and the head.

RobertP · 22-01-2006, 21:29

Did you consider the Feisol that I have ?

Link to frame page so no menus

I've got used to it now but at first i did not like the twist lock action to extend the legs. Having had some practice now I can do about as quick as the flip locks on my old tripod.

Very strong and light + about half price of the Manfrotto. (I bought a Manfrotto head for it though and that weighs as much as the tripod!)

Mark Grant · 22-01-2006, 21:45

The 322RC2 head is fantastic once you get used to it

They are delivered set up the wrong way round I think,

I swapped mine round (with the allen key provided) so the gri

22-01-2006, 19:51	#1 (permalink)
Joe T Forum Regular Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Amersham, Bucks Posts: 978	New tripod Just ordered: Manfrotto 322RC2 HEAVY DUTY GRIP BALL HEAD (see here £90 Manfrotto 055MF4 055 MAG FIBER TRIPOD 4 SCT (see here ) £220 Manfrotto MBAG 80P - £45 (for a padded bag - woah!) Looking forward ot getting it! It had better be good, for this kind of money! My current tripod is a "Boots" brand one from the late 70s or early 80s.

22-01-2006, 20:04	#3 (permalink)
Joe T Forum Regular Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Amersham, Bucks Posts: 978	I wanted an 055 PRO model as its the best they make - it has all the functions I could want, and its tall enough for me. I went for the CF to save a bit of weight, and the four section so that it folds up small enough. I was temepted by getting a set of Gitzo legs (of similar size, weight etc) from HK for aroudn the same price, but I really couldnt see how they would be better. Plus they have those annoying twist locks. The head looks like it should make changing position a breeze. Ive read lots fo good things about it. With a heavy lens on it, I'd like to be able to alter position with just one had. You can even use it left handed, whilst leaving your right hand free for the shutter - this means you can even get panning shots on it. __________________ My Photography D70, 18-70, 50 f1.8, Sigma 105, Sigma 120-300 f2.8, 1.4 TC

22-01-2006, 20:18	#4 (permalink)
Venomator Forum Regular Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Hertfordshire Posts: 922	You didn't consider the Neotec 458B ? http://www.manfrotto.com/Jahia/cache/offonce/pid/2280?livid=68\|69&idx=72 Although I can see it is only three section and not quite so compact when closed up ! Last edited by Venomator : 22-01-2006 at 20:21.

22-01-2006, 19:56	#2 (permalink)
Venomator Forum Regular Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Hertfordshire Posts: 922	Nice stuff - I've been toying with the Manfrotto range Joe T - what in particular made you go for this set up ? Hope it lives up to expectations !

22-01-2006, 20:22	#5 (permalink)
minimeeze Forum Regular Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Aldershot, Hants Posts: 567	£310 for a tripod...wow

22-01-2006, 20:25	#8 (permalink)
digitalfailure Forum Regular Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: on the floor Posts: 694	Not jealous at all The ball grip is supposed to be a great bit of kit. I have to slum it with a Manfrotto 190 alloy tripod and a 390rc2 pan and tilt head. Only kidding about the slumming it.....it was a christmas present and so far it's been great and far excedes the level of support offered by my previous Velbon lightweight shakeapod The Build Quality of the Manfrotto kit is 1st class.

22-01-2006, 20:37	#10 (permalink)
P-E Loves the place Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Sheffield, S.Yorkshire UK Posts: 7,409	Be interested in how you find the tripod Joe........ I have the 055PRO (not MF) and find it wee bit heavy to cart around.......so I am looking for something lighter if possible.

22-01-2006, 20:50	#14 (permalink)
P-E Loves the place Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Sheffield, S.Yorkshire UK Posts: 7,409	Yes think I would have rather got a more compact one Like you said.........you only "want to buy once"

22-01-2006, 21:22	#15 (permalink)
CT Feet under the table Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: West Mids UK Posts: 3,500	Good choices there Joe - both with the legs and the head.

22-01-2006, 21:29	#16 (permalink)
RobertP Forum Regular Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Woodford Essex Posts: 841	Did you consider the Feisol that I have ? Link to frame page so no menus I've got used to it now but at first i did not like the twist lock action to extend the legs. Having had some practice now I can do about as quick as the flip locks on my old tripod. Very strong and light + about half price of the Manfrotto. (I bought a Manfrotto head for it though and that weighs as much as the tripod!)

22-01-2006, 21:45	#17 (permalink)
Mark Grant Quite Chatty Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Yorkshire Posts: 83	The 322RC2 head is fantastic once you get used to it They are delivered set up the wrong way round I think, I swapped mine round (with the allen key provided) so the gri