Spec me a Tripod Head

Jase · 22 Mar 2012 at 22:54

I'm after a new tripod head, I have a Manfrotto 460MG 3D Magnesium Head at the moment and I bought it because it it was light. However in use I find the rubber grip knobs frustrating especially when in Portrait mode. With a camera mounted it is hard to get a grip to tighten them enough to stop movement.

So I'm looking for a good replacement to go with my Manfrotto Carbon Fibre tripod. I'd like a monfrotto simply to keep everything the same but at this stage I'd consider something else provided that it is good. It will be used in both landscape and portrait settings, it does not need any Panorama features as I have a dedicated head for that already.

Not too bothered by price as long as it's justified.

Thanks

D.P. · 22 Mar 2012 at 23:43

Get a good ball head that excepts proper camera plates that are modeled for each camera and lens and buy a plate for each lens you own. L-plates are best to swap between landscape and portrait mode.

I use really Right Stuff BH-55 head and plates and the whole setup is really flawless. A BH-40 may work depending on your lenses.

Alternative good heads include Kirk BH-1 and Arca Swiss B-1

There isn't so much other choices out there.

Jonon9 · 23 Mar 2012 at 01:55

Where did you buy the Right Stuff BH-55 been gagging for one of them for ages

D.P. · 23 Mar 2012 at 03:10

Jonon9 said:
Where did you buy the Right Stuff BH-55 been gagging for one of them for ages

The website is basically the only place.
If you can stretch to a really right stuff then you won't be disappointed. It starts to add up but it will last a life time with anything you can throw at it.

Jase · 23 Mar 2012 at 12:09

Many thanks for that one, I've just had a quick browse of their website and it does look pretty nice, I'll have a proper look when I get home. A pity there is no UK stockist though which means a wait for delivery, how long did yours take to arrive?

#Chri5# · 23 Mar 2012 at 14:03

What about the Manfrotto 410 Junior Geared Head? I plumped for one after a bit of research. I do like how you can quickly get a rough alignment by "unlocking" the gears, then use them for precise, fine tuning. It's very solid but that probably explains the weight of 1.2kg! Price is circa £140.

D.P. · 23 Mar 2012 at 15:16

Jase said:
Many thanks for that one, I've just had a quick browse of their website and it does look pretty nice, I'll have a proper look when I get home. A pity there is no UK stockist though which means a wait for delivery, how long did yours take to arrive?

Took about a week, fairly quick.