Tripod Head Suggestion

Discussion in 'Bags, Tripods, and Accessories' started by Scott Rolf, Jun 20, 2020.

  1. Scott Rolf

    Scott Rolf New Member

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    I need some help purchasing a new tripod head for my oldie (but a goodie) Bogen camera tripod. I want to start shooting some still/static videos in my studio of guitar playing. In other words, the camera will not be panning and tilting while shooting.
    I will be using my EOS 5D MKIV and the Tascam DR-60D MKII Audio Recorder both attached to the tripod.

    Any help will be greatly appreciated.
    Thanks.
     

  2. johnsey

    johnsey Site Moderator Staff Member Site Supporter

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    I think I would still suggest a Manfrotto Pro Video head so it will pair with your Bogen legs. I know you said you would not be panning but having something designed that way will help with good counter-balance and fluid movement adjusting. I think they support about 15lbs so you should be in good shape with the audio and camera hardware stacked on it. Generally for still cameras I suggest a high quality ballhead, but I think the video head probably will suit you a little bit better. Or get both ;)!
     
  3. Scott Rolf

    Scott Rolf New Member

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    Excellent. Thank you.
    Can you recommend a specific model number?

    Thanks again!
     
  4. johnsey

    johnsey Site Moderator Staff Member Site Supporter

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    Cant recommend based on experience, but looks like you can get a 502 at Adorama or Amazon for $180, or the 501 on ebay for half of that. I use an old Manfrotto 3047 for my medium format that would maybe work for your type of use, if you can snag one for less than $50 that is an oldie but a goodie. It gets as much mileage as my much more expensive ball head.
     
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  5. Scott Rolf

    Scott Rolf New Member

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    Like this?
    https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/827210-REG/Manfrotto_MVH502AH_75Mm_Flat_Head.html
     
  6. johnsey

    johnsey Site Moderator Staff Member Site Supporter

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    Yup that was the one i saw, I see there is another 502 for about 30 more dollars, I did not dig into the differences, but the 504 is twice the price and would be overkill.
     
  7. Craig Sherriff

    Craig Sherriff Well-Known Member Site Supporter

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    I do a fair bit of video work with my 60D and use a standard tripod head, if it is not being rotated or move that should also serve you well, keeps the cost down a bit too.
     
  8. Craig Sherriff

    Craig Sherriff Well-Known Member Site Supporter

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    Just a second thought, I also use a rather old 70 style tripod that allows me to rotate smoothly and move the camera up and down then lock with the handle, purchased from a Op shop rather cheap, could also be a place to look, you don't always need new.
     
  9. johnsey

    johnsey Site Moderator Staff Member Site Supporter

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    Well, I can agree that there are values in used market for sure. I did take note in the original post Scott wanted to upgrade the head he has. While I am not sure what head that was, I suggested a video head due to the bulk of the audio device with camera and lens mounted on top as the best tool for the job, as well as giving freedom to do other video shooting should his scope of work change.
     
  10. Scott Rolf

    Scott Rolf New Member

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  11. Craig Sherriff

    Craig Sherriff Well-Known Member Site Supporter

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    This post may be a little late as you have purchased a new tripod and head, this is a picture of a tripod head I purchased from my local charity shop fo 10 dollars, usable gear for a cheap price is out there, all you have to do is look.
    It is well made and in good condition. Tripod head.jpg
     
  12. johnsey

    johnsey Site Moderator Staff Member Site Supporter

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  13. Caladina

    Caladina Well-Known Member

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    probably something i will be looking at in the near future (some muppet wants me to go shoot sunsets or something...........:p) .
    the only tripod head i've ever had was a home made one from bits and bobs years ago.
    i may be best off taking my camera and lens to a camera shop and test out some stuff.

    at the moment i'm thinking for landscape and stationary stuff where i have lots of time to compose i would want a head that has 3 axis adjustment independent from each other (unlike a ball type they one know loosens every axis.)

    i suppose the best question to ask at the moment is what tripod heads are you landscape smudgers using, the mounting point will be a canon ef tripod mount as i have those on my two sigma to m mount, that way its best balanced camera/lens wise.
    i will be looking at getting a quick release as well, something else i've never had yet.

    i may also get a light weight but sturdy tripod that can go flat / low to the ground if need be.
     
  14. johnsey

    johnsey Site Moderator Staff Member Site Supporter

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    As mentioned earlier my trusty old 3047 probably fits your bill, its a 3 way adjustment and quick release, and modest priced, I have used it for medium format for years. https://www.ebay.com/p/129744831
     
    Last edited: Sep 1, 2020
  15. Craig Sherriff

    Craig Sherriff Well-Known Member Site Supporter

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    Works great for general use but useless for panoramas, I have lent it to one of my students so he is trying it out with his 500mm lens. I will find out in a couple of weeks time what he thinks.
     
  16. GDN

    GDN Well-Known Member

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    A Manfrotto 496RC2 ball head, quick release, with a couple of spare plates.

    I know that buying tripods is never as exciting as a new lens or camera. But if you use a tripod a lot or you are going to, I would suggest you get a decent one. Make sure it is stable when it is extended to your eye height, however tall you are. Also think about the future, will will buy heavier gear? A longer zoom, or a fast telephoto? Will it take the weight? Is it stable?


    Brilliant idea, I like your thinking. Then you can see what is available.

    Gary
     
  17. Craig Sherriff

    Craig Sherriff Well-Known Member Site Supporter

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    My advice is don't buy those cheap plastic ones, one of my students lost the accessory plate to his tripod and purchased one, when he could not get the accessory plate at the time, it would move with the smallest bit of wind, even with his camera bag hang off of it.
    He is running around with my Joystick head on his tripod at the moment, hope he gives it back.
     
  18. Caladina

    Caladina Well-Known Member

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    https://www.parkcameras.com/p/93763...nfrotto-808-3-way-head-with-rc4-quick-release.
    Manfrotto 808 3-Way Head with RC4 Quick Release.
    what you think of this head?

    the use will be with medium size landscape lens, and studio lens, i don't use tripod for wildlife at the moment as i'm using a 100-400mm hand held, if i get the 150-600 then i will be getting a wimbly head (typo) and take to location and stay put sort of deal.
    as for the tripod for the 808 landscape it would need to be one that has no center pole so it can go flat, i may decide to get a specific flat mini one for that and go for a manfrotto tripod, all the manfrotto ones seem to have center poles, although i have noticed i can probably change them for a stubby center.

    i'm not a great one for lugging loads of stuff around so light weight and compact is probably high on the list, though i'm not sure i want to shell out high price for a carbo one, might have to get something cheap but sturdy to see how much i want to use it.

    i had a look at 3047 over here in uk didn't see it readily available, mostly in the usa that one?
     
  19. GDN

    GDN Well-Known Member

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  20. Caladina

    Caladina Well-Known Member

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    7artisans 7.5mm m, Laowa 100mm macro ef, laowa 9mm zeroD m, Vintage M42 Lenses:
    Ashi Super - Takumar 1.8 / 55mm,
    yes, geared was also something i was thinking, i hadn't got around to looking at those yet, i can see tripods and heads are starting to create a second rabbit hole, i'm holding off on getting 600mm+ at the moment as i'm wanting to bugger off out of london and head to either the east or west coast of uk in the very near future, there are quite a few nice multi room homes that closed up during lockdown at reasonable prices, saw a 17 bed home in great yarmouth for 435k but it didn't have enough garage space.
    anyway, tripods, for now i need a head for studio stuff using long exposure, light/dark, splash etc, i do have c stands near to completion so i can get away with just a head for that but i would like to do some light and water trails / motion stuff too so thats where a tripod would be useful, though not an absolute must. a proper tripod design would be easier to buy than make due to the lighter materials used.

    Any heads up on a light weight but decent tripod with no long center pole, prefer twist grip legs than lever.
    you guys are a great help
     

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