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The other day I saw a head that I had not seen before, it was simple to use. Unfortunately the owner had forgotten his plate so I could not try it out.

It looked like the top of an old auto cable handbrake lever. If you pulled one lever back to the head it could be pivotted in all directions. When you released the lever it stayed in that position. I have no idea what it was called.

Has anyone seen/used one? Would they hold a long lens securely?

Oneputt - if it was a ball head it could have been the Manfrotto 322RC2

http://www.manfrotto.com/product/itemlist.php3?manufid=1&sectionid=8

Chris

Thanks for that link Chris - it was either the 222 or the 222NAT and neither look suitable for heavy lenses. The one you mention the 322RC2 looks the goods though.

Oneputt wrote:Thanks for that link Chris - it was either the 222 or the 222NAT and neither look suitable for heavy lenses. The one you mention the 322RC2 looks the goods though.

What heavy lens are you talking about? 600mm/ 1000mm Olga?

Oneputt wrote:Thanks for that link Chris - it was either the 222 or the 222NAT and neither look suitable for heavy lenses. The one you mention the 322RC2 looks the goods though.

I would not recommend the 322 for heavy lens. The combination of a good tripod, be it Manfrotto or Gitzo and a decent head. Others on this forum have the Marklin or Acratech ball heads and seem to be favoured for heavy lens.

Chris

Guys I was thinking in terms of my Sigma 50 - 500. Not sure what it weighs but the 322 is good for 5 kgs.

You both obviously think that there is a better solution?? So pray tell

Your lens weighs approx 1.6kg. The main thing is stability and anti-vibration. The legs have to be good and IMO the head has to be excellent.

Depends on what you are willing to spend and I am sure Birddog will give you his recommendations and costs

Chris

I'm sure that he will and I am looking foward to his input. My existing pod is just not up to the mark.

Oneputt wrote:Guys I was thinking in terms of my Sigma 50 - 500. Not sure what it weighs but the 322 is good for 5 kgs.

You both obviously think that there is a better solution?? So pray tell

Sorry Oneputt, firstly I thought you're going to bid the US$15k lens from eBay which I posted a thread yesterday

Oh yes! the Bigma should be OK with non-decent tripod and head but are you going to stop right there or moving forward or looking up to highger zoom?

Birddog I am staying with the Bigma for at least the foreseable future but will probably add a 1.4 converter at some stage. I loved the head I mentioned previously beacuse it is one touch operation, which like me means that it is simple

I would have loved to have bid on that lens but I want to stay married even more

Oneputt,
Hard to say coz you're in distance and the only member I knew which he has a good Markin 10 head and tripod up there is petal666, perhaps member xerubus or crickettfan can tell you more and let you evaluate their gear at the meet.
If you're in Sydney, welcome to weekly mini meet and workshops so you can try all the tripods + head we currently have.

I'll have to grab one of those cheap airfares and come down to meet you guys some time.

Won't be until after March though because I am off to the Kimberley for a little fishing and photography.

I just bought a Manfrotto 055pro tripod and a 488cr4 ball head. I think the ballhead has a capacity of about 8kg, and has two spirit levels as well as a quick release plate. I set it up at home on the balcony and it seems to work a treat. The tripod capacity is 6kg, so this setup should be good for most lenses.

skyva - any chance of posting a pic of it please?

skyva wrote:I just bought a Manfrotto 055pro tripod and a 488cr4 ball head. I think the ballhead has a capacity of about 8kg, and has two spirit levels as well as a quick release plate. I set it up at home on the balcony and it seems to work a treat. The tripod capacity is 6kg, so this setup should be good for most lenses.

The quoted from Manufacturer about 5,6,7,10kgs is not importatnt.
The most important part in tripod and head are vibration, sturdy, creepy when you have the camera, big zoom lens like the Bigma, or 80-400VR or 70-200VR under windy condition.
If you can prove yourself they are none of above 3 then you're sastified

I will try to post a picture tonight after about 7pm. It seems pretty sturdy but I am only using it with the d70 and kit lens.

skyva wrote:I will try to post a picture tonight after about 7pm. It seems pretty sturdy but I am only using it with the d70 and kit lens.

With the D70 and kit lens, it won't prove you anything, the 25 buck tripod and head will do the job instead of.