Tripods and heads - a small guide

[VC]

For those of you looking at tripods its a very confusing place out there regarding what's good to buy and what's simply flimsy non durable rubbish.  Considering the price of some of the equipment that you'll be balancing on top of it, the investment on a decent tripod and head is definitely worth it.

After a couple of weeks of trawling the interwebs, asking advice on various forums and photography website i soon learnt what's good, what's bad and what's functional.

Best of the bunch, or at least the manufacturer that keeps on coming out on top for both keen amateurs and pro's alike is Manfrotto, so here's a guide should it be of any use to people that have been thinking about one or are currently looking to get something

I use mainly now the Canon EOS 450d and opted for the 055XPROB tripod as i'm over 6ft tall 


--------------------------------

Since 1974 Manfrotto have been producing high quality, functional and inovative camera supports for the most demanding photographers. The Manfrotto range comprises a series of leg options complemented by a range of head options. This modular approach enables the photographer to custom build their ideal camera support solution.

A tripod, frankley noone wants one, they are bulky, heavy and inconvenient. However, without a tripod you are not achieveing the quality that your camera is capable of producing. It is pretty much the only photographic accessory that will improve the quality of your output, yet many photographers will spend hundreds of pounds on the latest lens or camera body in the pursute of photographic perfection, and ignore this essential component.

What do I need to buy? Which head is compatible with which leg set? What is the best combination for me? These are questions we are often asked by photographers who are trying to understand the Manfrotto range. We have drawn on our experience selling Manfrotto to bring you a selection of kit combinations that we believe will enhance your photographic skills and provide you with a superb camera support for years to come.

There are some important considerations when selecting the ideal tripod combination -

How tall are you and how often will you use the tripod? - This is important; too long bending over to see through the viewfinder can be painful.

How heavy is your equipment? - Make sure the tripod you buy is 'man' enough for your expectations and equipment.

How heavy a tripod are you willing to carry? - The heavier the tripod the more stable it is, but it's no use if you can't get it to where the pictures are!

What type of photography do you do? - Make sure the tripod and head have the correct features to match the work you intend to do.
 
Do you need to travel with the tripod? - Some tripods will fit into hand luggage; this might be an important consideration.

In short there is no simple answer. Buying a tripod is normally a series of compromises - weight vs height, stability vs weight, features vs price etc.


LIGHTWEIGHT LEG OPTIONS

Below is a summary of the Manfrotto leg options - for most users the 190X or 055X Series tripods are most suitable.
190X Series Legs designed to load to 5KG. Compact for easy use and portability. If you stand over 5ft 10" tall consider 055 series for more comfortable working height.

190XDB   Basic legs - screw leg locks, no low angle adaptor
190XB   Same as XDB but with fasy action lever leg locks and low angle adaptor
190XPROB   As XB also Features 90 degree centre column (cross arm) great for Macro
190CX3   Carbon Fibre version of XB model
190CXPRO3   Carbon Fibre version of XPROB model
190CXPRO4   Carbon Fibre version of XPROB model - compact 4 legs section fold - good travel option
055X Series Legs - designed to load to 7KG (8KG Carbon Fibre models). Compact for easy use and portability. If you stand under 5ft 10" tall consider 190 series for more comfortable working height.
055XDB   Basic legs - screw leg locks, no low angle adaptor
055XB   Same as XDB but with fast action lever leg locks and low angle adaptor
055XPROB   As XB also Features 90 degree centre column (cross arm) great for Macro
055CX3   Carbon Fibre version of XB model
055CXPRO3   Carbon Fibre version of XPROB model
055CXPRO4   Carbon Fibre version of XPROB model - compact 4 legs section fold - good travel option

The best value / featured legs are the 190XPROB and 055XPROB models. These offer great specification and are only a little more expensive than their XDB and XB family members.
The Carbon Fibre debate - is it worth spending the extra for Carbon Fibre? For some photographers undoubtedly yes, if weight is critical then you cannot beat Carbon Fibre. Additionally they offer increased rigidity over their aluminium counterparts, useful if being used with heavier telephoto / telephoto zoom lenses.

If you are not intending to circum navigate the Lake District or trek the Andes then the aluminium versions are absolutely perfect for the majority of users.


HEAVY DUTY & SPECIALIST LEGS OPTIONS

Neotec 458B - designed to load upto 8KG. Heavy duty tripod solution with rapid set ups and take down. Ideal for location work including weddings
NEOTEC 458B   Leverless rapid action leg locking system similar spec to 055XPROB
In the studio!- designed to load upto 20KG (161MK2). Very heavy duty tripod solutions for accessable locations
475B   Heavy duty leg set with leg bracing - good for location work where stability is crucial
058B   Similar to the 475B but with rapid action leg adjustment for quick adjustments - great for fashion studio work
161MK2   The 'Daddy' of the Manfrotto range great for large format equipments and large lens set ups - also large observation / astro binoculars
Video Tripods - With the correct head the 190 or 055XB models are good for basic video use. The best option, however, is to invest in a dedicated video solution with levelling bowl
547B   Skeletal design levelling bowl - sold as a kit with 701HDV or 501HDV head with or without case
525MVB   Skeletal design with 75mm levelling bowl - sold as a kit with 501HDV, 503HDV or 519 head and case

[VC]

Below is a summary of the Manfrotto head options, i use an 804RC2 3 way head- as a rule of thumb if you are into considered compositional photography use a 3 way head. For rapid set up (action photography) then a ball and socket or Joystick ball head is better. If you do a bit of both then a ball head with separate pan locking control is a good option.
Ball and Socket Heads- perfect choice for photographers who demand rapid composition - sports, widlife, reportage etc . All the models we stock accept quick release plates where available.

MN492   Micro ball head - ideal for use on lightduty Monopods (no quick release option)
MN494RC2   Mini ball head - great for monopods / lightduty tripods uses 200PL14 release plate
MN496RC2   Compact ball head - good match to 190 series tripods and pro monopods uses 200PL14 release plate
MN498RC2   Midi ball head - good match to 190 & 055 series tripods features separate pan lock uses 200PL14 release plate
MN498RC4   Midi ball head - same as 498RC2 uses larger 410 release plate (Larger for bigger lenses / medium format
MN468MG SERIES   Hydrostatic ball head for maximum lock off - for heavier loads - available with various release plate options
Joystick grip action ball heads- perfect choice for photographers who demand rapid composition - sports, widlife, reportage etc. Very quick to use - not ideal for compositional photography
MN222RC2   Best used on a monopod - not ideal when being used in the portrait aspect with heavier duty items uses 200PL14 release plate
MN322RC2   Heavier duty version of the MN222RC2 features right or left handed use, uses 200PL14 release plate
3 way heads- perfect choice for photographers who demand compositional control allows individual adjustment for each plane perfect when you have time to compose
MN056   Basic 3 way head - good positioning no quick release plate
MN460MG   Lightweight head ideal for use on 190 tripods & Carbon Fibre models uses 200PL14 release plate
MN391RC2   Coventional tripod head with ability to accept small camcorder uses 200PL14 release plate
MN804RC2   Ideal standard 3 way head - good on 190 series tripods (or 055 series for taller user)
MN808RC4   Good match to 055 series tripods uses 410 release plate (Larger for bigger lenses / medium format)
3 way geared heads- perfect choice for photographers who demand precise compositional control allows fine geared individual adjustment for each plane superb for all still life applications
MN410   Good match to 190 or 055 series tripods uses 410 release plate (Larger for bigger lenses / medium format)
MN405   Good Match to 055 series tripods uses 410 release plate (Larger for bigger lenses / medium format)
MN400   Heavy duty professional geared head for use with studio legs set options
2 way heads- perfect choice for video use, spotting scopes or for smooth panning and tilting movements ie Motor sport or wildlife photography
MN128RC   Popular budget smooth action head for 190 & 055 tripods uses 200PL14 release plate
MN700RC2   Ideal for lightweight video cameras on 190 series tripods uses 200PL14 release plate
MN701HDV   Entry level HDV video head for 190 or 055 tripods uses 501PL release plate
MN501HDV   Superb heavier duty fluid effect head for 055 series tripods (and video series) uses 501PL release plate
MN503HDV   Superb heavier duty fluid head for ultra smooth panning for 055 series tripods (and video series) uses 501PL release plate
MN519   Professional heavy duty fluid head system
Panoramic Heads- Specialist heads enabling the creation of 'stitched' panoramic photographs and VR tours - best used with a levelling base MN438 or MN338
MN627   Entry level basic panoramic adaptor head
MN300N   Easy to use 360 degree panoramic head
MN303PLUS   Advanced 360 degree panoramic head can be used in both portrait and landscape aspect
MN303SPH   As 303PLUS also enables the production of Virtual Tours by offering the ability to create 360 degree all round panoramas


Hopefully the leg and head summary is giving you a good starting point. Below are some of our most popular combinations and a suitability guide. Remember if your requirements change you can simply purchase an alternative head to suit.
190X Series combinations each kit is available with or without the dedicated Manfrotto carry case
190XPROB / 804RC2   Superb all rounder great for compositional photography and macro applications MAX LOAD 4KG max user height 5ft 10" (for comfort)
190XPROB / 496RC2   Great for rapid set ups where composition is less crucial MAX LOAD 5KG max user height 5ft 10" (for comfort)
190XPROB / 498RC2   Features larger ball head with separate pan locking control better compositional control than 496RC2 option yet still quick MAX LOAD 5KG max user height 5ft 10" (for comfort)
190XPROB / 322RC2   Super speedy set up less good for compositional photography MAX LOAD 5KG max user height 5ft 10" (for comfort)
190CXPRO3 or PRO4 / 460MG   Superb lightweight kit great for compositional, travel and macro photography applications MAX LOAD 3KG max user height 5ft 10" (for comfort)
190CXPRO3 or PRO4 / 496RC2   Great for rapid set ups where composition is less crucial MAX LOAD 5KG max user height 5ft 10" (for comfort)
055X Series combinations each kit is available with or without the dedicated Manfrotto carry case
055XPROB / 804RC2   Superb all rounder great for compositional photography and macro applications MAX LOAD 4KG for users over 5ft 10"
055XPROB / 808RC4   Superb all rounder great for compositional photography and macro applications for heavier kit MAX LOAD 7KG for users over 5ft 10"
055XPROB / 498RC4   Features larger ball head with separate pan locking great all round rapid action head MAX LOAD 7KG for users over 5ft 10"
055XPROB / 322RC2   Super speedy set up less good for compositional photography MAX LOAD 5KG for users over 5ft 10"
055CXPRO3 or PRO4 / 460MG   Superb tall lightweight kit great for compositional, travel and macro photography applications MAX LOAD 3KG for users over 5ft 10"
055CXPRO3 or PRO4 / 498RC4   Features larger ball head with separate pan locking great all round rapid action head MAX LOAD 7KG for users over 5ft 10"

Manfrotto produce a range of compact tripods designed for lighterweight digital equipment. These tripods are suitable for compact, bridge and some of the lightest SLR cameras and are not part of the modular system above. Therefore the heads cannot be removed. Please ensure your equipment is within the specified allowed weight.
MODO 785B   Innovative grip head tripod for lightweight still and video cameras MAX LOAD 1KG
DIGI 725B   Fantastic travel tripod with fitted ball head ideal for consumer SLR MAX LOAD 3.5KG
7322YSHB   Ultra compact tripod with fitted ball head MAX LOAD 2KG
7322YB   Larger version of the 7322YSHB with fitted ball head MAX LOAD 2KG
7321YB   Compact tripod with 3 way head - also OK for camcorder MAX LOAD 2.5KG
7302YB   Fantastic travel tripod with fitted ball head ideal for consumer SLR MAX LOAD 3.5KG
7301YB   Fantastic travel tripod with fitted 3 way head ideal for consumer SLR MAX LOAD 3.5KG

 Monopod can be an excellent alternative / complement to a tripod. Excellent when travelling light, when working space is restricted or if you want to be more discreet. Extremely good when used with image stabalized lenses. To get the most out of a monopod we would strongly recommend the purchase of either a tilt or ball and socket head.
Modo 790B   Lightduty monopod ideal for compact equipment MAX LOAD 1KG
776YB   Lightweight monopod for digital equipment MAX LOAD 4.5KG
679B   Heavy duty professional monopod accepts additional optional heads MAX LOAD 10KG Height 156cm
680B   Compact folding professional monopod accepts additional optional heads MAX LOAD 10KG Height 154cm
681B   Heavier duty professional monopod accepts additional optional heads MAX LOAD 12KG Height 161cm
682B   Self standing professional monopod accepts additional optional heads MAX LOAD 12KG Height 172cm
685B NEOTEC   Self locking leg system rapid set up and take down accepts additional optional heads MAX LOAD 8KG Height 170cm
694CX   4 leg section Carbon Fibre lightweight professional monopod accepts additional optional heads MAX LOAD 12KG Height 172cm
695CX   5 leg section Carbon Fibre compact folding lightweight professional monopod accepts additional optional heads MAX LOAD 12KG Height 172cm
560B-1   Great for video or photographing moving subjects features integrated fluid effect ball joint for smooth panning, in built feet and fitted tilt head MAX LOAD 12KG Height 172cm

Hopefully this will help some of you to make an informed decision, HTH 

[JPC]

oh man, thats a lot of reading! but i know i wont be able to not read it tonight!

[VC]

luckily though, if youre after a decent tripod and/or head you will only need to read it once 

my tripod rules, from almost ground level right up to 2 meters and it can also flip the center pole to a horizontal position for macro shooting etc

[Moschops]

Mr C, what about Giottos Tri-pods too, these ones come with a 5 year warranty 

Just a link to Amazon...

http://www.amazon.co.uk/s?ie=UTF8&search-type=ss&index=electronics-uk&field-keywords=Giottos

[VC]

dont get me wrong, i'm not discounting other brands 

the manfrotto is simply superb, and a personal choice 

however, different tripods suit different people and their needs