Camera tripod & head

[kghjr]

I happened across this set up. I've never seen anything like it. Not pushing Manfrotto, it just happens to be, the tripod and head. I just learned about these heads. I've been sticking my camera on the end of the tripod. Wrong! These things have three-axis adjustability, and take quick release shoes for multiple cameras. Both pieces was under $250, but I didn't really shop around. B & H is good for this stuff sometimes. I went on Amazon.



Handles extended


Handles retracted


There is a slightly less 804 model w/o retracting handles.



The tripod



The legs can be locked at different angles separate of each other.




The center post can be perpendicular or horizontal






It made all my other ones obsolete.

[LEAKYSEALS951]

Thanks for posting this.
I have a similar manfrotto setup. Not the same model numbers, but very close in function to what you have. I think mine is an earlier model.

I had either forgotten about (or never knew about) the center post horizontal feature. Sure enough- it's been right there on my tripod all along. There was one point in my past where I could have used that!!!

As I remember this tripod, it's not the lightest out there, but it has been fairly stable for what I have used it for. For all but my largest lenses, it is rock solid. Even with the heavy telephoto, the tripod is adequate (using a different gimball). The price point made it a no brainer for me. The quick releases on the legs have been a godsend on uneven surfaces- and have held up flawlessly.

Overall, it's been a really good setup at a reasonable price. Unless a better setup came up at a yard sale/ pawn shop at an unreasonably better bargain (ie- the seller didn't know what they had)- I could not improve upon it.

Enjoy!

[kghjr]

Right on, discovering a feature you forgot. Correct about not lightweight, but not a total brick either, it's made for heavier cameras, but I use not for a Sony DSC or iPhone with Glif.

[tabs]

I found a Manfrotto 475B Tripod with a Manfrotto 3030 Head and Sling for about $25.00 in a Thrift...

Manfrotto 475B Tripod Pro Geared without Head Black | Full Compass

I plan on using it with a Kowa 82MM Spotting scope, that I bought for 5 bills NIB with nylon carrying case at an auction.

. https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/602247-REG/Kowa_TSN_82SV_TSN_82SV_3_2_82mm_Spotting_Scope.htm l

Lots of the long range paper punchers use the Kowa because the quality of the optics is on a par with the European optics but you don't have the VAT jacking the price.

[jcommin]

I like Manfrotto stuff. I have a tripod set up for my portable easel when I paint plein air. I have a clamp set up I attach to my tripod for a sun shade too. Sturdy and robust - hard to beat. I bought my tripod used at B&H.

[Holger]

Manfrotto is one of the best brands.

[kghjr]

Originally Posted by tabs

I found a Manfrotto 475B Tripod with a Manfrotto 3030 Head and Sling for about $25.00 in a Thrift...

Manfrotto 475B Tripod Pro Geared without Head Black | Full Compass

I plan on using it with a Kowa 82MM Spotting scope, that I bought for 5 bills NIB with nylon carrying case at an auction.

. https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/602247-REG/Kowa_TSN_82SV_TSN_82SV_3_2_82mm_Spotting_Scope.htm l

Lots of the long range paper punchers use the Kowa because the quality of the optics is on a par with the European optics but you don't have the VAT jacking the price.

WOW! We're talking some serious shopping skills here. I'm jealous, no kidding. Very impressive; legendary, I'd say. Super cool equipment too. Paper punchers? Bird watchers?

Originally Posted by jcommin

I like Manfrotto stuff. I have a tripod set up for my portable easel when I paint plein air. I have a clamp set up I attach to my tripod for a sun shade too. Sturdy and robust - hard to beat. I bought my tripod used at B&H.

Robust is a perfect description. I use an old Sony WX350 pocket camera. It looks ridiculous. The iPhone in a Glif looks really weird too, but extremely effective.

Originally Posted by Holger

Manfrotto is one of the best brands.

I'm mimicking my ex, who always had good taste. Why shop at Penny's when there's Neiman-Marcus?

[masraum]

The tripod is cool, but maybe not quite as stable in a tall, vertical arrangement. The head is just a regular pan and tilt head with quick release. I prefer a pistol grip ball head for ease of use over the pan and tilt.

Just about anything with a quick release plate is a nice option.

[wdfifteen]

Looks like the head I have used for years. The pistol grip heads are nice, I have one for my small camera on my little traveling tripod. Good ones for a heavier DSLR & lens are $$$.

[Rickysa]

Funny timing, this thread!

I found my set-up to be lacking on eclipse day...I'd tighten everything down, then the camera/lens would droop a bit. When shooting telephoto, that took the image right out of the frame. I thought I'd update and found out that nowadays, one much purchase the "legs", a head, a plate for the camera, and a clamp to join the head and plate together!

Plate came over the weekend, head and clamp showed up today.

Seems, the older I get, the more I find out I don't know.

[Eric Coffey]

Originally Posted by Rickysa

I thought I'd update and found out that nowadays, one much purchase the "legs", a head, a plate for the camera, and a clamp to join the head and plate together!

Unless things have drastically changed, you should just need a good tripod (the "legs"), and a decent QR head. Some heads may include only one QR plate, or none at all though. So, you may be on the hook for at least one QR plate.
If you have multiple camera bodies, then you would just need to pick up extra QR plates. Else you would be swapping plates out for each camera body, and negating the benefit of the "quick release/mount" feature.

Back in my 35mm days, I went through a couple different Bogen/Manfrotto set-ups, but ultimately ponied up for a Gitzo carbon set-up (carbon legs + QR ball head). Much lighter, which really pays off when packing it around, and rock-solid.
Plus, I much prefer their tension-collar locking system over the traditional levers/clamps, which seem to snag on everything.

Unfortunately, I sold it off years ago along with all of my 35mm gear. However, if I were tripod shopping today, I'd probably still opt for the same set-up, but would shop around for a used one first. YMMV...

[wdfifteen]

I had a Bogen for years, with QR plates for all my cameras. Upgraded to a lighter Manfrotto and had to get all new QR plates. I saw no functional difference between the Bogen and Manfrotto plates and don't see any reason not to have made them compatible since Manfrotto owns Bogen.

[LEAKYSEALS951]

I like the larger handles you've got. Yours also has a better center of pivot than mine, however, mine's knob's make it pretty compact to fit into small bags.



For my larger lenses I have a chineseeeeze gimball which has poor build quality, but is robust and strong. Pictured is a 100-400, but I use it for the much heavier 400 prime, and the duct tape is to protect the L- lense from scratches. It was a cheap, but worthwhile add..(the gimball- not the duct tape)

In addition- I usually keep the tripod center piece completely lowered for stability....only raising it for lighter lenses/no wind scenarios.