[M_Six]

I was cleaning out our IT storage area last week and pulled out nasty looking tripod that had canvas ammo bags taped everywhere and worm-screw clamps holding these weird plates and platforms on the legs. I stripped everything off to reveal a very nice Bogen 3100 tripod. It cleaned up nice, so now I'm going to use it. The head that was on it was obviously made to hold a large video camera, so I need a new head to use with my T1i. I don't use a tripod much, but I'd still like a decent head on it. I'm thinking about buying the Manfrotto 498RC2 ball head. Anyone use one of these? Any suggestions for something else in the same relative price range? (~$100)

[Chewy734]

I have the 486RC2 and love it. I bought it nearly 2 years ago for $60.

[M_Six]

Just ordered it. Great reviews and I'm a noob with tripods, so I'm sure to be happy with it for the foreseeable future.

The local CL has a Nikon D3100 kit NIB for $380. Seems like a decent deal, although I really have no need for it. I'm almost suspicious of the deal.

[Chewy734]

Can't go wrong with manfrotto. I liked the feel of a ball head better than a grip one.

[dcstep]

Keep that video head for the future. If you ever get a supertele, then you can use it for panning and steady shots.

[M_Six]

Originally Posted by dcstep

Keep that video head for the future. If you ever get a supertele, then you can use it for panning and steady shots.

Yeah, it'll go back on the storage shelf. Big sucker, though. For one of those old video cameras that took full size tapes.

[immiketoo]

After several failed attempts at cheap tripods, I bought a carbon fiber Gitzo. Its awesome. A bit spendy though.

[rodi]

any photos of that old video head?

[M_Six]

I'll get some up. It's university property, though. Just FYI.

[Weebl]

I did a 468 ball head and most of the time wish it was a 229.
I wanted the larger head to support the weight and not come close to maxing out the head.

[M_Six]

Originally Posted by rodi

any photos of that old video head?

Bogen 3126

[Chewy734]

you steal it bro?

[dcstep]

Originally Posted by M_Six

Bogen 3126

Yeah, keep that. It'd be a decent video head. It's too clunky as a gimbal for birds in flight with a big lens, but if you decide to use the video capacities of your modern DSLR, that head would come in handy for smooth panning.

Dave

[M_Six]

Originally Posted by Chewy734

you steal it bro?

Nah, still sitting in my office. It'll go back on the shelf with the other extra parts. My new Manfrotto head is being delivered today, though. So I'm bringing the tripod home.

[M_Six]

Got the 498RC2. *Way* more substantial than I thought it would be. Very nicely made. Between the weight of the head and the sturdiness of the tripod, I won't be worrying about every little breeze that comes along.

[rodi]

no es fluid head. no es bueno.