Bogen / Manfrotto Tripod with Grip Action Ballhead

eichert12

I've been reading some threads hear on dgrin, as well as on other sites looking for a tripod. I had the following tripod recommended to me and I wanted to see if anyone has any experience with it or general thoughts.

Bogen / Manfrotto 055XWNB Tripod Legs (Black) with 3265 Grip-Action Ballhead (Quick Release)

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/506646-REG/Bogen_Manfrotto__055XWNB_Tripod_Legs_Black_.html

Cheers,
Steve

gryphonslair99

eichert12 wrote:

I've been reading some threads hear on dgrin, as well as on other sites looking for a tripod. I had the following tripod recommended to me and I wanted to see if anyone has any experience with it or general thoughts.

Bogen / Manfrotto 055XWNB Tripod Legs (Black) with 3265 Grip-Action Ballhead (Quick Release)

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/506646-REG/Bogen_Manfrotto__055XWNB_Tripod_Legs_Black_.html

Cheers,
Steve

I've not use the 055 legs, but I hear good things about them. I have the older 3021XB Pro legs I have tried the 3265 grip and dislike it very much. Not that a grip action head is bad. That syle of head however is unstable as it sticks up quite a ways. My perferrence in a grip-action head it the 322 RC2. head.
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/303591-REG/Bogen_Manfrotto_322RC2_322RC2_Grip_Action_Ballhead.html
Much more stable, the grip can be placed on the right or the left of if you want that 3265 style you can put the QR plate on the end.

This is what I use only the legs are black.
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/351380-REG/Bogen_Manfrotto__3021Pro_Tripod_with_322RC.html

The 322 is a real nice head IMO for things like portrats. It is quick to adjust and easy to use. You can get a grip mountable shutter release for the 322 RC2 head as well.

For general shooting I prefer the 488 RC2 head.
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/272779-REG/Bogen_Manfrotto_488RC2_488RC2_Midi_Ball_Head.html
Easier to lug around as it is not as bulky. A very sturdy head that is quite versitle. It's not as quick to adjust as the 322, but then for landscapes, nature photograpy etc, it doesn't usually have to be.

For Macro and precision work I prefer the 804 RC2 pan/tilt head.
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/434497-REG/Bogen_Manfrotto_804RC2_804RC2_3_Way_Pan_Tilt_Head.html
For me at least, this head is very good for making those minor adjustments quickly without the expense of a $400-$1000 geared head. Although a gear head would be quicker and more accurate.

eichert12

Thanks for all the recommendations and links! I'll definitely be adding them to my list of combinations to evaluate. There are so many options it's tough to decide what to go with so you're advice is very much appreciated.