Tripod head.

[glsammy]

I'm looking to change my tripod head. At the moment I've got a Manfrotto Trigger head, which is fine for the odd time I use it with my Bigma, but it's not ideal when using with my MPe-65, the locking and movement method is too cumbersome and liable to too much movement.
I was considering the 468MG Hydrostatic Ball Head. Has anyone here had an experience with this one, or any other for that matter which will give me the control I'm looking for?
For those that don't know, the MP-e65 isn't that heavy, it's just that your working at high magnification and the slightest movement is a real pain, so I'm looking for a head with smooth movement and easy adjustment.

[Jonsfotos]

Graham,

I have the Manfrotto 468MGRC3 Head coupled with a 357 Sliding plate.At the moment its on a Gitzo GM 2541 Monopod and this combo easily supports my Nikon D700 Plus a 300mmAFS 2.8 Lens which is a heavy set up.You can adjust the balance of long and heavy lenses easily on the long 357 plate.I use this set up in the garden instead of setting up my tripod and it`s remarkably steadfast and have had some very good images.The 468 head is superb IMO and would be ideal for what you are looking for.The price is a bit steep though, around £170 and i had to wait nearly 6 weeks for delivery but it was worth the wait.Hope this is of help to you.

Jon

[Geoff F]

I use the Manfrotto 322RC2 ball head which is fine for quick positioning. You just squeeze the handle, move with one hand while looking through the viewfinder and release for a firm grip.

I find it works OK with a Canon 40D plus Sigma 150-500 zoom.

But I did reverse the release handle so I can move it with my left hand while keeping my right hand on the camera button; and my right eye on the viewfinder. I position the adjustable camera connection plate so the handle is at right angles to the camera.

I couldn't work with the handle sticking out behind the camera which made adjustment difficult, and stuck in my throat everytime I approached the viewfinder.

[glsammy]

Originally Posted by Geoff F

I use the Manfrotto 322RC2 ball head which is fine for quick positioning. You just squeeze the handle, move with one hand while looking through the viewfinder and release for a firm grip.

I find it works OK with a Canon 40D plus Sigma 150-500 zoom.

But I did reverse the release handle so I can move it with my left hand while keeping my right hand on the camera button; and my right eye on the viewfinder. I position the adjustable camera connection plate so the handle is at right angles to the camera.

I couldn't work with the handle sticking out behind the camera which made adjustment difficult, and stuck in my throat everytime I approached the viewfinder.

Thanks Geoff.
I don't think that one would do for the specific job I'm looking at. My current head is the upright version of yours, the 222. The problem is that even pressing the trigger moves the camera too much when using the MPe65 Macro lens. I think I need one that allows very simple even pressure to adjust without having to press or squeeze anything.
As I said, when using with my Bigma, my 222 head works just fine, it's purely when using at high magnification (greater than 2:1) that the problems arise.

[glsammy]

Originally Posted by Jonsfotos

Graham,

I have the Manfrotto 468MGRC3 Head coupled with a 357 Sliding plate.At the moment its on a Gitzo GM 2541 Monopod and this combo easily supports my Nikon D700 Plus a 300mmAFS 2.8 Lens which is a heavy set up.You can adjust the balance of long and heavy lenses easily on the long 357 plate.I use this set up in the garden instead of setting up my tripod and it`s remarkably steadfast and have had some very good images.The 468 head is superb IMO and would be ideal for what you are looking for.The price is a bit steep though, around £170 and i had to wait nearly 6 weeks for delivery but it was worth the wait.Hope this is of help to you.

Jon

Thanks Jon.
Just what I'd hoped to find. I see that Warehouse Express are currently doing it for £133. A lot of money, but I do enjoy using the MPe65, and I'd enjoy it even more if I could get the support the way I want it.
Can you confirm that you adjust it by applying pressure? I.e. you don't have to turn knobs or press triggers?
My current set up uses quick release plates but I wouldn't need that with 468, at least with my proposed set up. I have a rail attachment which would fix directly to the head, with my camera mounted onto that. The rail deals with left/right and forward/backward adjustment, I just need the tripod head to deal smoothly with the up and down part.

[Jonsfotos]

Graham,
There are a couple of knobs on the head, one is for an independently - lockable panoramic base, the other is a large rubberised lock knob which actually locks the Teflon ball..There is a friction control situated at the end of the lock Knob to fine tune the control.It has a smooth action with no "creep" at the point of locking.Once set in the required position, it is solid and i mean solid.Obviously to change camera/lens position or angle all that is required is to slacken off the tension on the lock knob and adjust the camera /lens either up or down and then re-tension for a secure lock... it`s quick and easy.By the way, when i purchased the head, it came as a package with the 357 plate that pushed the price to around £170.The head without the plate at £130 is indeed a good price.

Jon.

[Andy Warne]

Hi Graham, the Manfrotto 410 is an excellent piece of kit for macro work. It is geared so very precise movement is possible by turning three knobs, one for each axis. Once you have positioned the head it just stays there, no need to lock it up so no unwanted movement.
They sell for about £130.

[glsammy]

Originally Posted by Andy Warne

Hi Graham, the Manfrotto 410 is an excellent piece of kit for macro work. It is geared so very precise movement is possible by turning three knobs, one for each axis. Once you have positioned the head it just stays there, no need to lock it up so no unwanted movement.
They sell for about £130.

Many thanks Andy.

I've looked at the specs for this one and it sounds ideal. I like the fact there's nothing to lock/unlock. Geared adjustment should be perfect for macro work.
It's about the same price as the 468, I think this one could do the job nicely.