Tripod & Head

[TAYLORW619]

I'm considering buying http://www.qualitycamera.com.au/manf...ad-p-4950.html this tripod and head from our site sponsors. What do you guys think?

Is the 498RC2 head better than the 488RC2?

And also the specifications of the 055XPROB is different on the DD Photographics website. Why is this.

All help appreciated, thanks,
Taylor

[TAYLORW619]

Also the colour says it's silver, thats a downside.

[arthurking83]

I'm not a huge fan of Manfrotto heads and legs, but these products have decent reputations.

The 488 head is one I would definitely avoid tho!.. mine has been sitting forlorn for many years now as it's basically so badly worn that it hardly tightens itself up any more.

had a quick peek at the new 498 head and it looks weird and probably more of a compromise compared to a standard ballhead. It doesn't seem to allow the same level of freedom of movement as a normal ballhead. It looks too restricted in the amount of space at the stem ball.
Therefore you'd have to keep the rotating base plate loose as well to allow yourself the same level of movement as a normal ballhead does.
This may also not be a bad thing, after all the two most important aspects are the ability to line the camera up as you need too.. not always how quickly you do it! And rigidity!! The device does look a lot more solid than the 488 head does!(which is not hard.. not a solid ballhead)

if it were my money on the line now... personally I'd go for a higher end Benro setup as my first tripod/head(and then progress from there).

Tripod and head is really dependent on a two factors:
How big is your biggest lens(and any plans for biggie lenses) do you shoot in low light?

If you don't have plans for super tele lenses and only planning to explore the surface of the sun then any tripod can be good. If you want/need better quality you need to pay for it.

How much is this set up going to cost?

[Roof]

i reckon you need to search on this site plenty of tripod threads.

[TAYLORW619]

My biggest lens is the 70-200mm f2.8 IS.

[TAYLORW619]

I ended up purchasing the Manfrotto 055XPROB and the 498RC2 midi ball head.

Does anybody know where I can purchase a second quick release plate? Thanks

[KevPride]

I ended up purchasing the Manfrotto 055XPROB and the 498RC2 midi ball head.

Does anybody know where I can purchase a second quick release plate? Thanks

Try here:
http://cgi.ebay.com.au/One-1-quick-r...item35a98469e7

I have bought items & is a reputable seller on Ebay.

[TAYLORW619]

Thanks for going to the trouble to find the link, but the plates don't support the head i'm getting (986RC2). Do you know of anywhere else apart from ebay?

Thanks