3 way Tripod heads

[PaulE]

I'm thinking of getting a decent 3 way tripod head for my old tripod. I'm not sure I will get on with a ball head given how fiddly they seem to set just right and I'm very impatient so a 3 way head seems like it may be the way forward...

So far the Manfrotto 804RC2 seems to catch my eye as being pretty good value for money and does all I need but are there any others (around the same price) out there that are better in terms of design or value that I should look at?

Paul.

[StephenL]

Re: 3 way Tripod heads

Don't know about price comparison, but I'm very fond of my Manfrotto 460MG, at about £65.

[Dogcow]

Re: 3 way Tripod heads

I am using a 804 RC2 with my E-3 and it really is value for money.

[Invicta]

Re: 3 way Tripod heads

I'm thinking of getting a decent 3 way tripod head for my old tripod. I'm not sure I will get on with a ball head given how fiddly they seem to set just right and I'm very impatient so a 3 way head seems like it may be the way forward...

So far the Manfrotto 804RC2 seems to catch my eye as being pretty good value for money and does all I need but are there any others (around the same price) out there that are better in terms of design or value that I should look at?

Paul.

Hi

I have a new, unused Manfrotto 808RC4 head that I am looking to sell. Just let me know if it is of interest to you.


The specs are available here on the Manfrotto site:

http://www.manfrotto.com/Jahia/site/...d/4433/lang/en

[PaulE]

Re: 3 way Tripod heads

Don't know about price comparison, but I'm very fond of my Manfrotto 460MG, at about £65.

I had initially looked quite closely at the 460MG but the short stubby locking knobs put me off a little, seemed like they could be a little bit fiddly? given my sausage fingers.

Hi

I have a new, unused Manfrotto 808RC4 head that I am looking to sell. Just let me know if it is of interest to you.


The specs are available here on the Manfrotto site:

http://www.manfrotto.com/Jahia/site/...d/4433/lang/en

Thanks for the heads up Invicta but that particular model would be a little bit OTT for my needs, I think, I just don't use a tripod often enough to warrant their flagship 3 way head -as nice as it looks and sounds. I'm sure there must be someone here who would want it and be able to make full use of its potential... thanks anyway though.

[Archphoto]

Re: 3 way Tripod heads

I have the 804RCII, liked it and replaced it by the Manfrotto 410 geared head because I am into architectural photography.
The 410 is a bit of overkill for the Oly (it can handle much more), but it is the smallest they have.

For general use the 804RCII looks to me made for the Oly's.

Peter

[terryw]

Re: 3 way Tripod heads

Paul

I've been using a Manfrotto 056 Junior 3d for some years now with no problems.

Could be ideal for your fingers since it has decent size levers that can be operated quickly by use of the spring loaded splines they are on.

Good price and well made. www.speedgraphic.co.uk have them for a mere £27.95
incl. VAT plus carriage.

Hope this helps.

Terry

[StephenL]

Re: 3 way Tripod heads

I shouldn't worry about that - they are about 1.25 inches diameter and easily operated with gloves on. Granted they are shortish, but they are well positioned.

I had initially looked quite closely at the 460MG but the short stubby locking knobs put me off a little, seemed like they could be a little bit fiddly? given my sausage fingers.

[250swb]

Re: 3 way Tripod heads

If you are only looking at three way heads because of the slippage and mechnical movement when tightening the normal ball head there is a solution, the Manfrotto 468MGRC2. This is a 'hydrostatic' head that uses oil. The tightening action is smooth and hardly noticable and there is zero slippage with a typical setup of E3 and 50-200mm even with the camera body attached to the head rather than the lens via its foot mount.

Steve

[DekHog]

Re: 3 way Tripod heads

the Manfrotto 468MGRC2

Nice, but I think the price of that (around £200) would frighten most people off!

[johnwb]

Re: 3 way Tripod heads

Hi Paul
I would agree with your intended choice of the 804rc2. I purchased one from Amazon @ £46.44 with free delivery and it arrived last week. Very efficient piece of equipment, works very well, sturdy and reliable. You need to know that it has a 3/8 dia female thread for fixing, so if you have a 1/4 male coupling on your tripod you will need a 3/8 to 1/4 thread adaptor at approx cost of £2-£3. I think Jessop's may supply?

John WB

[PaulE]

Re: 3 way Tripod heads

Well I bit the bullet last week and bought the Manfrotto 804RC2 and so far I've been very impressed with it it's sturdy compact and lightweight compared with the previous load of rubbish that was on the tripod when I got it (was rescued from a skip so couldn't have been choosy with the head at the time )

The more I'm using it the smoother it's getting - the first 5 mins or so of playing and I was a bit worried it was a bit rough and jerky but has already bedded in. I'm not really sure how useful that spring is on the up down axis but equally it's not doing any harm either. The best bit for me though was the quick release plate, it really is very quick and surprisingly solid once it's locked.

One thing worth highlighting again (as johnwb mentions above) is the need for a 3/8 to 1/4 adapter for alot / most? tripods with the Manfroto heads. I didn't order one with Amazon along with the head as they seemed to be ridiculously overpriced at the time, for what it is, instead I made one myself by drilling and tapping a short section of 3/8 bolt cut a groove in the top to aid fitting / removing with a screwdriver before giving the thread a dose of copper grease to stop anything ever rusting / seizing.

Anyway I've yet to find anything that's really wrong with it and I can't see how it could really be designed / maufactured any better so I'm happy would recommend this head to anyone who is looking for a decent 3 way head...

Thanks to all those who provided some input on this topic
Paul.

[iMac]

Re: 3 way Tripod heads

I too just picked up the Manfrotto 804RC2, haven't had a chance to really try it out yet but it is very smooth and tight, looking forward to the weekend to try it out if the weather stays nice.

[Melaka]

Re: 3 way Tripod heads

Hi

I have a new, unused Manfrotto 808RC4 head that I am looking to sell. Just let me know if it is of interest to you.


The specs are available here on the Manfrotto site:

http://www.manfrotto.com/Jahia/site/...d/4433/lang/en

PM sent

David

[Invicta]

Re: 3 way Tripod heads

PM sent

David

Apologies, been away with work a lot recently. PM reply sent.