My 3001 came with the 3028 Super 3D tilt/pan head. Extremely flexible but
has certain limitations. To summarize, if you're gonna get a tilt/pan head,
I'd strongly recommend looking at Bogen/Manfrotto's new head with quick
release and three (3-count 'em-3) bubble levels. It's about $65 or so.
Yeh, that's about double the price of the 3D and Super 3D heads, but... I'm
thinking horizon leveling, architectural shooting, etc.
Otherwise, I really like the 3265 pistol grip ballhead, also about $65 or
so. It has a single bubble level, but positioned where it really doesn't do
much good, kinda like the Slik U-212's. Folks who've used the 3265 for a
while tell me it's fine for lenses up to 300mm, but may creep a bit with
heavier loads. Also the 3265 adds 5" or so of height which may help with
shortish 'pods.
[Excessive detail alert:] Like I said, the 3028 Super 3D head is very
versatile. Great for everything from compact to 8x10 cameras. The largish
cork-covered platform *can* interfere with mounting of certain lenses like
the shifters. Fortunately the large "T" shaped slot facilitates lots of
room for positioning the camera so all controls operate properly and lenses
fit. But it may not necessarily be in the position you'd prefer. That can
make a big difference in handling ease, because if you're accustomed to the
platform tilting one direction and instead it flops another, crunching your
thumb in the process, causing you to cuss and stomp around in little
circles, well... you get the idea.
So, after having used a tilt/pan head for a few years I'd strongly recommend
it to anyone using 35mm, MF and LF cameras, but not to someone using just
35mm. A ballhead would be better. Unless horizon leveling is critical or
you use a shift lens. Then be sure to get a tilt/pan head with bubble
levels.
Aside from the 3265 grip action ballhead I really like the Giottos
ballheads. Super smooth and priced about the same as Bogen/Manfrottos,
which tend to require lots of use to smooth 'em out according to folks I
know who use 'em. But the same is true of B/M's cone bearings on their
tilt/pan heads.
Lex
===
From: Frank Berryman <FAB@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Subject: RE: [OM] Re: Bogen tripod [Was Need advice: 38/2.8]
Date: Sun, 27 Aug 2000 21:45:37 -0500
Which head did you purchase with it? Should I get a pan and tilt or a
ball?
-----Original Message-----
From: Dave Bulger [mailto:david_bulger@xxxxxxxxxxxx]
Sent: Sunday, August 27, 2000 8:14 PM
Subject: RE: [OM] Re: Need advice: 38/2.8
I went out & bought a Manfrotto/Bogen 3401 today. I like it. It's got the
center-post-parallel-to-the-ground feature, both a short and long center
post, is fairly light for a non-composite, will drop the center point of
the
lens down to around 8" _without_ reversing the center post. And it's
actually the first tripod I've owned that extended the camera _above_ my
eyes without center post extension.
Dave
> -----Original Message-----
>
> This is one area where the Slik U-212 Deluxe is truly
> versatile - as a macro
> 'pod. Mount the head on the leg that's already fitted with a
> mounting bolt;
> remove the center column; extend the leg angles as far as
> they'll go, or to
> one's preferences; fire away. Since the leg sections aren't
> extended for
> this use they don't wobble (Slik's fancy-schmancy square
> section tubing
> really ain't a great solution).
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