I don't much like twist locks and the design of the clamp locks on the
Bogen/Manfrotto tripods is quiite nice. However, I STRONGLY recommend
that anyone interested in the Bogen CF tripods try them out in person
before buying. The leg/lock design results in a rather thin cross
section on the bottom leg section, especially on the 4 section version.
Standing in a camera store trying out several alternatives, I found the
Bogens to be the least stable/vibration free of the several Gitzo,
Velbon, Hakuba and Bogen/Manfrotto CF models I tried. I went in biased
in favor of the Bogens, but couldn't convince myself to buy one. I
believe the Hakuba 6240 I ended up with is far superior at the basic
function of a tripod - holding the camera and lens steady.
I also recommend doing hands on evaluation of heads. After lots of
reading of list postings and web browsing, I went in to try some heads
out. After lots of playing, I was impressed by the Velbon PH-253. I had
heard nothing about it in all my reading. It's amazingly small and light
cast magnesium, yet is smooth and easily clamps very securely. I went
home and could find almost nothing about it on the web when I looked,
but did find good words about its big brother, the PH-263. I also
realized the head on my little Velbon 343E was its little brother, a
PH-243. The next day, I took down an OM and the Tokina 150-500/5.6, a 5
lb. lens. The 5.6oz. (159gr) head held them easily! I opted to go
without QR plates to keep weight down. Unlike some small ball heads, the
thumb wheel on the PH-253 is quick, convienient and secure. Combined
with the Hakuba tripod, the weight is a little less than 4 lbs. for a
very sturdy system that will support the biggest camera lens combos I
have and that is actully practical to carry on a hike.
Don't think I am against Bogen, just the current CF models. I love my
Bogen 3236 with 3047 head. It's rock solid at any height with every
nearly every feature I could wish for, but the combo weighs 14lb, so it
doesn't go far from house or car.
Moose
VS wrote:
Yes, that's why I'm thinking of getting a Manfrotto one. They advertise
that they _repair_ their tripods if something goes wrong.
If convenience is a big factor in using you might try quick release
plates as well.
Yeah, I'm not skimping on head and QR plates.
Saso
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