Chuck,
You may be referring to the Bogen 3021Pro tripod. I have one, and the center
post can be removed to go horizontal. There are two things that I don't like
about it. 1) The threading of the center column that screws into the portion
that the head attaches to is a fine thread. It is a long bolt which takes a lot
of turns to attach/detach. They should have used a coarser thread. This is the
part that must be disconnected to switch from vertical to horizontal. 2) The
locking mechanism for the sections of the legs can do a very good job of
pinching you.
Having said that, I'd buy this tripod again, but in the carbon fiber version,
the 055MF3. Cut the weight and reduce vibration.
I have the short column, it ain't worth it. I bought a second "normal" column
so I could have a second upper portion to make it easy to swap heads. So if you
want to quick change between heads, you'll need to buy a second center column so
add that into the pricing.
I have an Acratech (Ultimate, not the V2) ball head and a Bogen geared head. I
am not a back packing type but I can tell you the 3021 tripod and the geared
head is something you don't want to be hefting around a lot. I would imagine
that the 055MF3 with the Acratech would be sweet combo for weight. But forget
that ball head for macro work.
Jay
>The Cullman extension arm is interesting in that it tilts up and down.
>My old Manfrotto (can't recall the number) allows a related trick by
>pulling the center column out and inserting it horizontally in another
>socket. It doesn't tilt up and down but the tripod will splay its legs
>out to get very close to the ground. If you don't pull the center
>column and set it horizontally when going close to the ground you need
>to use the optional stubby center column (only about 6" long) which I
>also have. Not sure I've ever used it though. I never have it with me.
>
>This isn't the same model but does have the horizontal arrangement for
>the center column. If I were buying another tripod for macro something
>similar would be on my must have list... something to allow the camera
>to be cantileverd out from the center of the tripod.
><http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/222612->REG/Bogen_Manfrotto_3001BPRO_300
1BPRO_Tripod_Legs_Black_.html>
>
>Chuck Norcutt
usher99@xxxxxxx wrote:
>> Well soon time to get serious and pick a new tripod. The current one
>> doesn't work that well with the Tamron 400+1.4 TC or the Celestron 750
>> CAT. The Velbon Ultramaxi is OK for travel. The recurrent shrinking leg
>> syndrome of the current one is no longer bearable. I suppose I may wish
>> to lug the new one on some trips. I realize the goals are somewhat
>> mutually exclusive. It will be used for macro a bunch. One list member
>> recentrly chose this guy:
>> http://www.ephotozine.com/article/Manfrotto-458B-NEOTEC-PRO-Photo-Tripod
>>
>> Was thinking of something like the Gitzo 2530 that replaced the 1259. I
>> think that was the one that RRS liked as a backpacking pod. Jeff had
>> mentioned that one before which got my attention.
>>
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/475926-REG/Gitzo_GT2530_GT_2530_Mountainee
r_6X_Carbon.html
>>
>> The 2530ex or 2540EX apparently go to ground level for macro:
>>
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/475935-REG/Gitzo_GT2530EX_GT_2530EX_Explor
er_6X_Carbon.html
>>
>> http://tinyurl.com/2su3cu
>>
>> in case it wrapped.
>>
>>
>> The 2530LVL (head leveling) also is very interesting, though looks
>> primarily a distinct advantage for panos---I don't try that often,
>> though would like to try more. I have never used one, ever. ( I recall
>> Moose's caveat about buying a cam w/o holding it but never a tripod)
>> Perhaps the ability to go to ground level is not as critical with use
>> of the Cullman extension arm--though is something extra to carry:
>> http://lists.tako.de/html/Olympus-OM/2007-11/msg01989.html
>>
>> I would have an Acratech V2 on it though sometime in the future would
>> consider a gear head for macro. The V2 has been pleasant to use and
>> carry for travel---that's about 70% of all the shots I take due to time
>> constraints.
>>
>> I remember Jeff mentioning that the g. CF 1227 wasn't stiff enough for
>> the Z. 1000mm. Perhaps the CF ones really aren't that much better
>> damped than the metal ones.
>>
>> Any comments very much appreciated. I don't wish to make an expensive
>> mistake.
>>
>> Mike
>>
>>
Hand me my costume
Please won't you pass me my mask
I have appointments I must keep with my past.
Bill Nelson - Beauty Secrets
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