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I don't mind Manfrotto's legs, and I even own this monopod head with a Kirk Arca-Swiss clamp attached -- B&H sold these two items as a kit at one time. I owned an aluminum Manfrotto tripod with an integrated ballhead many years ago. The tripod was fine -- I just hated their plate / clamp system...

I took a quick look at that Geekoto on Amazon. It doesn't use Arca-Swiss plates, which is a show stopper for me. There were also some reviews on Amazon where the tripod broke, and the company would not respond in one case, and not provide replacement parts in another. When I compare some of the...

Digging up an old thread. I saw this kickstarter for a new Promaster Chronicle tripod that looks very interesting. I currently have a separate Feisol tripod and Induro monopod (both carbon fiber), and this looks like it could replace both, along with also some other functionality (table top...

Correct, Mike. I don't shoot video seriously, so my experience is with ball heads for still photography. I will defer to the opinions of members like Man and Sam on this.

Mike, I would advise looking at different mounting plates than those Manfrotto ones. If you are just starting out, stick with Arca Swiss. It's a better system, and is used by just about every manufacturer. Just looking at those two links you provided, you can see that Manfrotto's stuff isn't...

Thanks for the clarification, John. I am not intimately aware of all their products. My first tripod was a Manfrotto with one of their ball heads, and I absolutely hated their mounting plate. When I upgraded to a better tripod, I moved on to a ball head that supported Arca Swiss plates and was...

Just don't get their mount system. It sucks compared with an Arca Swiss mount system.

They are not very aerodynamic. I would recommend using an airplane instead. ;)

That certainly looks interesting. I have a Peak Designs strap that I like. I'm not sure I'm ready to pluck down $479 for another tripod, though, without reading some reviews from people using this in the field.

Thanks for the feedback, Sam. My monopod doesn't get a lot of use -- mostly at the zoo with my 5D3 + 100-400L -- so what I have has met my needs. My tripod gets a lot more use. If I ever make the leap to RRS heads, though, it's good feedback to have.

How do you like their monopod head? I bought a Manfrotto monopod head with a Kirk Arca Swiss quick release clamp, but always wondered if the RRS was worth the cost for a monopod -- if I recall, it was quite pricey.

You cannot go wrong with a RRS ballhead, Sam! They make a quality product... enjoy. One of these days I may upgrade to RRS. For now, the PhotoClam I bought has been serving my needs quite well.

Nice price. Too bad I'm not in the market for a CF tripod.

Since it is made by Flashpoint (Adorama's house brand), I would be concerned about build quality. I think I mentioned earlier in this thread that I had a Flashpoint CF tripod where one of the legs came loose. I could still use it, but the leg would pull out of the housing quite often when I was...

Enjoy your new tripod, Johnny, and let us know how you like it.

Yes, the Giottos heads are quite good for their price point. I upgraded to a PhotoClam, which I like better, but it is also over twice the cost. And I really like my Feisol 3441S CF tripod -- it is well-built, provides a stable platform, and is quite compact for travel. Feisol makes some nice...

Johnny, the screw on the top of that Manfrotto tripod is used to screw on a ballhead -- technically you could just attach it to your camera's tripod mount, but it would not be very useful. A quick release (QR) system consists of two parts -- the mechanism on the ballhead, and a plate that...

If you do not need something small and light for travel, you will get more bang for your buck in stability with an aluminum tripod. I do not know much about Vanguard, but Manfrotto is pretty well respected in the price range you are looking at. You could go with something like this and add a...

With a $150 budget for both the legs and ballhead, you are not going to have many quality options Johnny. Something like the Manfrotto in Cameron's post #66 above would work, but I am not a fan of Manfrotto's proprietary quick release system at all. If you go that route, I would look at getting...

That Manfrotto 294 is an aluminum tripod -- not CF. As long as you are okay with that, and can add a different head, though, it wouldn't be a bad deal. I ended up buying a Feisol 3441s CF tripod and PhotoClam ball head a year ago, and have been quite happy with the combo. The Feisol is sturdy...

That Manfrotto appears to be out of stock, Sam. That would have been a great price for a CF tripod, though. A non-removable head would be its only downside. I've mentioned before that I'm not a fan of Manfrotto's quick release system. My Flashpoint carbon fiber tripod had some issues in...

Glad you like the tripod and head, Bryan. I really like my Giottos head. I got my monopod and Manfrotto/Kirk head for Christmas, but other than just testing to make sure it worked I will not have a chance to use it until spring time. I do not have many opportunities to use a telephoto lens...

I was tempted just last weekend, but I restrained myself as I was ordering my X-Mas gift from my wife. I ordered an Induro carbon fiber monopod with a Kirk/Manfrotto head that uses the Arca-Swiss QR system to match my Giottos tripod head. The RRS heads were calling me, but my wife would have...

One comment on Sam's suggestions above: that Manfrotto ballhead appears to have the same quick release mechanism that I have on my cheap Manfrotto tripod with built-in ballhead (the one that sits in the closet unused). I found that quick release system very cumbersome to use. The Kirk ballhead...

  Gee, Michael, I guess you jinxed yourself with that first statement. /img/vbsmilies/htf/laugh.gif Now you know why people buy better tripods. /img/vbsmilies/htf/smiley_wink.gif

Ron,   Both ball head models that Man linked to include the quick release system. The more expensive 3300 will support a heavier load -- 20kg. vs 10kg., according to Giottos website (which converts to 44 lbs. vs. 22 lbs.). Different resellers websites list the max loads as less for the 3300...

Ron,   IMO, the Flashpoint carbon fiber legs provide excellent support at their price point, and should be fine for the load you will be placing on them. My camera and lens are probably heavier than yours, and these legs provide a very stable platform for them. They really outperform their...

Man has a point. I use a tripod for basic landscape and wildlife photography, so my needs are not very elaborate. The Flashpoint carbon fiber legs and Giottos head provide all the functionality I need, are easy to use, are well-constructed for my needs, and transport well (I do most of my tripod...

Really Right Stuff makes some of the best ball heads and brackets on the market, Ron, but they are also very pricey. The Giottos head I am using is very functional at a more palatable price. Adorama also sells Flashpoint brand heads that look like they may be clones of the Giottos heads, but at...

I am positive it will not just twist off -- I tried. My current tripod / ballhead combo screws on in the manner you describe, so I am very familiar with what you are getting at. In the Manfrotto's case, though, the head sits on a cylinder that appears to be part of the tripod base. If you...