Hi Bill, On Sun, 31 Jul 2005 09:25:43 -0600, William Robb wrote:
>I've had a quick peek at the Wimberley, and at the Manfrotto geared heads. >I like the looks of the Wimberley a lot, but I am drawn a bit to the geared >head, as it can be used with my 4x5. And the 6x7 :-) >This is handy, since I will likely be using the big lens on my Zone VI >tripod, since it is the most resistant to vibration tripod that I own. > >Any discussion regarding the pros and cons of this line of reasoning greatly >appreciated. >Also, does anyone other than Manfrotto make geared heads and how smooth are >their geared heads. My experience with Manfrotto heads is that they are not >as smooth to operate as they should be. Well, that depends a bit on which one I guess, the lightest one (Junior) has no quick-adjust provisions like the larger ones. I got myself the 405 geared head when it came out two years ago, mainly for use with the 67II and for macro work with 35mm. See description at: http://www.manfrotto.com/product/templates/templates.php3?sectionid=10&itemid=1635 However, I also find it is very usable for my A* F/2.8 300mm which is about the same weight as your F/5.6 600. I often use that with the 2X-L converter making it pretty much the same :-) It works quite well for static work, less so for highly dynamic wildlife hunting :-) I use a monopod for that, without a head, considering the manfrotto "long lens support bracket" too ... The advantages for me are low weight and small (adds just 6 inches to tripod) and no clumsy long adjustment handles. I use it with the carbon tripod in the field (which is a bit on the light side for it) and with a heavier aluminium one when I have good transport available. It does come with a quick-release system of its own, the 410 PL, which is one of the (three !) types that manfrotto uses, it is capable of handling the heavier stuff. Movements are either VERY controlled using the smaller knobs at the end of each of the three axes (perfect for macro, geared), or almost free moving over one axis and smooth when you release the gears with the larger ring. This DOES put the weight/balance of the heavy lens into YOUR hands so be prepared for that. For some shots of the 67II on this head see: http://www.dfsee.com/gallery/p67iilf.htm and http://www.dfsee.com/gallery/p67iirf.htm Regards, JvW ------------------------------------------------------------------ Jan van Wijk; http://www.dfsee.com/gallery
