Godfrey,
I wasn't sure: so, you are saying this tripod takes both A-S and RC2
plates natively (i.e. without any adapters), right? That's nice!
As for L-plates or other heads, - that's all possible, but that
adds wait and complexity, so, that would negate the big advantage of this
tripod: small weight (and compact size) + simplicity.
BTW, I forgot to mention, that I also agree with the guy in that video
review about the lack of a better plate attachment screw (e.g. D-ring).
Re: price vs. Manfrotto.
P.J. has already pointed out that the direct competitor from Manfrotto, -
BeFree costs $350, and it is currently on sale at B&H for $220. That's for
the carbon fiber! The newer model, "BeFree Advanced" is $320 ($270 after
MIR). And BeFree (both models) also weighs under 3 lbs (2.4-2.5 lbs).
However, it is a bit less compact than PD when folded.
Take a look at this review:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p37OLkOSN70
It looks like that $220 price might be a clearance sale (for that older
model), as it is out of stock on Manfrotto website, and I just was told
by Manfrotto support that its production ended in 2017.
I am tempted to pull a trigger on that (a great deal, IMHO), but
I am not using tripods that often, and when I do, - I travel by car.
But... maybe if I had such a light one....
Hey, Larry, are you tempted?.. ;-)
Igor
Godfrey DiGiorgi Wed, 22 May 2019 15:43:12 -0700 wrote:
Oh yes: you don’t have to use PD plates. Any good A-S plate will do. There
are plenty with safeties. The RC2 plates are never as stable or secure.
Also, you can use any other head by getting the universal mount plate.
G
On May 22, 2019, at 3:35 PM, Godfrey DiGiorgi wrote:
All ball heads have some limitations on movement to portrait position. That’s
why they make L-plates ... and to keep the camera centered over the legs for
best stability. Some of my other heads have even larger motion issues.
Of course, you can always just rotate the camera and plate 180 degrees on the
head if you need it to flop over the other way.
The price with head is less than my usual Manfrotto 190 and its A-S head.
G
—
No matter where you go, someone is always happy to receive your money.
On May 22, 2019, at 3:11 PM, Igor PDML-StR <[email protected]> wrote:
I also thought that it is a clever design.
But I agree with the reviewer (link posted by Henk), that Manfrotto's Befree
seems to have a better (more secure) QR-plate design.
And the inability to go vertical on one of the sides is a bit annoying...
But everything else seems to be well-designed. Hopefully the manufacturing
quality is on par.
The price, however, bites: about $200 per pound is not that cheap! :)
(That's about what Japanese Kobe Beef Steaks cost, as I just found).
Igor
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