Hi all, I finally decided about the head-tripod combo I'd use (and need) in the future and got a Manfrotto 055PRO legset and 468RC ballhead that is a Bogen 3021PRO plus 3435QR head.
The uses will be mostly landscape, both natural and artificial, and macro. I dno't plan to use it for any studio work, right now. I was starting from a 190/3001 tripod so I can feel the difference, especially wrt height and weight. At 3.2 Kg/7 lbs. this combo is not really lightweight but it feels really solid and about as heavy as I can hope to lug around for some time. Probably not an option for long treks unless it's strictly photographic (i.e. no wife or other non photographers around). John Shaw's comments on the tripod height (but wrt the older version) is "fine if you're not taller than 180 Cm/5' 10" " but I am exactly that tall and with the head on the camera is right at my eye level. The center post is rather long, though and I doubt I ever extend it much. Besides is a real hassle for low level shots since the lenght prevents the use of the tripod with the legs flattened out. Actually I asked for the optional short post (about 20 Cm/8") but they say they're not manufacturing it anymore and I should use the plastic thinghie attached on the bottom of the post that you can lock on top of the legs once you remove the center post. I think this is silly as that way you can't vary the height of the camera unless you extend, retract or close the legs. The macro focusing rail wasn't available at the shop either so I'll try it without it and see if it works for my macro shots. The head seems good, provided I couldn't spend the money to get a top ballhead, with a sufficently smooth movement and a friction control. In addiction it offers a separated panning control. I just tried it out with my Z1-p, Tokina 100-300 and 2x TC and it seems to absorb a smart tap on the lens rather easily. Further test in the field will say, but I'm confident. Hope you found the reading interesting. Ciao, Flavio - This message is from the Pentax-Discuss Mail List. To unsubscribe, go to http://www.pdml.net and follow the directions. Don't forget to visit the Pentax Users' Gallery at http://pug.komkon.org .
