tenchy
22nd September 2011, 02:59 PM
For me as a keen landscape tog, and general keen user of a tripod, the head is a very important consideration.
For landscapes I like the control of a 3 way head over a ball, so I can do controlled panning for stitching, and just have general good single axis precision.
I used to have the typical 3 way pan head where you have a threaded handle screw to lock type head, until I met up with our own Karl (Mini-mad) and saw the Manfrotto 410 Junior Geared Head in action, and decided I needed one.
This is a 3 way head, so 3 independant axis of adjustment, but with smooth fine tuning geared drive.
http://mediacdn.shopatron.com/media/mfg/2747/product_image/96e23611f8b2844c0d2e43cc089cf457.jpg?
This is perfect for fine tuning the horizon on a landscape or framing a macro shot. No more loosening the screw, moving the head (too far) and going backwards and forwards to get it right, then tightening up, and then the camera sags with the weight and the frame is slightly off how you want it.
Instead, Just turn the knob to position and job done. The gearing gives fractions of degree smooth adjustments.
But, what if you want to change from portrait to landscape or shoot 10 shots in a pano?
You won't want to be turning a fine tune knob all day.
Manfrotto have this covered. A second, bigger knob, releases the gears and allows free movement. Let go of that, engage the gears, and fine tune.
Going from landscape with a level horizon, to portrait with a level horizon is so fast and accurate.
You can tell I LOVE this head. I personally think it is worth every penny.
Comes with a quick release plate of course, and a 1/4" and 3/8" camera mount stud.
The biggest drawback of this head is the weight, which comes in at 1.22Kg. Even on my carbon 055 legs, it feels hefty.
However, it is rated to 5kg of camera and lens, which by te feel of it is a conservative figure IMHO.
My brief star rating.
overall build quality 9x xxstarxx (this would be 10 but it is possible to re-engage the gears not quite caught, so you need to start turning fine tune to engage properly. Just mechanics, but I am a fussy bugger)
ease of use 9x xxstarxx (would be 10 apart from above)
value for money 8x xxstarxx (not cheap I know)
weather sealing 8x xxstarxx (looks like it would survive rain well)
features 9x xxstarxx
accuracy 10x xxstarxx
Manufacturers specifications:
SPECIFICATIONS
METRIC IMPERIAL
attaches by.
1/4" and 3/8" screws attachment type
attachment
3/8" female thread attachment type
bubble spirit level (no.)
1 number
colour
black color
degrees of rotation for each full turn of handle
7.2 °
front tilt
-30° / +90° tilt range
lateral tilt
-90° / +30° tilt range
load capacity
5 kg
material
aluminum
panoramic rotation
360 °
patent
patented
plate type
410PL
quick release
yes
secondary safety system
yes
weight
1.22 kg
working height
13.0
Showing how the 410 works:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jSEQl78PPFQ
For those that want to have acra mount but love the looks of the 410 (or 405) head, the following has just come available.
http://lakelandphotohols.com/blog
For landscapes I like the control of a 3 way head over a ball, so I can do controlled panning for stitching, and just have general good single axis precision.
I used to have the typical 3 way pan head where you have a threaded handle screw to lock type head, until I met up with our own Karl (Mini-mad) and saw the Manfrotto 410 Junior Geared Head in action, and decided I needed one.
This is a 3 way head, so 3 independant axis of adjustment, but with smooth fine tuning geared drive.
http://mediacdn.shopatron.com/media/mfg/2747/product_image/96e23611f8b2844c0d2e43cc089cf457.jpg?
This is perfect for fine tuning the horizon on a landscape or framing a macro shot. No more loosening the screw, moving the head (too far) and going backwards and forwards to get it right, then tightening up, and then the camera sags with the weight and the frame is slightly off how you want it.
Instead, Just turn the knob to position and job done. The gearing gives fractions of degree smooth adjustments.
But, what if you want to change from portrait to landscape or shoot 10 shots in a pano?
You won't want to be turning a fine tune knob all day.
Manfrotto have this covered. A second, bigger knob, releases the gears and allows free movement. Let go of that, engage the gears, and fine tune.
Going from landscape with a level horizon, to portrait with a level horizon is so fast and accurate.
You can tell I LOVE this head. I personally think it is worth every penny.
Comes with a quick release plate of course, and a 1/4" and 3/8" camera mount stud.
The biggest drawback of this head is the weight, which comes in at 1.22Kg. Even on my carbon 055 legs, it feels hefty.
However, it is rated to 5kg of camera and lens, which by te feel of it is a conservative figure IMHO.
My brief star rating.
overall build quality 9x xxstarxx (this would be 10 but it is possible to re-engage the gears not quite caught, so you need to start turning fine tune to engage properly. Just mechanics, but I am a fussy bugger)
ease of use 9x xxstarxx (would be 10 apart from above)
value for money 8x xxstarxx (not cheap I know)
weather sealing 8x xxstarxx (looks like it would survive rain well)
features 9x xxstarxx
accuracy 10x xxstarxx
Manufacturers specifications:
SPECIFICATIONS
METRIC IMPERIAL
attaches by.
1/4" and 3/8" screws attachment type
attachment
3/8" female thread attachment type
bubble spirit level (no.)
1 number
colour
black color
degrees of rotation for each full turn of handle
7.2 °
front tilt
-30° / +90° tilt range
lateral tilt
-90° / +30° tilt range
load capacity
5 kg
material
aluminum
panoramic rotation
360 °
patent
patented
plate type
410PL
quick release
yes
secondary safety system
yes
weight
1.22 kg
working height
13.0
Showing how the 410 works:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jSEQl78PPFQ
For those that want to have acra mount but love the looks of the 410 (or 405) head, the following has just come available.
http://lakelandphotohols.com/blog