It seems that the ball-head is a major flaw in this rig. What about the legs? If I replace the ball-head for a Manfrotto, will I have a good tripod?
740327
This tripod will accept any third party head and the mount screw on the tripod will take a Manfrotto head. The tripod is pretty stable for what I use it for (landscape HDR photography), but the stock head does not clamp tightly to the ball without really cranking down on the knob, so a $200 Manfrotto 054 Magnesium Ball Head with Q2 Quick Release should improve the tripod.
740328
I regret buying it at this point... I have one leg that constantly locks up (and it's not from use or abuse, but the locking mechanism slipping. I'm saving my pennies and picking up something with a better build quality.
740329
It has been working fine with my photo equipment. I am very careful with my cameras and the tripods (yes I have three tripods). I have not had any problems neither with the head nor the legs of this one. But I am an old man in my mid 60's so I am careful and fully "cognizant" of what I am doing with a 6K to 10 K camera systems. So, my tripods are neither abused nor mishandled. Now, if you are to invest in a "better", hence more expensive, ball-head, then go ahead and spend some more and get a much better tripod. I hear that the best carbon fiber tripods from Europe cost close to $1000.00 or more. I declare that I am neither the manufacturer nor the seller of this item. Therefore, I have no data on its strength and endurance. Contact the manufacturer for such unwise questions instead asking another customer of this tripod unit. I have been happy with it.
208351
this is just the Tripod LEGS. it's pretty confusing. I made that mistake. if you want the whole set up, legs, head, ball and bag go here. http://www.amazon.com/Manfrotto-MVK502AM-Video-Telescoping-Carry/dp/B006LWHLSA/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1357845109&sr=8-4&keywords=manfrotto+tripod+502
2026563
Sorry this is so late, but hopefully this will help. As far as stability is concerned, this tripod won't let you down. However, for video, panheads just aren't the best way to go. This particular panhead is very smooth and will work decently for video and outperform most other panheads I have dealt with, but you're really going to want a different head for video if you intend to use this tripod. The stability and versatility you get with this tripod are phenomenal for the price. You could buy the legs only (around $100 right now on Amazon) and get a fluid video head (EI-717AH for around $75 on Amazon) and have a great video tripod package for the same price as the 700DX with the panhead. That would be the route I would go if I was planning on shooting video with my tripod.
926453
Unless they have fixed the problem with this tripod - the head is glued on, NOT screwed on, I would stay away from it. I had my camera on it and it almost fell on the floor. The company did, finally, offer to replace it, but I declined the offer and did not get my money back. I would not risk putting an expensive piece of equipment on this tripod. It's possible the company has a better build one which you might look into.
2020156
Hello Max, I have the same tripod but have a ball head (previously purchased). Depending on the type of shooting you do I have suggested two heads for you and it all depends on your pocket book. Please let me know if this was helpful. Manfrotto MHXPRO-3W X-PRO 3-Way Head with Retractable Levers and Friction Controls (Black) or Manfrotto MH293D3-Q2 290 Series 3-Way Photo Head with Compact Foldable Handles (Black)
794381
I'm not exactly sure what you're asking. However, perhaps this will help. I have the ball head with quick release mounted on a Manfrotto monopod. The ball head works nicely on the Manfrotto, and the quick release is easy to use. The connection to the Manfrotto required an adapter, which I easily found at a local camera store.
1206298
I don't have or know much about that tripod, so it might have issues with weight. But from a mechanical standpoint, you can mount this jib on the top of the fluid head and it will work. A much better method would be to add a Manfrotto 75mm bowl adapter and a panning head. Then you would remove the fluid head, and install the jib w/pan head. Of course, now we are getting into enough money that you should consider a better jib.
667596
I have a ballhead in addition to my tripod, and it works excellent. Yes, ballhead costs, but it is a good value for money even only for the one click to connect-disconnect. In addition the ballhead has a bubble level and you receive rotation in all axis for the camera having your tripod wrapped and fixed around anything.
1308202
You could unscrew the ball head and replace it with a pan head, but I doubt that you will be able to fully close the assembly to the same compact form that you get with the ball head.The portability of this tripod/head is usually one of the main reasons people buy it. You could always mount and unmounts the head for transport.
1988631
Yes, No Problem. This Manfrotto is built well, NOT lightweight but really strong !!
1528233
Not sure. I have it mounted on a Manfrotto 190MF4. If you've never purchased a tripod head, I would suggest paying a little extra for a ball head. Much easier/faster to operate.
1487634
The Product description is a little misleading. You have only bought the tripod (and I do recommend it, as it's very solidly built), however you also need to buy an appropriate head for it. Depending on how heavy your daughters camera + lens is, manfrotto offers different types of mounting heads. I suggest checking their website for more info!
747665
I replaced the head that came with the tripod with a Manfrotto head. You will have to order a 75mm ball mount for it. I ordered a Manfrotto 520BALL Half Ball Leveler with 3/8-Inch Screw for 75mm Bowl Tripods. I assume any 75mm bowl will work. Just unscrew the bottom (between the legs) of the head that came with it and it should pop right off.
100321
I am basically a sports and wildlife photographer. I have a couple of ball heads that I have used in that manner, but the gimbal is much easier to manage. Your camera/lens are centered directly above the tripod instead of hanging off to one side which makes everything much more stable. If you are shooting moving subjects(sports, flying birds, etc...) it is so much easier to follow the action and stay on target with the camera centered and balanced on the tripod. I have had no regrets with my gimbal.
1519356
I'm not familiar with your tripod, but if it currently holds a fluid head then it may be possible. I think this head is a bit large to use with a monopod but thats just my preference to go as light as possible on monopods. I think for the $, this is a decent head and a good investment. If you get it and realize that it won't work with your legs, I think upgrading to a beefier set of legs is the better alternative to going with a different head. But obviously it depends on what you need it for.If you plan on using it in the monopod configuration then this head may make your setup a bit top heavy. I'm not familiar with your tripod, but if it currently holds a fluid head then it may be possible. I think this head is a bit large to use with a monopod but thats just my preference to go as light as possible on monopods. I think for the $, this is a decent head and a good investment. If you get it and realize that it won't work with your legs, I think upgrading to a beefier set of legs is the better alternative to going with a different head. But obviously it depends on what you need it for.If you plan on using it in the monopod configuration then this head may make your setup a bit top... » Read More I'm not familiar with your tripod, but if it currently holds a fluid head then it may be possible. I think this head is a bit large to use with a monopod but thats just my preference to go as light as possible on monopods. I think for the $, this is a decent head and a good investment. If you get it and realize that it won't work with your legs, I think upgrading to a beefier set of legs is the better alternative to going with a different head. But obviously it depends on what you need it for.If you plan on using it in the monopod configuration then this head may make your setup a bit top heavy. « Show Less
528703
No reason not to, I don't, but the head is reversible, can hang down, so could get close. My only criticism of the tripod is the head, once released it flops, making panning almost impossible.
1400289
Yes, The ball head cann be replaced and the mount screw is 1/4" and 3/8th". I replaced mine to a manfrotto 482 (very small) head to make it even lighter. I have gone back to the original head for more strength. Love this tripod for travel!Herb Booth