Got the Bogen 322RC2 ballhead and 055XProB tripod, Impact 6' stands with umbrella bracket, Westcott umbrellas, along with Sto-fen Omni bounce for the 580exII not more than a week ago.



If you've been thinking of getting a great tripod, I'd look into the Bogen Manfrotto 055XPROB or 190XPROB... as recommended by a member here. The Bogen Manfrotto 055XPROB tripod with 322RC2 ballhead is miles ahead of my old compact lightweight Manfrotto tripod pan/tilt head. The 055X pod is a sturdy beast, but heavy. A lighter version is the 190XPROB, but not by much, and I've read not as sturdy. For non wilderness shots, I think the 055X is a bit much, in hindsight. The legs can adjust to a multitude of positions, also allowing you to go as low as 3.9". The center column also can extend and go horizontal, allowing you to take document shots or expand your creativity.

The Manfrotto "X" Tripod information page

The 322RC2 ballhead is a pistol grip type where you depress the handle to adjust the position, making tilting and adjusting lightning quick. This head is also built like a tank. I don't think I can never go back to tightening screws.











I bought the Impact 6' light stands and umbrelly brackets on the advice from a member here. From my brief experience, the stands are sturdy with just the flashgun (strobe) on, but will tip over if it is windy, and an umbrella is mounted on it.

The Westcott collapsing umbrellas were bought on the advice of Strobist. I'm going to experiment a bounced shot of a backlit scene from a sunset. My previous sunset shots had the BG properly exposed, but the car dark. Hopefully, a pair of umbrellas and strobes will properly light the car. I bought the Sto-fen Omni Bounce just in case the umbrellas are not convenient (or working).

 

That's the same tripod I have plans for, but was looking at the 488RC2. I'll have to check out the one you have above. Enjoy!

Time for some wireless triggers! That off-camera cord is getting strrrreched, lol. PWs all the way.

 

Nice stand, but I find some irony in a camera taking pictures of a camera.

 

I have pretty much the same set up except I have the 3021 BPRO legs, which is the older version.

My only complaint with the 322RC2 is that it can't hold my 1D MKII with 70-200 2.8 IS in portrait mode; it's too heavy. It's fine for anything in landscape mode. The pistol grip makes adjustments much quicker, though.

 

That sucks. The 488RC2, although a different type of ballhead, supports up to 17.6lbs. The 322RC holds up to 11lbs, but I'm liking the grip handle. I'm going to research if they have one that supports more weight.

 

I'll be purchasing these legs in the very near future.

BTW, if your camera is on the tripod...then what camera did you use to take the picture of it? Did you keep your Rebel?

 

Did you try tightening or adjusting the screw? I know you said you got it used. That combo shouldn't be close enough to not hold it. If you need me to scan the manual for the ball head, I can...

Yeah, the XTi with the nifty fifty. I'm looking for the pictures BTW...

 

If you read the specs on the 322RC2, it states that it doesn't hold as much weight when in portrait mode. I knew this when I bought the grip, which is why I use my 20D w/o the battery grip when I need to shoot in portrait mode.

Here's a link to just one review:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/cont...#goto_itemInfo
(comment on 1/4/8)

 

Nice set up. I have the same head but have the 055mf4 magfiber legs and I love it. Get some PW's and you will love it even more !

 

The 70-200 2.8 IS must weigh a ton. For my lenses (and future lenses), I don't think I'll have any issues.

Just when you think you've covered all the bases, you read that the IR slave functions from the Canon/Nikon strobes are junk, and you find out first hand that the off camera cord can tip over the flash stand if you aint careful... Damn, I need to drop $300+ on a pair (or more?) Pocket Wizards.

Car... camera... car... camera... christmas... the $$$ pits.

 

much less than the PW:
http://www.gadgetinfinity.com/produc...cat=274&page=1

and if you buy more slaves: http://www.gadgetinfinity.com/produc...cat=274&page=1
PW are overpriced imo.

The 1D MKII with the 70-200 f/2.8L IS weighs about 7-8 lbs, so it's not a heavy set up. iirc, the 322RC2 in portrait mode can only handle 8 lbs.

ps get the carry strap for the tripod. It's worth it when you're lugging it around. I also bought the shoulder strap but I tend to use the carry strap more often.

 

Are they as reliable? I've also read about Alien Bees radio triggers.

Damn. More to research...

 

damn, nice setup big guy. the exact same tripod setup i'm hoping to pick up sometime this year

 

Yeah. My friends that use them say that they're just reliable as PW, if not better. The main difference is that the PW max sync is 1/250, the GI are 1/200. The range on the GI is about 400'+ which is pretty good.

The AB units are pretty similar to the GI, except $10 more

 

Overpriced? Well I think we all can agree that we wish they were less expensive, but they are worth it, imo.

Although I can't speak from experience about the GI, I've never read anyone say the GIs are just as reliable or better than the PWs. Do you know if your friend owned PWs before? I recommend going to Strobist.com and search the discussion group to read up on both.

I went with PWs and they work, all the time. I've heard too many negatives about the GIs. I have read many people say they use them, but never heard any of them say they are reliable. Just my $0.02.

 

Yeah, a few of my friends switched from PW to GI after their PW literally fell apart on them. I still have a bunch that are perfectly happy with their PW but at the price of the GI, if one breaks, $15-20... that's chump change.