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Archive 2013 · RRS BH-40 vs Manfrotto 468MGRC2

  
 
Jo Dilbeck
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p.1 #1 · p.1 #1 · RRS BH-40 vs Manfrotto 468MGRC2


OK, so I've had the Manfrotto 468MGRC2 ball head for quite a few years now. Recently, I upgraded the clamp (to RRS screw type) and all my plates to arca swiss style, some Kirk, some RRS, but kept the ball head. I've never been 100% happy with that head and I'm ready to replace it with a more solid performer. The Manfrotto just never, never locks into perfect position no matter how I change the tension. I have Manfrotto legs also and will NOT be changing those, I've very happy with my CF tripods.

So, obviously, my first choice is the RRS, preferably the BH-40. The heaviest combinations to be mounted would be 1D4 and/or 5D3 gripped with either 100-400 or 70-200 F2.8 II. My 300 F2.8 w/2xTC always goes on my gimbel head so don't need to factor that into the equation.

So, other than the BH-40, what other options should I consider?

Thanks in advance!
Jo

Edited on May 29, 2013 at 02:41 PM · View previous versions



May 29, 2013 at 02:19 PM
M635_Guy
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p.1 #2 · p.1 #2 · RRS BH-40 vs Manfrotto 468MGRC2


BH-40 is a big upgrade from any Manfrotto head.

I had it, and I liked it a lot. Eventually I migrated to the Sunwayfoto XB-44. They provided me one to review and I liked the knob design vs. the paddle on the BH-40. You can't really lose with either one.



May 29, 2013 at 02:24 PM
Peter Figen
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p.1 #3 · p.1 #3 · RRS BH-40 vs Manfrotto 468MGRC2


I have a BH40 and a BH55 and I always prefer the 55. Always. It's just leagues ahead of the 40, so in my opinion, that's the one you should be considering.


May 29, 2013 at 02:27 PM
Jo Dilbeck
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p.1 #4 · p.1 #4 · RRS BH-40 vs Manfrotto 468MGRC2


But Peter, what camera/lens combo are you using? I believe the 55 would be overkill for the combo I proposed in my post. I also don't like that the 55 is 1.6 lbs vs 13 oz for the 40. The 55 would weigh almost as much as the CF legs it's going on.

Of course, now that I've reflected on the 468MGRC2, it actually weights 1.4 lbs. so the BH-55 wouldn't be much different. Hmmmmm, what to do? I DO like the knob of the 55 vs the level of the 40.

Edited on May 30, 2013 at 12:00 AM · View previous versions



May 29, 2013 at 02:37 PM
Lars Johnsson
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p.1 #5 · p.1 #5 · RRS BH-40 vs Manfrotto 468MGRC2


I also own both the BH-40 and BH-55. For a 400mm lens you should have the larger ballhead IMO
The BH-55 or Arca-Swiss Z1 would be great



May 29, 2013 at 03:18 PM
Jo Dilbeck
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p.1 #6 · p.1 #6 · RRS BH-40 vs Manfrotto 468MGRC2


I would not be putting a straight 400 prime lens on it, only my 100-400 zoom, which weighs less than the 70-200 F2.8 II. I'm going to do some measurements of my current head against the BH-55 and see what the differences are. If the BH-40 is SMALLER than my current head, I will go with the BH-55.


May 29, 2013 at 05:15 PM
kendalltristan
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p.1 #7 · p.1 #7 · RRS BH-40 vs Manfrotto 468MGRC2


Jo Dilbeck wrote:
I would not be putting a straight 400 prime lens on it, only my 100-400 zoom, which weighs less than the 70-200 F2.8 II. I'm going to do some measurements of my current head against the BH-55 and see what the differences are. If the BH-40 is SMALLER than my current head, I will go with the BH-55.


I purchased a BH-40 to sit on top of my Manfrotto 055 series sticks and it was slightly too small. I later moved that head to a smaller Gitzo and purchased the BH-55 and though I'm obviously erring on the large side, it's much better on top of the Manfrotto than the BH-40 was. No fault of the BH-40 or anything, just the overall diameter wasn't quite large enough and as a result I didn't have quite the range of motion that I would have liked.



May 29, 2013 at 06:55 PM
jcolwell
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p.1 #8 · p.1 #8 · RRS BH-40 vs Manfrotto 468MGRC2


I have a 468MG. I like it. What's up with that?

Have you read the manual?



May 29, 2013 at 07:39 PM
Danny Michael
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p.1 #9 · p.1 #9 · RRS BH-40 vs Manfrotto 468MGRC2


BH-40 equals buyers remorse. Now very happy with the BH-55.


May 29, 2013 at 10:37 PM
Lars Johnsson
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p.1 #10 · p.1 #10 · RRS BH-40 vs Manfrotto 468MGRC2


Jo Dilbeck wrote:
I would not be putting a straight 400 prime lens on it, only my 100-400 zoom, which weighs less than the 70-200 F2.8 II. I'm going to do some measurements of my current head against the BH-55 and see what the differences are. If the BH-40 is SMALLER than my current head, I will go with the BH-55.


It's more about focal length than about weight. I need a much more stable tripod/head for my 400/5,6 lens than I need for my 200/2 lens. Even if the 200 weight more



May 29, 2013 at 11:48 PM
Peter Figen
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p.1 #11 · p.1 #11 · RRS BH-40 vs Manfrotto 468MGRC2


I'm putting everything from a 17 T/S to a 70-200 and a 200 1.8 on the BH-55. It's not about whether the smaller head is rated at a certain weight. The BH-40 can handle the weight, it's just that once you use the 55, you'll never ever want to use the 40. Even with shorter, lighter weight lenses, the 55 is superior. Ergonomically, everything just fits better. I keep the BH-40 on an old 1228 and it's a good match there, but it's just not in the same league. But, hey, it's your money and equipment. You asked for opinions and got them, and I'm apparently not alone in mine. The 55 is a work of art while the 40 is just another decent ball head. Get 'em both like I did.


May 29, 2013 at 11:50 PM
Beni
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p.1 #12 · p.1 #12 · RRS BH-40 vs Manfrotto 468MGRC2


I had the MG till it exploded (long story) and bought the BH-40. I never had the problems you describe with locking, infact I felt that it locked more securely that the RRS does, I always get a slight amount of droop or tightening movement with the RRS which I never did with the MG. The RRS is of course smaller and lighter and I do prefer the locking arm to a locking knob, I can always see to what point I am loosening or tightening.


May 30, 2013 at 09:20 AM
sjms
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p.1 #13 · p.1 #13 · RRS BH-40 vs Manfrotto 468MGRC2


I use a BH40 on a TQC14 tripod. it works well within my needs (up to a 70-200/2.8 w/1.7x TC attached to a D7000 and sometimes D4). I do own a BH55 on a TVC33 that also meets my needs for that range of doing business and that is everything else that I don't do on the TQC/BH40 combo.


May 30, 2013 at 09:36 AM
Jo Dilbeck
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p.1 #14 · p.1 #14 · RRS BH-40 vs Manfrotto 468MGRC2


Beni - interesting, I ALWAYS have to compensate for droop when I set up any shot at an angle, the ball always drops between 1/8 and 1/4 inch no matter how tight i lock it down initially.

Is anyone else having droop issues with either of the RRS, 40 or 55? This is the only reason I'm considering upgrading, but if I'm going to experience the same issue, not much point.

Jo



May 30, 2013 at 11:33 AM
jcolwell
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p.1 #15 · p.1 #15 · RRS BH-40 vs Manfrotto 468MGRC2


You could consider a geared head = no droop. I use the Manfrotto 410 geared head, as well as the 468MG.


May 30, 2013 at 11:37 AM
sjms
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p.1 #16 · p.1 #16 · RRS BH-40 vs Manfrotto 468MGRC2


there is no droop on the BH40 or the BH55 ball head and is easily proven.

and droop can be easily proved or disproved on any head using the same method.

Edited on May 30, 2013 at 02:22 PM · View previous versions



May 30, 2013 at 11:48 AM
Gochugogi
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p.1 #17 · p.1 #17 · RRS BH-40 vs Manfrotto 468MGRC2


Jo Dilbeck wrote:
Beni - interesting, I ALWAYS have to compensate for droop when I set up any shot at an angle, the ball always drops between 1/8 and 1/4 inch no matter how tight i lock it down initially.

Is anyone else having droop issues with either of the RRS, 40 or 55? This is the only reason I'm considering upgrading, but if I'm going to experience the same issue, not much point.

Jo


Could be a variation in QC. I often read forum reviews were a head is claimed to have droop/no droop with a certain size weight of gear. When I get the darn thing, it's exactly the opposite!



May 30, 2013 at 12:10 PM
sjms
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p.1 #18 · p.1 #18 · RRS BH-40 vs Manfrotto 468MGRC2


its methodology not manufacturing. it is easily provable.


May 30, 2013 at 02:22 PM
Jo Dilbeck
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p.1 #19 · p.1 #19 · RRS BH-40 vs Manfrotto 468MGRC2


sjms - I'm not sure what you mean by your last comment, are you indicating that I must be doing something wrong? If so, could you elaborate on what that might be? I'd love to not have to spend another $300 on a different head if it's strictly MY problem that can be resolved.

Jo



May 30, 2013 at 02:40 PM
Gochugogi
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p.1 #20 · p.1 #20 · RRS BH-40 vs Manfrotto 468MGRC2


I had a well regarded Sunwayfoto ballhead that drifted like crazy with light loads of 3 or 4 LBs, so I returned it and got another one and it was perfect. So sh!t happens and sometimes you get a lemon or a product in need of adjustment. Albeit I've had zero luck squeezing a response from Manfrotto tech support (other than automated email) when I had a question or problem. I can't imagine actually getting them to service their products...


May 30, 2013 at 03:15 PM
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