p.1 #1 · Which QR plate for Manfrotto Hydrostatic Ball Head?
I'm looking for some advice on which model of Manfrotto Hydrostatic ball head to buy... The plan is to buy a new carbon fibre tripod, add a levelling base, and put the Manfrotto 468MG ball head on top.
I use a 5D + the lenses in my sig, and I'll be adding a 24mm TS-E lens. I want to pick the right QR plate for my camera, and can't find any discussion of what each of the Manfrotto models are intended for. I have it (I think) down to two models, the 468MGRC0 model with the hexagonal QR plate, and the slightly cheaper 468MGRC2 model with a rectangular QR plate.
I'm leaning towards the RC0 model with hexagonal plate, because the base has extra bubble levels on it, and the hex plate looks like a more secure fastening, but I'm a bit concerned that the plate will be a bit bulky on the camera.
Can someone offer any advice on which model would suit the 5D best? I plan to use it mostly with the TS-E lens for architecural photograpy, and possibly stitched panoramas, hence the levelling base... I'm hoping the hydrostatic ball will offer fine control of the ball tension, so any comment on the suitability of that would be welcome too.
p.1 #2 · Which QR plate for Manfrotto Hydrostatic Ball Head?
I had pretty much the same system (including TS-E lenses) but switched recently to the Really Right Stuff clamp and camera L-plate system. To do this, get the bare 468MG with no mount and add the RRS clamp. LINKY
It's a bit more expensive, but works great! The RRS staff are quite helpful, by phone or email.
Feb 12, 2007 at 07:59 AM
Steve Spencer Offline • • • • • • • Upload & Sell: On
p.1 #3 · Which QR plate for Manfrotto Hydrostatic Ball Head?
I too would recommend switching to an Arca Swiss compatible clamp. You can get them from RSS, Kirk, or Wimberly. RSS and Kirk also make L brackets which are very handy for switching from landscape to portrait and keep the weight over the top of the ballhead. I hope this helps.
p.1 #4 · Which QR plate for Manfrotto Hydrostatic Ball Head?
Ditto on switching to an AS system such as RRS. Save money and buy the 468mg. Apply the saving to a RRS clamp and plate. In this case you will need a non threaded center hole clamp. Complete the conversion with a L bracket. You will never look back.
p.1 #5 · Which QR plate for Manfrotto Hydrostatic Ball Head?
Ok, now you're talking! I had a look at the Really Right Stuff QR plates. and both models are perfect, so now I'm wondering about the compatibility with the Manfrotto head. The Really Right Stuff page says the following:
If you intend to add a clamp to the top of a ballhead that does not already offer a clamp, check first to see if the round platform atop that ballhead can be removed. Lots of ballheads, such as those offered by Linhof, have a round platform that simply unscrews, leaving behind a female, tapped socket in the stem of the ballhead. This socket is generally tapped 3/8-16, and allows you to mate the clamp directly to that stem, without the undesirable height increase that would accrue if the needless round platform was retained.
Would the top platform of the Manfrotto 468MG come off as described? If so, this is the solution I'm looking for.
p.1 #6 · Which QR plate for Manfrotto Hydrostatic Ball Head?
I'm going off memory here as there was someone here who bought and removed a head as you ask. There's a set screw which you can see the opening of in the B&H provided image. There may be a secondary screw under the rubber mounting mat and I'm not sure but there "may" be issues with loc-tite on the center screw, which is addressed by adding a bit of heat.
Myself, I upgraded a 468MGRC0 only because it was a QR plate system that I had in my possession and had upgraded via a 488RC0 previously. So I went with what I knew so as to not have this question mark.
So I'm sure it can be done but unless another confirms, I'd go with the likes of a RC0 QR plate to be sure. To me, it's worth the extra twenty bucks. Here's what it will look like after your conversion. Make note of the center tapped, recessed machine screw.
Hope the above and the image helps answer your question.
p.1 #7 · Which QR plate for Manfrotto Hydrostatic Ball Head?
Yes...the 468MG platform is easy to remove. Just lift off the round rubber pad on top of the platform and unscrew the allen-keyed screws. Replace with a non-threaded center hole version of a RRS clamp. You can reuse the center screw from the 468MG. The RRS clamp will be offered with an allen-keyed screw. I believe it is the M6 screw. The whole process takes 5 minutes.
p.1 #9 · Which QR plate for Manfrotto Hydrostatic Ball Head?
Great advice from all of you, thanks. As is the way with these things... I had a good look around the RRS site, and in particular, the BH-55 LR ballhead. I see there's a glowing review at Luminous Landscape for this ballhead, and I'm wondering if that's a better option than the Manfrotto 468MG? Does anyone have experience with the BH-55? It certainly looks like a work of art...
p.1 #10 · Which QR plate for Manfrotto Hydrostatic Ball Head?
You're trying to get me in trouble with the BH-55 crowd that lurks around these here parts, aren't you?
The Luminous-Landscape review is both a valid review but it's came out in 2004, before the 468MG hit the streets.
I'm not partial to the BH-55, for many reasons and so as to not kick over another range war, let it suffice to be said that it's a personal choice thingy as either which one you choose, will make you very happy for all the right reasons.
I like the 468MG for it's rugged looks (not a pretty boy toy), the Teflon coated ball will grind though dust, dirt and not be affected by water. The larger knob is easier to work with gloves on and the 468MG has a shorter throw to lock.
p.1 #12 · Which QR plate for Manfrotto Hydrostatic Ball Head?
Oh, I didn't realise there was a BH-55 crowd!! Is this like asking whether I should choose Canon or Nikon??
I certainly like the rugged look of the 468MG, and the short throw to lock is attractive too... I'm slightly put off by the fact that the BH-55 comes with a neoprene sock which they recommend you keep on it when not in use... I've never felt the need to cover my existing (Manfrotto) ball head when I throw it into the car, and I've never had any trouble with it.
That said, the BH-55 looks really well machined... I really don't know what to do!
Edit... Jim, that combination looks good. Thanks for the photo.
p.1 #15 · Which QR plate for Manfrotto Hydrostatic Ball Head?
"Is this like asking whether I should choose Canon or Nikon??"
Welcome to the wonderful world of "Top Dog" ballheads.
"That said, the BH-55 looks really well machined... I really don't know what to do!"
The BH-55, without a doubt, is a beauty. So's the Markins, Wine Red M-20L. Dang that's one beautiful ballhead, but I too had similar concerns and then stumbled across the 468MG. Having already converted a 488RC0 to a RRS thumb clamp, I was already up for the task.
What I want, is a rugged, can do, no compromise ballhead. What I don't want, is a pretty boy toy that I have to worry about getting scratches on every time I pull it out to use. At the time I made my choice, the BH-55 was all the rage. After I bought the 468MG, two things happened, I stopped wanting a BH-55 (don't look at it any more) and the BH-55 continued being all the rage,
Somethings never change but I'm one happy camper.
Oh, and listen to your Uncle Jhom, you probably need at least three if not four tripods.
p.1 #16 · Which QR plate for Manfrotto Hydrostatic Ball Head?
jhom, did your head come with that lever for the panning clamp? Mine has a small circular knob as the Manfrotto web site shows, and the lever on your looks like it woud be a much better solution.
Also along the lines of the initial post, I currently have the RC2 plate, but I find it isn't the most sturdy system. My struggle is that I rarely use the tripod, and so I don't want plates on all my lenses/heads since that would be an annoyance the majority of the time. Has anyone used a single arca style plate for general use sort of like the RC2 plate? The D ring on the RC2 plate makes it easy to mount and dismount the plate from whatever I want to use, but I find particularly on the bodies, it doesn't have enough "bite" to keep from spinning. I assume I'd just have to keep an allen wrench in my bag, which would only be an issue when I travel, since I'd have to be certain to put it in the checked bags. Although come to think of it I wonder if I could adapt some sort of mount to my tripod legs to store the allen wrench.
p.1 #17 · Which QR plate for Manfrotto Hydrostatic Ball Head?
" I assume I'd just have to keep an allen wrench in my bag, ..."
How long will you need to "suffer" before you realize that the Arca-Swiss system is the only way to go. How much "pain", emotional strife and frustration.....
p.1 #18 · Which QR plate for Manfrotto Hydrostatic Ball Head?
BeeMan458 wrote:
" I assume I'd just have to keep an allen wrench in my bag, ..."
How long will you need to "suffer" before you realize that the Arca-Swiss system is the only way to go. How much "pain", emotional strife and frustration.....
I certainly can't argue the Bogen plates are a better system. However, I would estimate I use a tripod at most 10% of the time. In my limited experience, I found it a hassle to have plates mounted the other 90+% of the time. I'm very glad to mount/dismount the plate when it is needed, but I've never found the RC2 plate and its supporting clamp to be the most confidence inspiring. There seems to be (in the A-S system) a special plate for every body and lens, and that just won't work for me. I need one plate to work on 3 to 4 bodies and 10 or so lenses. I'll be happy to buy the RRS clamp for my 468 if I can find a nice plate that won't twist on the bodies or lenses, and can be easily mounted/dismounted.
p.1 #19 · Which QR plate for Manfrotto Hydrostatic Ball Head?
Hammerli...Unfortunately, Manfrotto redesigned the panning knob on the new 468. I have read several comments wishing that they kept the older teardrop shaped knob. I agree the teardrop shaped knob is easier to use.
With regard to permanently mounting an AS plate on your body, you will find that plates made by RRS are smooth and relatively form-fitting. After some initial adaptation, you may find that you don't really notice the plate on the body. I have a basic plate on my 350 and a L bracket on my 1d2. I no longer notice them.
The reasons for an AS system clearly outweigh any inconvenience. I appreciate your lack of confidence in the Manfrotto QR. It was also one of the reasons why I converted over to RRS. No matter how I tightened the Manfrotto QR plate, it would eventually loosen and cause torquing especially with the larger lenses. Using the Manfrotto QR with my 300 and monopod engendered the most paranoia when I was running up and down the sideline toting the combo trying to get a shot. Torque and security paranoia are now gone. Once I place my body or lens into a RRS clamp, it is secure and doesn't torque. Moreover, the whole support system is enhanced by a good AS system.
It is costly initially, but it is well worth it in terms of convenience, piece of mind, and your image quality.
