Manfrotto heads?

[postcardcv]

I have been using an old Manfrotto tripod with a 128rc head for some time (though the head is only a year or so old) - and decided that the legs needed replacing. So yesterday I went to buy new legs, but ended up getting legs and head (as it was such a good deal) the new set up came with a 200 head.

So am now unsure which head to use and was wondering is anyone could advise which would be better. I use an Opticron ES80 (so quite a big scope) at the moment. So should I use the new head or flog it and stick with what I know....?

[robinm]

I bought a Manfrotto 443 tripod with the 200 head last year and tried it for a while. I have a Leica APO 77 and I digiscope with the CP 4500. Eventually I reverted to the 128RC head I had on my old tripod because I was having problems with the 200 head supporting the scope and camera steadily. The 128 RC is slightly heavier but a much better head with better panning and steadier when locked.

[Swissboy]

I bought a Manfrotto 443 tripod with the 200 head last year and tried it for a while. I have a Leica APO 77 and I digiscope with the CP 4500. Eventually I reverted to the 128RC head I had on my old tripod because I was having problems with the 200 head supporting the scope and camera steadily. The 128 RC is slightly heavier but a much better head with better panning and steadier when locked.

I agree, the 128RC is a superb head if weight is not of any major concern. I still use it on my sturdiest tripod while I replaced it with a DinO head (see separate thread) for the travel tripod. I never liked the Manfrotto 200, though.