Manfrotto 393 to a Manfrotto 190

[tracker]

Hi,

Im planning to buy a Manfrotto 393 (Bogen 3421) Gimbal type head/bracket.

I use a Manfrotto 190 (green) tripod. The centre column has the Manfrotto 128RCNAT head attached; Im wondering, is it possible to attach the 393 to this setup?

Any advice will be appreciated,

Thanks

[postcardcv]

Indeed it is. If you take out the column and look on the under side you'll see three small screws, loosen these and then lock the pan on the head, it should then just twist off (if it's been used a lot this can take a bit of effort). The 393 will then just screw on to the column, then tighten up the three screws (these should help to stop unwanted rotation).

[paul goode]

Use that head myself and Peter's info is spot on.
My thought, however, is if you are putting what I think you are putting on the 393 I'm not sure 190 legs are going to be up the task.

Paul

[tracker]

LOL, had to smile at that 'if you are putting what i think you are putting' comment, Paul! Still not definite, but Im trying my best. :) Think Im gonna have to make the tripod be up to the task, for a while anyway.

Peter,

Before posting this thread, i removed those 3 screws you mentioned, but wasnt able to detach the head; even thought maybe the adjusting screw on the top of the head should be removed, but even that wouldnt shift. Im sure I'll sort it; as you say, a little more effort may be needed.

Thanks for the replies :t:

[postcardcv]

Peter,

Before posting this thread, i removed those 3 screws you mentioned, but wasnt able to detach the head; even thought maybe the adjusting screw on the top of the head should be removed, but even that wouldnt shift. Im sure I'll sort it; as you say, a little more effort may be needed.

Thanks for the replies :t:

Try putting the column back in the legs and then locking the pan off, the legs should give you something to push against (think however the nat 190 has a round column so it may not help). Getting the heads of can be tricky, especially if they have seen a fair bit of use for seawatching (salt water is a nightmare), but I've yet to see one that could nto be removed!

Gotta agree with Paul though the 190 legs probably would not do justice to a big lens.

[tracker]

What tripod would you suggest for the Canon 500mm f/4, Peter?

Thanks

[paul goode]

What tripod would you suggest for the Canon 500mm f/4, Peter?

Thanks

looks as if Peter's gone offline, so I'll bung my opinion in. Peter and i both use Gitzo tripods, 3540ls in my case. Obscene amount of money but they are rock solid. And those 500 f4s aren't light, as i've just discovered ;) ;)

Don't really know what else to suggest, Manfrotto metal 055 would probably be OK but the CF ones are in my opinion too flimsy. there are the chinese ripoffs of Gitzo's that some people rave about but I chose to put my hand in my pocket rather than risk my setup on a copy of dubious origin.

Hope that helps

Paul

[tracker]

Paul,

Thanks for the suggestions. Ive been looking online at the Manfrotto 055Pro; many seem to recommend it for the Canon 500mm.

[postcardcv]

Thanks for the suggestions. Ive been looking online at the Manfrotto 055Pro; many seem to recommend it for the Canon 500mm.

I used to use a Manfrotto 055 pro with my Sigma 500 f4.5 and really liked it, it's a good solid tripod. However I then changed to Gitzo (I use 1349 legs), they weigh about the same as the 055pro, cost a lot more but are amazingly stable. If you can stretch to a Gitzo then go for it, if not then don't ever try one.

[tracker]

If you can stretch to a Gitzo then go for it, if not then don't ever try one.

Peter, scarey, but I like the logic! I'll take your advice! ;) lol

Thanks for the help, guys! :t: