[Daveash]

I have a D70 + Tamron 200-500 +1.4 teleconverter. I am confused about tripods. I will be coming back to the UK for Christmas and want to buy a good tripod for the above rig. The Velbon seems a good buy at half price from WE but how does it compare with the Man 55CF. One member mentioned that he found the 55 lacking on a similar rig. Weight is not too much of a problem because I don't do too much walking with my camera. My original plan was a 55CF + 501 head. Any other ideas or suggestions welcome.

Thansk Daveash

[gmax]

Originally Posted by Daveash

I have a D70 + Tamron 200-500 +1.4 teleconverter. I am confused about tripods. I will be coming back to the UK for Christmas and want to buy a good tripod for the above rig. The Velbon seems a good buy at half price from WE but how does it compare with the Man 55CF. One member mentioned that he found the 55 lacking on a similar rig. Weight is not too much of a problem because I don't do too much walking with my camera. My original plan was a 55CF + 501 head. Any other ideas or suggestions welcome.

Thansk Daveash

Hello Daveash,
I have no experience with the Velbon you mentioned, but I use a similar lens+camera (Canon), seldom + TC and I'm very satisfied with the Manfrotto 055V, I didn't notice any problem with stability, even with some wind; I have a reliable and smooth 128RC QR head, but if you are aiming at the 501, why not having a look also at the newer 701, lighter, cheaper and with a similar balance tuning?
Hope this helps, cheers
Max

[baillieswells]

Originally Posted by Daveash

I have a D70 + Tamron 200-500 +1.4 teleconverter. I am confused about tripods. I will be coming back to the UK for Christmas and want to buy a good tripod for the above rig. The Velbon seems a good buy at half price from WE but how does it compare with the Man 55CF. One member mentioned that he found the 55 lacking on a similar rig. Weight is not too much of a problem because I don't do too much walking with my camera. My original plan was a 55CF + 501 head. Any other ideas or suggestions welcome.

Thansk Daveash

I have been using a Velbon Sherpa PRO CF-630 for about a year and have been most satisfied with it. I also looked at the Manfrotto CF 55 and preferrred the Velbon. I use it with a Manfrotto 701RC2 head, the 501 head is a monster but superb. (If you prefer click as opposed to rotating tightening of the legs, then consider the Velbon CF-631).

[Daveash]

Originally Posted by gmax

Hello Daveash,
I have no experience with the Velbon you mentioned, but I use a similar lens+camera (Canon), seldom + TC and I'm very satisfied with the Manfrotto 055V, I didn't notice any problem with stability, even with some wind; I have a reliable and smooth 128RC QR head, but if you are aiming at the 501, why not having a look also at the newer 701, lighter, cheaper and with a similar balance tuning?
Hope this helps, cheers
Max

Thanks Max
All information from experienced persons welcome. Many thanks.

Daveash

[Daveash]

Originally Posted by baillieswells

I have been using a Velbon Sherpa PRO CF-630 for about a year and have been most satisfied with it. I also looked at the Manfrotto CF 55 and preferrred the Velbon. I use it with a Manfrotto 701RC2 head, the 501 head is a monster but superb. (If you prefer click as opposed to rotating tightening of the legs, then consider the Velbon CF-631).

Many thanks Bailleiswells for the information

Daveash

[avan]

You can compared the velbon to the 0190 serie not the 055. I have use the velbon sherpa pro CF for one week, I return it to the store: too much vibration.I use for more than a year the 701 rc2 head, with good result in the beginning. 2 month ago I start to have wobling in the head, it's now more accerbed with 400mm f5.6 than the 300 f4 +tc, so I change for the 501. I feel the head doesn't know there is a lens on it. Seem overkill, but very silk operation. I use the 501 with a classic 055, it's a bit heavy weight at the end of the day, but stable when needed except in strong wind.

[Daveash]

Originally Posted by avan

You can compared the velbon to the 0190 serie not the 055. I have use the velbon sherpa pro CF for one week, I return it to the store: too much vibration.I use for more than a year the 701 rc2 head, with good result in the beginning. 2 month ago I start to have wobling in the head, it's now more accerbed with 400mm f5.6 than the 300 f4 +tc, so I change for the 501. I feel the head doesn't know there is a lens on it. Seem overkill, but very silk operation. I use the 501 with a classic 055, it's a bit heavy weight at the end of the day, but stable when needed except in strong wind.

Avan
Thanks for the information. I have now been back to the UK and made my purchase. I bought the Velbon because of the price but used the discount to upgrade the head to the 501. I had not seen the 501 before I bought it so was bit shocked at the size, however now I have had some practice I am pleased with my purchases. The length of the handle is good for additional stability but I can see a very slight movement when I put my finger on the shutter button, however this is with a 700mm lens up front. I may practice with the IR remote to avoid the finger generated wobble.
Thanks again
Daveash

[scampo]

Originally Posted by Daveash

I have a D70 + Tamron 200-500 +1.4 teleconverter. I am confused about tripods. I will be coming back to the UK for Christmas and want to buy a good tripod for the above rig. The Velbon seems a good buy at half price from WE but how does it compare with the Man 55CF. One member mentioned that he found the 55 lacking on a similar rig. Weight is not too much of a problem because I don't do too much walking with my camera. My original plan was a 55CF + 501 head. Any other ideas or suggestions welcome.

Thansk Daveash

I sold my 055 and bought a Velbon Sherpa CF but for scope use not camera. The Velbon is absolutely fine - much lighter! Whilst the Velbon is excellent, the 055 might well be that bit more stable in extreme conditions as it is so much bulkier. I use the MF 700RC2 head - again, superb and lightweight.

[Roy C]

If weight is not an issue, The Manfrotto 055 ProB + 488RC2 ball head is a good combo. I use it for my 400mm f5.6 + 1.4 tc and it is rock solid.