Photography Bay

Digital Camera News, Reviews and Tips

Manfrotto 700RC2 Fluid Video Head Review

By

The Manfrotto 700RC2 is a basic, fluid head head for use with video cameras up to 5.5 pounds.  At around $90 street price, this is an entry-level head with little in the way of creature comforts.

The 700RC2 still gives you a quick release plate, and it has a pan arm rosette on the right side of the head for adjusting the angle of the solid pan arm included with the head.  The 700RC2 also has separate pan and tilt friction locks.

Read the rest of the review at Tech Tilt: Manfrotto 700RC2 Fluid Video Head Review

 

Manfrotto 501HDV Fluid Tripod Head Review

By

The Manfrotto 501HDV is a dedicated video fluid head.  As camera manufacturers add more and more DSLRs with HD video capture, photographers’ interest in video seems to be growing at an exponential rate.  I know my interest has been piqued since I picked up a 5D Mark II roughly a year and a half ago.  One thing we’re learning though, is that good photo equipment doesn’t necessarily make good video equipment as well.  [Read more…]

Vanguard SBH-250 Ball Head Review

By

The Vanguard SBH-250 is a lightweight, yet very robust tripod head.  To give you an idea of just how sturdy the SBH-250 is, it’s rated to hold up to 44 lbs.  The magnesium alloy construction and matte black finish aid in the robust feel of this head.  The best thing about the Vanguard SBH-250 though, is its price – $80.

Tripod heads are very much a personal preference item for photographers.  Some folks like their pan/tilt heads and others won’t use anything but a ball head.  To each his own; however, if you are looking at ball heads, you owe it to yourself to take a long hard look at the Vanguard SBH-250. [Read more…]