Cube test versus Manfrotto geared 410

[carstenw]

I am thinking of going with John Black's comment and swimming against the stream here, while ducking Cube owners, and getting a 405 for my upcoming 3541XLS.

From what I read here, the 410 is slightly less stable than the Cube (at a millionth the price), and the 405 is slightly more stable than the 410... has anyone here been in the position of comparing the 405 with the Cube directly?

 

[Guy Mancuso]

Well I am not using a cube so Iam not mainstream either. LOL Gitzo 3780 head with RRS pano clamp

 

[carstenw]

Yes, I have heard good things about the new Gitzo ballheads, but then again, I heard good things about the BH-55 I now have, but I am not totally happy with it. The main problem is how to make a minute level adjustment in a controlled fashion while looking through the viewfinder, and I don't know of any ballhead which can do that.

Btw, the reason I am considering the 405 rather than the 410 is that I am probably springing for a 210mm or 250mm lens, and may use a teleconverter as well for some shots.

 

[Guy Mancuso]

Understand . The Gitzo though has no bounce at all. You can have the drag on and move it and it stays than lock further. Need to actually try this one in a store if you can . Like it a lot better than the Bh-55 which you can't do this on it

 

[Corlan F.]

Carsten, being among the guys on a budget (i know, it s*cks :deadhorse here i went for the mere 410 some time ago and i'm quite happy with it.

I think you're right to consider the 405 if the intended use is your Contax / Hassy with 210 or 250mm tele. Not that the 410 would break or anything close, but you'll get closer to the limits of best usability. Especially if you shoot outside in less controlled conditions (i use mine mainly inside the studio).

On a general note, for the price the only reservation i have with the Manfrotto geared head (on heavy Gitzo tripod) is the kinda slow adjustments. And it's probably not as precise as the Cube -but as said above, for studio purposes it's quite OK, it is sturdy enough, safe... and reasonnably priced. Doesn't hurt

 

[carstenw]

Well, both 410 and 405 have the release which allows you to get in the right region quickly, and then the geared drive to fine-tune. Don't you find this to be satisfactory?

I am not sure that any of us in this forum can be said to be on a budget )) but the Cube costs about 2 used Contax lenses, and the Multiflex 1 lens (and I am not totally comfortable with buying a copy), so the 405 looks like a relative bargain in comparison, even if there are some minor disadvantages compared to the Cube.

 

[carstenw]

I have some more questions:

Does the 405 come with a bag, to put over it while carrying the tripod, like the RRS BH-55 does?

Is it possible to swap out the Manfrotto quick-release plate for an RRS equivalent?

 

[Corlan F.]

Yes the quick release for major positionning is a cool, useful feature, though sometimes a bit clumsy in operation (e.g. you want to have a firm grip on the camera when using it for vertical positionning or you might be in for a nice adrenaline rush).

Re the replacement of the original 410PL (RC4 type) quick release by a RRS plate, last time i checked it was not readily possible but there was some kind of conversion or clamp required. Did not inquire any further, though -and i do ok with the 410PL/RC4.

No bag supplied with the 410 (well, at least mine), seems to be the same with the 405... to be confirmed.

 

[carstenw]

Hmm, what is the best way to convert from Manfrotto to RRS? Perhaps something like a "B2 LLR II"?

 

[RGoldman]

This plate from Kirk fits the 410 geared head and allows for Arca style plates to be used with it. I find myself using the 410 a lot more after getting this plate.
http://www.kirkphoto.com/SQRC-3271_Manfrotto_3271_Quick_Release_Clamp.html

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

Ron

 

[John Black]

Ron, the plate you noted is for the 410 (which you stated); if I understood correctly, Carsten asked about the 405 which uses a different plate. I have the 405 and love it; though, I only use it in the studio because my tripod & gearhead combo probably weighs more than 15 pounds. Here's the 410PL plate (B&H Link):

 

[RGoldman]

They use the same QR plate(410PL) so the Kirk adapter will work on either of them.

Ron

 

[archivue]

i have a 405, a 410 and an Arca B2

I don't like ball heads, but the B2 is really special, two balls... one per axe !
It's by far the best head i've ever used !
In windy conditions, it's much better than the other two !