Adding a quick-release to the Velbon Maxi 343E Tripod

[rboser]

Last fall this tripod was recommended in this forum. I purchased it and absolutely love it! Now I'm looking to add a lightweight quick release system to make it even easier to use.

Any recommendations? For those unfamiliar with this tripod, it has a removable ball head which could be replaced.

--
-bob
CP995

 

[rboser]

--
-bob
CP995

 

[RonA]

see http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bh5.sph/FrameWork.class?FNC=ProductActivator__Aproductlist_html___149686___BO3299___REG___CatID=0___SID=F33B7F2F750

It blocks battery cover, but is reasonable price. Others have suggested Kirk which is more expensive.
http://www.kirkphoto.com/platesend.html
http://bermangraphics.com/coolpix/kirk.htm

RonA
CP995, TC-E2, WC-24, WC-63, B-300
Epson 785EPX, Epson 2200
Meade ETX-90RA, Velbon 343E

 

[travellerben]

STRONGLY recommend looking at the Ideesign Qtop sold by B&H and Adorama.
--
Ben 775 5000

 

[Midnight2]

because I'm looking for something really light weight. However, it seemed really flimsy although at that weight I don't expect rock solid.

Re: the ball head. When you unlock the ball head to reposition it also unlocks the entire head mount.....which seemed to me would make it difficult for minor adjustments. Your experience?

I too was researching alternative heads to this pod if I were to get it so I'll be following here to see what recommendations are made.

Any more input on the pod would helpful too. Thanks

--
midnight2, CP775, 4500, Portland, Or.

 

[Tom Weber2]

see

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bh5.sph/FrameWork.class?FNC=ProductActivator__Aproductlist_html___149686___BO3299___REG___CatID=0___SID=F33B7F2F750
It blocks battery cover, but is reasonable price. Others have
suggested Kirk which is more expensive.
http://www.kirkphoto.com/platesend.html
http://bermangraphics.com/coolpix/kirk.htm

RonA
CP995, TC-E2, WC-24, WC-63, B-300
Epson 785EPX, Epson 2200
Meade ETX-90RA, Velbon 343E

Not sure of my model number but it was 32XX something and cost about $34. It doesn't block the battery door. I can leave it on all the time if needed. Works great.

Tom
--
St. Louis, Missouri
CP5700
http://www.pbase.com/tweber
http://web.valuenet.net/tweber

 

[Austin_316]

Last fall this tripod was recommended in this forum. I purchased
it and absolutely love it! Now I'm looking to add a lightweight
quick release system to make it even easier to use.

Any recommendations? For those unfamiliar with this tripod, it has
a removable ball head which could be replaced.

--
-bob
CP995

--
Michael

 

[Albert Voss]

It looks wonderful: small, rigid and foolproof. But the price! $ 100!

 

[SlantyBard]

I got the same tripod and purchased the cullmann 070 quick release head for ?25 bucks from adorama works great. It is a slightly tighter fit into the carrying case but it still fits plus, the battery door is NOT blocked by the part that attaches to the camera.

--
Adam

E5700, E990
http://www.pbase.com/mcdiarmid/
http://www.slanty.net
pbase supporter

 

[rboser]

I have found it pretty easy to make small adjustments. I don't have much experiance with any other ball heads, as my regular tripod is a 3-way and my monpod has it's own quick-release. So I don't have much to compare with, except for those I just mentioned. When I make adjustments, I hold the camera with my right hand using the same hand position as if I were ready to shot a picture. While holding the camera with my right hand I loosen the ball level with my left hand, and guide the camera to wherever I want it, then tighten again with my left hand. I've found that the camera stays pretty much where it is until I'm ready to move it, if that makes any sense. Bottom line is that I've never had any situations where adjusting the camera was an issue.

The only complaint I have (and it's a small one) is with the bag. I wish it was just a little bit bigger around near the opening. And I wish the arm strap was a just little longer. I'm a bit on the husky side, so it's probably just the right length for most other folks.

Let me know if you have any other questions.
--
-bob
CP995

 

[rboser]

Thanks everyone. That Qtop looks pretty spiffy, but the price is pretty steep. The Bogen and Cullman both look good, with the Cullman having the advantage of not blocking the battery. I'm going to see if I can buy this somewhere in the UK. Thanks again for your ideas.

--
-bob
CP995

 

[travellerben]

The Qtop is well worth it - if you can afford it. Nothing else compares. It's small, light weight, rigid, and very quick to release and connect. Extremely well made.
--
Ben 775 5000