I need to know if I can mount a Gitzo ball head on this tripod. Also, can anyone provide detailed instructions for removing the Dolica ball head?
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This model already has a Gitzo style ball head. If you want to add another type, here is a video on how to remove the ball head.
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I do not have Really Right Stuff monopod but have their ball head, L bracket and monopod head. Their products are awesome and I have been very happy with not just the products but also their customer service. Personally I have been very happy with my Gitzo monopod, it is sturdy, yet light to carry. Only issue the rubber part on bottom of my came off so had to purchase replacement on Amazon but got the kit that included the spike which works well along with the rubber tip. I don't think you can go wrong with either product. Since I do not have any of RRS tripod, monopod I can't give my opinion specifically on a comparison between RRS and this Gitzo. Just how I feel about the Gitzo monopod which is great and then RRS products that I have. Hope this helps!
100320
I wanted the gimbal head because it was strong enough to hold my 15 lb Canon 500 securely on the tripod. I don't know how much weight your ball head supports, but I doubt it will support the weight of the gimball. The Opteka seems to perform well, allowing easy vertical and horizontal movements, and with a longer slide piece, balances the lense well. JonK.
732827
Yes. You can use most heads for this tripod. I swap my Jobu gimbal and Acratech ball head interchangeably.
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I have this tripod and love it! Yes the head comes off, in fact the head comes I it's own box and you have to put it on the tripod. And yes, it's a "bowl" mount. That allows you to level the head very easily.
994587
I was unhappy that there is not a ball head to allow for much more adjusting of my Nikon D5100. It is fairly stable, although do not stand in front of it with your back turned....walked into mine. It feel over with my camera. Yikes. My big 105mm lens and camera do not seem too heavy so the Handycam will hold the weight. Panning the camera could be a problem. No Instructions available from Polaroid either...grrrr. Ask on Flickr about using this tripod.
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I was having the same problem/frustration ... P Cheng is right on the money ... once you put the head on the tripod (i.e. spin it around on the screw coming from the tripod) you are NOT done. There are three holes on the UNDER-side of head mounting plate. They are actually on the tripod plate that you just mounted the head two (i.e. the bottom disc). You put the smaller allen wrench in each of these and tighten it down. Now the tripod head will no-longer swivel around that screw. The screwing in you do first is just to get it semi-tight and flush with the bottom "disc". Once the allen-head screws have been tightened down you will not have a problem. I was having the same problem/frustration ... P Cheng is right on the money ... once you put the head on the tripod (i.e. spin it around on the screw coming from the tripod) you are NOT done. There are three holes on the UNDER-side of head mounting plate. They are actually on the tripod plate that you just mounted the head two (i.e. the bottom disc). You put the smaller allen wrench in each of these and tighten it down. Now the tripod head will no-longer swivel around that screw. The screwing in you do first is just to get it semi-tight and flush with the bottom "disc". Once the... » Read More I was having the same problem/frustration ... P Cheng is right on the money ... once you put the head on the tripod (i.e. spin it around on the screw coming from the tripod) you are NOT done. There are three holes on the UNDER-side of head mounting plate. They are actually on the tripod plate that you just mounted the head two (i.e. the bottom disc). You put the smaller allen wrench in each of these and tighten it down. Now the tripod head will no-longer swivel around that screw. The screwing in you do first is just to get it semi-tight and flush with the bottom "disc". Once the allen-head screws have been tightened down you will not have a problem. « Show Less
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Hello, I am pleased to answer your question. This ball head does work with a monopod. Be careful which Monopod you choose as on a light model there could be some balancing issues because the Arca Swiss head is not light. I use the Arca Swiss you are asking about on a Gitzo Level 3 Tripod but I have tried it on a Manfrotto Monopod and it works just fine. Claude
1238704
Hello,I am pleased to answer your question.This ball head does work with a monopod.Be careful which Monopod you choose as on a light model there could be some balancing issues because the Arca Swiss head is not light.I use the Arca Swiss you are asking about on a Gitzo Level 3 Tripod but I have tried it on a Manfrotto Monopod and it works just fine.Claude
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I actually unscrew the head from my manfrotto tripod and screw on the slider to the tripod because the head attaches to the sliding part so you have more control of the camera as your sliding it. Hope this makes sense and hope it helps.
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What Mark Goldman said... A very well made ball head. Very versatile and sturdy. It is made for a heavier tripod it seems to me so that if you have a lighter one it might make it top-heavy. I use mine with an Amazon Basics Video Tripod which is very heavy.
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I think it will work with any camera that can accept a tripod. I had a PanasonicZ35 and it worked perfectly on it and it's basically a point and shoot like yourSX260. Check the bottom of your camera and it you see a hole with grooves for a tripod then this will work. You can't turn or tilt the camera without a ball head and that's more money. I would get a good lightweight tripod for the same money you'll spend. I only got the Dolica because it's light and simple to use in the woods and you use the height adjustments on the legs to change your viewing height. I brace it with my feet or plant it a little in the soil or sand to steady it.
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I have a ballhead in addition to my tripod, and it works excellent. Yes, ballhead costs, but it is a good value for money even only for the one click to connect-disconnect. In addition the ballhead has a bubble level and you receive rotation in all axis for the camera having your tripod wrapped and fixed around anything.
1206298
I don't have or know much about that tripod, so it might have issues with weight. But from a mechanical standpoint, you can mount this jib on the top of the fluid head and it will work. A much better method would be to add a Manfrotto 75mm bowl adapter and a panning head. Then you would remove the fluid head, and install the jib w/pan head. Of course, now we are getting into enough money that you should consider a better jib.
2195929
The plates aren't based on the tripod. You have to buy a head separately. That should come with a couple of plates. This tripod isn't intended to be connected to the camera directly. Any Manfrotto ball head would work perfect and they sell these legs with different heads as a combo package.
766907
That is the frustrating thing about this set up if you're just starting out building your gear kit. Its great together but taking that head off is pointless- however, you have options. While I reccomend buckling down, saving your cash, and buying the 502HD ($200) or 500ah ($170) to use on a tripod or slider, there are pan bases you can attach to the bottom of the 500 head like the feisol Pb-70. It has a 70 mm base which I believe will work with the 500 head you've got. However, it's clumsy and unreliable. Trust me. Appreciate that you have a great monopod setup, the best in fact. And that if you're considering a separate pan head for other video rigging, you'll want the 502HD, or the 500AH if you really must save $30.
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James. After examining my tripod I think it might be possible. The center column of the tripod on which the head is mounted is approximately 3/4 of an inch though I suspect it's in millimeters. On the mounting portion of the head itself is a very small Allen screw. I suppose that if one loosened the Allen screw the head would slip off. Of course the replacement head would have to fit the center shaft. I find the head quite good for photography but if you are thinking video then of course a fluid head would almost be a necessity. Phil