Looking for some input on legs to match with a 501 or 503 head and my PDX 10
Mostly for sporting events and out door use, Let here what you guy like.

I have a 501 with the 3221WN "Wilderness" legs. It came with a nice soft carrying case and is good for hiking around outside.

However, the action on the 501 head is not very smooth if you're shooting full telephoto at an event. You might want to think about that. I got frustrated with it and upgraded to Miller which is far better but also much more expensive. The 501 is fine if you're shooting wide at closer range.

The only drawback to the 3221 is the leg snaps. They work great but you can really pinch or bruise a finger if you aren't careful.

I have the 3221WN legs as well and love them.

The 3221 is great on rugged terrain. If you use the 501 head, get the ball leveler (3502) and setup is a snap. One of the features I really like is the almost ground-level shots you can get with this tripod when you remove the center column and use the short plug to attach the head. For static shots I sometimes use the mini ball head 484RC2 to save on weigh on long back country hikes.

Regards,

Mark Williams

Good Morning, Timothy.

I have been using the 516 head with the Bogen/Manfrotto A.R.T.S. tripod. It is an almost perfect combo for outdoor use. The TP is fiber, with great stability. Check out its specs at their web site.

Boyd is quite correct. Your present head is not up to moderate to long lens use. I suggest that you up grade.

Thanks for the input, Robert your setup is kinda out of reach for me, I think I will have to settle for the 503 and maybe 3221 sticks as they will fit my budget

Thanks for the input, Robert your setup is kinda out of reach for me, I think I will have to settle for the 503 and maybe 3221 sticks as they will fit my budget

Yeah I have the 503 head with the 525MVB legs. It seems to be a decent setup, it's the first time I went with the whole bowl head mount thingy.. It works out pretty slick I am finding.. Just and simple to adjust in seconds..:)

Hello all,
I am using the 501 head and the 3011BN legs. They don't have the snaps on the legs Boyd mentions and they are pretty solid, with telescoping center column. For the lighter cameras like the PDX10 and the DVX100 I have had no stability issues.

I had the chance to play with our new JVC GY-HD100 HDV camera this past weekend and I can tell you, with the tripod plate on the camera the 3011BN sticks were really not enough to keep it solid. That thing is built like a small car though. Pretty heavy. Pro lens and all that.

Balanced OK but had a bit of wobble when hitting the stop/rec button, etc.

3011BN sticks:
http://www.bogenimaging.us/product/templates/templates.php3?sectionid=102&itemid=800

Sean McHenry

I am using the 525MV legs with the 503 head and it is a real good combo. Great on telephoto shots and the ball leveling system has come in real handy. I only wish it went up just a little higher so I could get well over some of the tall heads who invariably stand in front.

Tery