Hello there,

I read about the Benro S6 head reviews, and it seems an adequate head for my needs (feel free to correct me, if you wish :-) ).

Since I have an old Manfrotto 055CB tripod, I thought it would be a good idea to combine these.
I have removed the centre column, according to this video Manfrotto 055C Tripod solid base modification - YouTube - that improved stability considerably.

Video equipment I use ranges from a small camcorder (Sony CX-330) to a dSLR and lenses, to a Canon C100+70-200/2.8L IS.

With the C100+70-200/2.8 lens on this tripod E-Image E-Image Two Stage Aluminum Tripod Legs with GH03 EG03A2 , I found the combination sensitive when I was trying to manually focus while I was shooting - me touching the lens would be seen in the image.
Will the S6 + 055 be stable enough for this kind of load? Or should I go for the S8 and another tripod?

N.F.

For the 70-200mm in general, I'd say a heavier tripod is the way to go. That 055 is probably adequate for stills, but I don't have experience with it. I use a Manfrotto 352mvb and 055xprob and I can see micro jitters on the 055xprob sometimes.

Which lens are you using that gives you these 'jitters'? The 70-200/2.8L?

I am thinking about getting the Benro S6 alone. *IF* that proves adequate with the 055, that's fine!
Else, we search for a better/bigger tripod.
Or should I go for the S8 directly?

Decisions, decisions...

N.F.

Im using a Nikon 80-200mm F2.8 with dummy adapters.

From my understanding, S6 would be equivalent to Manfrotto 502hd and S8 to the 504hd head. I never owned either of those as well, but I had an owner who owned both Manfrotto versions put them up for sale as he replaced it with the S8. Hope that helps.