Seriously need to retire my aged Manfrotto 520's and am looking for something HEAPS more stable. If anyone has the 350's can you tell me if the headstock (the bit the ball sits in / legs attach to) is aluminium or plastic?

[Manfrotto, true to form, doesn't say]

Have discovered the weakest point about the 520's is that the headstock is plastic and pretty well useless for HD, you only have to breath on it and it moves.

I've just bought the Manfrotto 528XB sticks (primarily for my jib) and they are awesome with my new Vinten Vision 3 head, but they are a complete hernia production kit for all day working.

Any other suggestions for 100mm ball head 'pods welcome, got to be stable (I mean rock solid) without weighing a ton - simple really!

Thanks in advance.

Cheers,


Chris

i use the vinten 2 stage carbon fiber sticks with that head - very light and very stable

Blowed if I know where tho' - B&H doesn't sell 'em, and seems no one else in the States does either. Must be a "European" thing.

Oh well, just have to look for something different (it's not as if there aren't any other options).

Thanks anyway.

Cheers,


Chris

Let's try a 351MVB set of sticks then - someone MUST have one of them? B&H seem to be selliing them by the truck load.

What is the headstock/ receiver (the bit the half ball goes into) made of?

Answers on the back of a $50 note to..................

CS

Hi Chris

I have the 351 MV and my model is all cast alloy or tubular alloy.. the only plastic is the feet and the catches to adjust the height....so unless they've changed the spec there's your answer.

Have to say it is heavy as hell... which is why it is my second pod at the mo when I need two cams or don't have to lug it miles...

I recently got a Libec LS38 which is far lighter and packs down smaller.. even if it does have more plastic on it...

cheers

Gareth

My 351MVB2 has alloy receiver; definitely not a plastic one.

Let's try a 351MVB set of sticks then - someone MUST have one of them? B&H seem to be selliing them by the truck load.

What is the headstock/ receiver (the bit the half ball goes into) made of?

Answers on the back of a $50 note to..................

CS

Just what the Doctor ordered. Job done.

CS