Tripod Collar/Ball Head Use

[Don Thompson]

I recently purchased my first ball head, a Manfrotto 488RC2. To this point I am mostly using it with a Canon 100-400mm for wildlife/nature. I have adjusted the tension so that I can move the camera/lens for composition, yet still hold the camera stable. My question is this; should I tighten the tripod collar to keep if from rotating or should I keep it loose so that the lens can rotate.

[Ed Cordes]

I think the tripod collar should always be locked unless you are going to rotate to a different orientation. If you are following moving subjects the ball head may be relatively loose so you can follow. However, if you need ultimate stability everything should be locked down tightly.

[Robert O'Toole]

I agree with Ed, the collar should be locked.

BTW try handholding that lens, its the perfect choice for non tripod use. Just make sure you use a high shutter speed and use good handholding technique.

Robert

[Don Thompson]

Thanks for the input. I will keep the tripod collar locked when on the tripod.

I do handhold the lens most of the time but occasionally when the light is low, I need a tripod.

[Arthur Morris]

Even better advice: sell the ballhead purchase a Mongoose M2.3. Click here to learn why: http://www.birdsasart.com/mongoose.htm

That said, I would guess that I work with the tripod collar fairly loose about 75% of the time. I usually tighen it only when working with the slower shutter speeds, less than 1/125 sec.