(From company literature) Manfrotto 405 Pro Digital Geared Head. Manfrotto's 405 Pro Digital Geared Head is designed especially to meet the more exacting, time-sensitive needs of today's busy professional digital photographers who shoot with medium format or 35mm camera/back payloads up to 16.5 lbs.
The 405 utilizes large, easy-to-grip knobs that provide smooth, positive, geared control through 360 degree pan and -30 to 90 degree frontal and lateral tilt.
In addition to its 3-D geared functions, the 405 also incorporates a unique feature that allows you to instantly disengage the gears and rough position the camera by hand, then instantly reengage them for ultra-precise final alignment.
The 405 comes complete with quick-release plate, 1/4"-20 and 3/8" camera mounting screws, and 3/8" tripod mount.
Suggested Tripods:
• PRO GEARED TRIPOD [ 475 ]
• PRO GEARED TRIPOD [ 475B ]
Specifications:
Pan: 360 degrees
Tilt: -30 to +90 degrees Lateral Tilt; -30 to +90 degrees Frontal Tilt
Manfrotto 405 Pro Digital Geared Head review by bfischer
Review Date: 11/28/2006
Would you recommend the product? Yes |
Total Spent: $440.00| Rating: 10
Pros:
very solid, knobs for gear override, smoothly and precisely working adjustments
Cons:
heavy (1.6 kg), pricey
I've spent a lot of time using a cheap MA 141RC because I could not decide whether I'm into ball head style of working or geared head. Finally after trying different ball heads I ordered an MA 405.
When I use a tripod, I'm into architecture, scenic, macro and still wildlife, so I don't require rapid movements. A geared head is ideal for my range of application. The MA 405 is very solid and has a relatively small footprint. The method for releasing the gears to quickly adjust the head is solved perfectly.
There is one caveat: Before buying an MA 405 make sure, your camera viewfinder is aligned perfectly with the film or the sensor (rotation-wise).
BTW: The weight is 1.6 kg and not 2.4 as stated above.
