Bogen/Manfrotto 3025 3-D Tripod Head

I've had this head and the 3001 legs for many years (paid $125 for the combination several years ago) and its been my companion for every tripod-required event which ranges from indoors (theater) to outdoors (landscapes). The 3-axis movement allows me to orient the camera in almost any position as long as I have time to fiddle with the different knobs. The lack of quick-release also means that once the camera is mounted it stays mounted through the entire shoot. However this head isn't designed to give the flexibility of a ball-head or offer a quick-release, so I don't expect this level of performance. Instead I expected this to be a durable, solid, resonably easy-to-repositio tripod head, and in that way this has not failed me. That said, there are two areas that I have been annoyed with: 1) Orienting my camera vertically (10D with grip) places the center of balance of the tripod significantly off-center. This means that if I'm not paying close attention the whole tripod (with camera) can fall over. Orienting the tripod so a leg is directly below the camera body reduces this risk, and I think this problem is common amongst heads. 2) The cork padding doesn't have enough friction to keep my camera body in place. I also have to routinely tighten the camera body to prevent it from twisting when in the vertical orientation. Most of my landscapes (http://crakephoto.com) use this tripod/head combo.

Solid, long lasting performer that gives a wide range of camera orientation.

Awkward camera center of balance when in the vertical position and cork padding requires constant tightening of the camera.

n/a

never used

This was originally bought as an additional head for unusual situations or at the end of an extension arm. It has fulfilled this purpose very well and shown its versatility in other areas. I've found it very versatile and stable while being very light. Once you get used to the idea of holding the camera while making adjustments (much like a ball head), you find that it is capable of very fine adjustment - useful for shots where alignment is important, such as architecture. In fact, I was so impressed with this head that I bought the 460Mg (US 3437) which is a similar design but lighter (cast magnesium) despite having a quick release plate and a bubble level. Both are excellent.

Versatile, large range of adjustment, steadiness, lightness - good value at a higher price.

None really - once you get used to the method of operation, it's easy.

A wide variety of tripod heads.

None needed (this is a simple piece of equipment).

I think this tripod head is better than what some of the other reviewers have written(probably for what we are using it for). I bought it for macro work, and it hasn't let me down. I think it is much more versatile than a ballhead, it can get you into positions that are unreal--something a ballhead can't do. I haven't had any problems with adjustments, nor panning(but then I think that is where a ballhead would be recommended). Overall I wouldn't trade this one in.

durability
range of motion
fairly lightweight
price

none

None

haven't a need for them

I'm not crazy about this tripod head, but it was a good value to go with my Bogen 3021 tripod legs. Overall I like it because it is very solid and durable. However, it is not easy to use if you are adjusting the pan and tilt a lot. The friction when panning is fair. This is definitely a good value for a starter head, but just not enough when you get more serious.

Quality build, nice locking levers, good value

No quick release, panning is a bit sticky, pan and tilt is awkward

Cheap tripods

None needed

This is a great lightweight head for traveling or hiking. A ball head might be more convienient, but at this price it's hard to beat.

Lightweight, compact, well made, sturdy for lightweight equipment.

Slow to make adjustments.

Slik.

Not needed.