Manfrotto 410 Junior Geared Head - Supports 11 lbs (5kg)

Comments about Manfrotto 410 Junior Geared Head - Supports 11 lbs (5kg):

I use this head to make fine adjustments when shooting architecture and interior spaces. It really helps to position the camera exactly level especially when shooting 1 point perspectives.

The knobs and and coarse adjustments are a little rough but it is a good head for the money.

Comments about Manfrotto 410 Junior Geared Head - Supports 11 lbs (5kg):

Indispensible tool for architectural photography. Time previously spent leveling camera is now spent on more creative pursuits. Agree with others that a second spirit level for the vertical would help greatly.

Comments about Manfrotto 410 Junior Geared Head - Supports 11 lbs (5kg):

I have a manfrotto 488RC4 ball head which I was satisfied, however, I wanted more precision to make fine adjustments for image placement. After my first photo shoot with this head I was so pleased with its performance that I'll be using it from now on. It was a little larger than I expected from the picture on this website because the picture, for me at least, gave the impression it was small and that was a concern. However, it is right-sized, well proportioned, and solidly constructed. It has quick release knobs for each axis, this is a helpful feature. I highly recommend this head.

Comments about Manfrotto 410 Junior Geared Head - Supports 11 lbs (5kg):

The guys in the lab say they found this to be perfect for what they needed it for. Easy to use for all their needs.

Comments about Manfrotto 410 Junior Geared Head - Supports 11 lbs (5kg):

While weight can be a bit of concern it provides a steady base for my camera. The adjustments which are easy to use lets me compose my images, especially closeups, just the way I want.

Comments about Manfrotto 410 Junior Geared Head - Supports 11 lbs (5kg):

i enjoy macro and portrait work. this is a great head for my needs.

Comments about Manfrotto 410 Junior Geared Head - Supports 11 lbs (5kg):

To the other reviewer who said you can't shoot straight up,... umm mount the QR-plate sideways and bingo, problem solved as it will tilt 90 degrees to the left for a vertical shot, so if your camera is pointed to the right, a vertical shot is now straight upward. I shot some stars last night, and getting it straight up wasn't a problem at all. Think before you review.

What else can I say that hasn't be said before? Great fine movements. The hardest to control is with my 500mm and 100mm-(when I'm very close up). But still, its not hard at all, just not as easy as lets say a portrait with a 50 or 85mm.

I use it for long telephoto birding shots, and macro shots, prollly one the best macro head out there. Will use it for a spotting scope soon as well.

I will probably be adding a new quick release assembly to match the other QR plates I already have.

Con: Takes a bit getting use to which controls controls what.

Comments about Manfrotto 410 Junior Geared Head - Supports 11 lbs (5kg):

Shooting architecture, particularly interiors and tighter shots, just begs for a geared head. I've used a 410 for about 4 years now professionally, and am quite happy.

Pros:
-Very affordable (many of my peers spend $1700 on the Arca Cube)
-Light and compact for a geared head
-Precise movements as well as quick large movements
-Over time some slack may develop, but pull off the rubber grips and turn the revealed screws and it's like new
-Aiming straight up only requires reversing the camera
-Works well with a variety of legs. Might clash with some wide bases, but my Gitzo 3541L, Benro C-358M8, and old Bogen 055 legs all work great.
-Can handle weight fine
-Doubles as a nice video tripod for some applications, especially longer pan shots

Cons:
-Still bulky and heavy compared to a quality ball head (I'm comparing to my Markins M10)
-Knobs aren't terribly easy to turn; my girlfriend can turn them but not quickly. They do loosen slightly over time.
-Not as smooth or precise as the 405 head, but I still sold my 405 because it's so large and cumbersome
-Proprietary quick release is built in. Most pros use arca type plates, necessitating the attachment of an arca clamp on top of the existing plate. On my first 410 I went crazy and dremeled off the protruding metal to create a flat surface to mount an arca type clamp. On my second I just attached a clamp to the quick release plate and haven't noticed any detriment.

Other:
I use L brackets on my bodies, so I haven't used this head to rotate the body for portrait framing. It's pretty easy to rotate though, so long as your legs can handle the off-center weight.

Comments about Manfrotto 410 Junior Geared Head - Supports 11 lbs (5kg):

I love the way a geared head works. The control on all three axes is super and I don't have to worry about the head slipping when used at an extreme angle.

Comments about Manfrotto 410 Junior Geared Head - Supports 11 lbs (5kg):

I bought this geared head along with a 190XDB Manfrotto Tripod for doing short stop-motion films with. I haven't really had it long enough to get into anything super complex with it yet, but the tests I've done have gone beautifully. Its control is very stable and extremely fine (only complaint is you may need to attach a pin or needle to the dials to get a better read). If your concerned about the lack of ability to lock down the axes you're not using; it seems to be a non-problem for me so far. When manipulating one axis all of the others have remained perfectly steady. Its got a good weight to it (I could see it being cumbersome on a hike, but on a set its not a problem at all) which just makes it that much more stable. Overall, it seems ideal for making stop-motion camera moves! (especially at this price!)

Comments about Manfrotto 410 Junior Geared Head - Supports 11 lbs (5kg):

I purchased this head to use with a Questar Field Model scope. Very good for fine adjustment to center target. Course adjustment is still a little easier with a standard head.

Comments about Manfrotto 410 Junior Geared Head - Supports 11 lbs (5kg):

I had a ball head in the past and wanted something with more precision that allowed for finer adjustments. The 410 geared head does just that. It has three gears that allow for fine adjustments in three directions. Great for getting landscape and architecture shots just right.

I'm also very impressed with the construction of this head. Very well made.

Comments about Manfrotto 410 Junior Geared Head - Supports 11 lbs (5kg):

Forget ballheads and get this geared head instead. It is a little heavier but you won't have problems with lens tilt and sag or going 90 degrees. Price is right too.

Comments about Manfrotto 410 Junior Geared Head - Supports 11 lbs (5kg):

Solid and substantial. Comfortable with a 5DMK-II and lenses up to 200mm. Only negatives, and it may be me getting used to it, but I seem to be spending too much time fiddling and readjusting. Probably me. And I wish it used the arca plates, which I already have. will look into an adapter.

Comments about Manfrotto 410 Junior Geared Head - Supports 11 lbs (5kg):

More than sturdy enough for a pro DSLR and it works beautifully.

I wish there was a second spirit level in the 90 degree position to speed up vertical comps, and as stated in other reviews the 90 degree side tilt limit requires leg adjustment on unlevel surfaces. An extra 5 or 10 degrees there would be great. These aren't necessarily "cons" but worth considering for certain types of work.

Overall very sturdy and precise - to the point that the forward tilt knob becomes a handy fine-focus adjustment for macro shooting.

Comments about Manfrotto 410 Junior Geared Head - Supports 11 lbs (5kg):

I went from a Bogen 808RC4 to this because a) the ability to fine-tune the movements and b) the size

It's a nice minimal tripod head, very accurate and very fine tine capable. It doesn't have huge handles which is nice because it fits in my tripod bag easily.

Comments about Manfrotto 410 Junior Geared Head - Supports 11 lbs (5kg):

I had problems with slippage with my Nikon D-300s and a 70-200 VR lens. This head gave me the stability I was looking for. The head is easy to use and it has quality written all over it.. I had some concerns over the size and weight but the ability to steady my equipment overcame those concerns, I am very happy with my selection and would recommend the 410 Junior Gear Head.

Comments about Manfrotto 410 Junior Geared Head - Supports 11 lbs (5kg):

Great tripod head, precise compact & fast what more do you need ?

Comments about Manfrotto 410 Junior Geared Head - Supports 11 lbs (5kg):

As an architectural photographer, getting the camera leveled in three dimensions is essential. Using a typical pan-tilt head made it very tedious to make fine corrections to the camera position. The 410 makes this not only easy, but saves time.

My only (minor) complaint is the lack of multiple bubble levels.

Comments about Manfrotto 410 Junior Geared Head - Supports 11 lbs (5kg):

I use it with a Celestron spotting scope to view stars and also Whales. Because of the high magnification and distant objects I struggled with my old tripod to keep the stars/planets in the viewing area when moving or refocusing. This head allows geared movement so I don't loose where I am. It is so easy, I love it. I absolutely recommend it.