Klaus, I know nothing about this particular equipment, but for the price
stated it seems it ought to be capable of supporting at least MF, if not
the bigger stuff. In fact the specifications for those heads suggest they
might not be heavy-duty enough for larger equipment, with the MN410 rated
at 11 pounds while the MN405 will support 16.5 pounds of equipment up top.
Here's another thought: you might just as well look into a quality ball
head--say, an Arca Swiss B1 or one of the equivalents out there, and there
are a few--for the money you're talking about. I own one of the latter made
by Gitzo (G 1377 M) and I've experienced no problems at all with my Zuiko
85-250mm up on top (using the tripod collar, of course). I've no doubt that
this Gitzo head could easily accommodate anything up to 600mm or so, such
is the build quality. Now by reputation at least the Arca Swiss equivalent
product (B1, rated for 90 pounds of support) is better still, and I'd have
bought that instead if, at the time of my purchase, any had been available
for a reasonable price. B&H did have one in stock but they're asking price
was too high, as is a lot of their high-end gear, by the way--supply and
demand, no doubt.
Another good name for heads is Kirk: http://www.kirkphoto.com/ballheadbh3.html
An innovative alternative: http://www.acratech.net/prod01.htm
For a decent price all-around on camera gear (assuming they carry what
you're looking for), and simply excellent (read: informative) service (over
the phone), do drop by the site of Robert White in
England: http://www.robertwhite.co.uk/
Just for example: at Robert White you could score an Arca Swiss B1 for
322.51 at today's exchange rate, whereas to buy the same piece of equipment
from B&H it would cost you $378.95 (and by the way, B&H happens to be out
of stock on a few in that series at the moment).
If Robert White has it, you'd do yourself a favor to consider doing
business with these people. And just wait until you get to actually talk to
someone at White, as opposed to one of New York phone guys at B&H . . . big
BIG difference. <g>
You seem to be looking at the Manfrotto MN405 and MN410 geared heads. They
go, respectively, for $349.95 and $174.17. B&H prices: $339.99 and $163.00
(a savings on the MN405, which surprises me).
For what it's worth I use the Gitzo (G2228) Explorer (carbon fiber)
4-section (off-set center column) tripod. I find it to be a great
compromise between travelling (weight, size) and stability. In the almost
three years I've owned it there have been no functional issues, and I bang
my gear around something awful out there.
Good luck.
Tris
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