Column & Head replacement/upgrade for Bogen-Manfrotto 72

SkedAddled · Expire: 2021-08-12

I purchased from Alex a set of quick-release plates for the Manfrotto RC2
system, a split-prism focusing screen for my Rebel XTi/400D, and a
replacement column/ballhead assembly for my Manfrotto 725B DIGI
tripod. This review covers the column/head assembly.

The postman attempted delivery of the parcel from Hong Kong on Thursday.
I was not at home to sign for it, so I picked it up from the post office
on Friday. I had planned a visit to the local abandoned psychiatric
hospital on Saturday, so I put the tripod parts to the test on that day.
I'll post some pictures from the day's outing in the Gallery.

The parcel arrived well-packed for shipment overseas. All was ensconced
in heavy bubble-wrap plastic, and the box was well sealed and labeled.

The purchase I made includes a three-sided center column to replace the
one shipped with the Manfrotto 725B tripod, and a clone of Manfrotto's
786RC2 ballhead.

The column has a standard mount for tripod heads affixed to it, so I could
even put my 488RC2 head on it if I were so inclined. But this was not my goal.
I was perfectly happy with the tripod while I was using my PowerShot S3iS,
and then with the Rebel XTi/400D with a Canon lens mounted to it.

Then, I found this forum, and everything changed. Shocked

I started with the Hanimar 135, and that was fine. Next was the Hanimex
70-140, and that was good, as well. Next came the Soligor 75-260, and
I immediately found the weak point of the 725B tripod in its ballhead.
I was convinced that the legset was up to the task of the increased weight
of these lenses, but the ballhead simply couldn't muster up the holding
strength required. I searched a long time for viable options, none of which
appeared to be of adequate quality. Then, Alex came to my rescue. Very Happy

My whole reason for this is to keep the compact collapsed size and the
very light weight of the tripod while increasing the weight capacity of the
head. This is so I can still have the option of carrying a very lightweight
tripod on all-day outings, as opposed to the much heavier and longer
055XPROB/488RC2 combination I recently purchased. I wanted both,
but the little one certainly needed an upgrade, somehow. The problem
with the 725B is that it can not accept standard head replacements as is.
The only way to do so is to replace the center column with one which can
accept a standard-mount head, and I was running into dead ends or very
expensive options for this until I started communicating with Alex.

The column/head assembly arrived attached together. Only a bit of
tightening on my part, and the head was nicely secured to the mount.
The column is of the same diameter and length as the one shipped
from Bogen with the tripod. The replacement is three-sided, and must be,
or it would not fit in the leg shoulder.

Replacing the assembly required no tools. I simply removed the bottom
cap of the column, slid the original out, and slid the replacement in.
The replacement column has only one hole to accept the cap's two retainer
nubs, but a moment with a sharp knife to remove the offending nub
was all it took for the cap to be used. The cap can still be used on both
columns, with no ill effects, and still works as designed to prevent the
column from accidentally being slid out of the shoulder.

Both the column & head together weigh no more than a few ounces over
the original. The head is less than an inch taller than the original. Due to
the small dimensions of this head, the entire tripod assembly still fits
nicely into the nylon carry bag it originally came with.

I gave this upgrade a whole day's workout yesterday(Saturday). I spent
9.5 hours in my local abandoned psychiatric hospital, wandering through
decaying buildings, slinking along underground tunnels, climbing iron
ladders, clambering over and between steam pipes and trees, and getting
rather filthy in the process. The head never once gave me any trouble,
and always moved smoothly upon command. It was even subjected to
a few hard knocks on ladder rungs and steam pipes, and seems to have
suffered no ill effects.

The only issue I had, was discovered immediately. Because the column's
diameter is only slightly smaller than the original, it would not support my
pushing down on it when locked in place. This was easily and quickly fixed
with 2 or 3 layers of painter's masking tape, applied to the locking pad for
the column. This was obviously an extremely simple modification, and can
quickly be removed and replaced if the original column requires it.

While movement is smooth, the head may be packed or lubricated with
a grease which is simply too viscous or thick for this application. There
is no actual difficulty in movement, but it does require more force than
I would have expected to adjust a device such as this. If this characteristic
eases as I use it, I'll be happy. If it does not ease up with time, I will likely
disassemble and clean it, lubricating with a more appropriate grease.

Below are a couple of pictures to compare the original to the new.

Here you can see the head is made or distributed by Amvona.
Not having used a genuine Manfrotto 486RC2, but owning a 488RC2 of my own,
I can offer that the materials and build quality are on a par with the
Manfrotto heads.

Summary: Outstanding value, and an exceptional upgrade to the 725B.
At slightly more than half the cost of a Bogen-Manfrotto 486RC2 head, I have
a column & head to replace the original. The 725B's legset is already a
great compact & lightweight tripod, and this new assembly only enhances
the tripod.
Pros: Inexpensive, toolless modification, lightweight, increased weight capacity.
Due to it being an exact column replacement, I can put the original assembly
back if I ever choose to do so.
Cons: Nothing, really. As mentioned, the grease may be too thick, but that
should be a simple fix if it continues to be an issue. Also mentioned, the
locking for the column, may only be due to a smoother finish on the
replacement and normal wear. The fix was simple enough to be classified
as a no-brainer.

hk300 · Joined: 30 Oct 2008 Posts: 1041 Location: Hong Kong

Great review!

Can you post some pics of the manfrotto tripod legs + new column + head combination?

Also, can you post some pics of the part that required the masking tape?

SkedAddled · Expire: 2021-08-12

hk300 · Joined: 30 Oct 2008 Posts: 1041 Location: Hong Kong

SkedAddled · Expire: 2021-08-12

SkedAddled · Expire: 2021-08-12