How to balance my rig on a tripod?

L

Lor

Well-known member
This is my rig.
EX1_rig.jpg
The problem is, it's leaning towards the front. How do I balance this rig on a tripod? I was thinking about having two rail system. One is for balancing on the tripod and the other is for holding the camera and all it's accessories. So, if I do go with a two rail system, what are the necessary parts that I need?
 
You might consider adding some form of dove tail slider or quick release plate which would allow you to reposition the rig for balancing.
Or, remove all the handheld rigging when you are shooting on sticks.
 
Thanks for the reply. Would Redrock Micro carry it?

I left the handheld rigging there just in case I need to quickly snap out of the tripod and shoot on shoulder for 5 or 10 minutes.
 
Looking at the picture, it seems that you have the QR plate shifted forward on the 516 head. If you're front heavy on the head, you need to shift the plate back. If that plate doesn't shift enough, you can get Manfrotto's LONG PLATE to get better balance.
 
Alex H. said:
Looking at the picture, it seems that you have the QR plate shifted forward on the 516 head. If you're front heavy on the head, you need to shift the plate back. If that plate doesn't shift enough, you can get Manfrotto's LONG PLATE to get better balance.
Click to expand...
Thanks! That's exactly what I need then. I'll definitely purchase it.
 
One more thing. I was chatting with B&H sales agent and the guy said, the length of the plate may be 190mm but the range of adjustable is only 140mm. Is this true? Does the sales person know what he's talking about? Has anyone purchase this plate and confirm this?
 
Okay, B&H recommends me to use baseplate if I want to adjust farther than 140mm. How does baseplate work with my current rigging system?
 
Lor said:
One more thing. I was chatting with B&H sales agent and the guy said, the length of the plate may be 190mm but the range of adjustable is only 140mm. Is this true? Does the sales person know what he's talking about? Has anyone purchase this plate and confirm this?
Click to expand...

Think about it. The plate is 190mm from end to end, but you aren't going to be able to put the center point of the tripod head on either extreme end... there has to be some buffer at the end. So no, you won't get 190mm of adjustment from end to end. I don't think you'll need more than the 140mm offered by the long plate.

But again, looking at the picture, I'm not certain you need the long plate. Look at how you have your current QR plate aligned. It's got a good inch or two of overhang on the front. Try moving the plate back a bit and see if that doesn't shift some of the weight away from the front.
 
I live in WI. I wonder if there is a store close by where I can buy and see if it works. I'm not sure if B&H will give me a 15 days return if it does not work for me.
 
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