Manfrotto 405 Pro Digital Geared Head with RC4 Rapid Connect Plate 410PL

I have been using both the Manfrotto 405 and the 410 junior for the past five years. Short of the Arca Cube ($1649.99) this is the best and most durable gear head available.

I have had no problems with either durability or drift. My 405 did loosen up a bit on the pan axis and this may lead to the drift issue others have noted. one need only to carefully pop off the big round sticker above the pan axis and tighten the bolt below. This completely solved the problem and my head has been perfect since.

The other thoughts that come to mind related to drift are not properly balancing the camera and tripod instability. I use both heads with 35mm, 645, and 6x9 view camera systems and they both handle the weight well.

Finally, yes this is a geared head and as such more fragile then a standard 3way but I have seen more that one Gitzo head break in half from a single waist high drop. I really don't consider this head to be fragile. Just a valuable piece of photo gear and I try not to drop any of my gear.

I have several heads and my best two are both Manfrotto Heads. The 405 Pro Geared Head is big, very well built, heavy, and very easy to use. Great for long shots or very close in macro shots where stability and precise movement is critical. Would be best used in a studio or with non moving subjects. I am very pleased with this very fine professional head with great 3 axis controls. Not for folks with point and shoot gear, more for the Pro with heavy or large equipment. I am very satisfied with this head and all the rest of my Manfrotto gear... they are all the best for the bucks paid out!

V/R

KMW

I agree completely with the other reviewer who notes that this is a very delicate head. Be warned. It is great for fine positioning of the camera. Great for studio work. BUT I travel with my gear, have to hike to remote locations, work in poor conditions (sand, dirt, wind) and the head has two problems -- very delicate, as mentioned; and prone to drift. I do a lot of timelapse work, and over time, the head can tend to move (along the tilt or pitch axis). Very slightly and quite smoothly, but still noticeably.

The main issue is that this head cannot standup to abuse. Mine failed within three months -- I suspect after manhandling by airport personnel.

Finally, the gearing mechanism is not -- as far as I can tell -- thoroughly sealed against the elements. If sand or salt (as in salt water) gets in, you're doomed.

I love this head, I have two of them that I use with my canon 1ds cameras. I wouldn't try to put my 4x5 on one, despite the manufacturer's claim that it will support the weight. Set it down hard, and you will be sending it off to Bogen for an $80 repair. The levels are about 98% accurate. Anyway, they are super-fast and easy to use - no complaints there, but these have to be among the most delicate tripod heads ever made. If taking it off the legs and packing it separately when you travel seems like too much effort, get something else.