Which budget tripod head to get? Manfrotto vs a used Bogen

[Kirbot]

I've been putting off getting a head for my Bogen legs for a while now. I think I've finally gotten it narrowed down to either a new Manfrotto 804RC2, or a used Bogen 3047.

Both are in budget, both are quick release, both are pan-tilt.


I'm leaning towards to Bogen, but I thought I'd ask the opinion of the experts! My main use will be with a medium format SLR.

 

[Chriscrawfordphoto]

Keep in mind that many of the current Manfrotto pan-tilt heads are made of plastic now, not metal. I searched all over to find a shop that had a new 3030 head in stock (it had been discontinued for a while in favor of a plastic replacement). I have a 3047 head too. Its is a very well-built head, but heavy. Great for a heavy camera like a medium format SLR or a really heavy 35mm or digital SLR, like a Nikon F5, Canon EOS 1v, etc. Its overkill for a Leica or a small 35mm SLR like Olympus OM.

 

[Kirbot]

Yeah, I saw that about the 804.

B&H has a used 3030 for $43. How about between that and the 3047?

 

[Kirbot]

I went with the used 3030.... And I love it!
Solid metal construction, and it uses the modern Manfrotto QR plates, so I can interchange them with the monopod head I want to pick up next.