Customer Reviews

Manfrotto 3025 3D Head (056)

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

For a simple basic head, it doesn't get much better than this. The 3025 3D Junior Head is another quality product by Manfrotto. The light weight sturdy black aluminum construction is built to last.

This head adjusts in three separate ways. The panoramic adjustment allows for a full 360 degrees of rotation on both the vertical and horizontal plane. The adjustment includes a dial on the top to indicate how far you have moved the head. Keep in mind this is a simple head, there is no adjustments for nodal points. The vertical and horizontal adjustments are controlled with a screw locking mechanism. Each adjustment works separately from the rest.

The camera attachment uses a 1/4" screw and attaches to a 3/8" screw. I use this head with both the Bogen-Manfrotto 3021BPRO tripod and a Bogen 3231 Monopod with deatchable legs. I also added a quick release plate with leveling bubbles.

When it comes to panoramic shots, I find this uncomplicated head too basic. For that reason I use the Bogen 303SPH. Other than panoramic shots, this head has served its purpose well. If you need a starter head or a light weight quality basic head this is the way to go.

PROS:
Compact and simple to use
Light but sturdy construction
Flexible positioning

CONS:
Basic, no frills head
No leveling bubbles

This head has been around for a long time... decades I think. The reason to me is obvious. It is a bombproof and dependable little head. I have been using the Bogen 3025 head on different tripods for about 20 years now. It has served me well on many photo trips into the wilds, for weeks on end where a lighter, more minimalist approach is needed. It's great for 35mm film, point and shoot and digital SLRs with up to a medium telephoto or zoom lens. If you're shooting vertical using a longer lens with this head it can sometimes slip down if the attach knob isn't fastened tightly. I wouldn't recommend this head for use with a medium format camera unless you're using only a normal focal length lens.

Another plus for the 3025 is that if you're out on a hike and it happens to get sand in the moving parts, it is easy to take apart, clean and reassemble, although I've never had this head jamb, even when exposed to some very extreme conditions.

Junior may not be the best name for this head. While it is by no means BIG, it is not small and light weight either. I got the Bogen version for a really good price on here, and I have spent some time testing it out. It is very solid, holds like a rock, and for me, it stays out of my way while shooting. One of the reasons I chose it was the small adjustment knobs. I am a big guy, and getting up to my viewfinder with the handles of other models can be a bit tricky. This head solves that problem. Best thing about it though is when you lock it down it stays locked down until you choose to unlock it, unlike some other heads I have used.

The one downside for me is the lack of a quick release, but I have already ordered an adapter to solve that issue.

My son in-law has a 4x5 box camera and found this head for his tripod. He asked for it for Christmas and was very pleased.

This head does not fit on the Bogen - 4 Section Light-Weight Monopod. Even though it is listed under the Accessories. I am incredibly dissapointed. I ordered both while at college, had them shipped to my house with express shipping so shipping cost twice as much, I get here and they don't fit. I ordered them for the trip I'm going to tomorrow to England. Looks like I can only use the monopod. Do not buy this if you are planning on using it with the Bogen - 4 Section Light-Weight Monopod. It seems sturdy and is smooth so I assume it is a decent product, but I just dont know what else to say other than I want my money back.