100000th Tripod/Ball head question

[G19]

Would like some help making the right decision on a tripod and ball head that will fit what I’m looking for.

I have a Canon 20D that I got in November, only lenses I have now are the 18-55mm kit lens and the 50mm 1.8. Only real plans for future lenses are the 70-200mm L/4. So that would be the largest lens for the tripod and ball head. I know everyone says you will buy more lenses in the future but I can say I doubt it since we have 3 kids less than 4 years old (3 year old boy and twin 15 month old girls) so money is and will be tight. The camera fund is not near top of the list. I’m an amateur at best

I have narrowed down my choices to the Bogen 3021BPRO tripod. I have read every post on this board and FM forums about tripods and ball heads I would guess twice and this is a tripod that is always recommended. It fits in the budget and I think it would be a good tripod for years to come for me. The weight is not really an issue as I won’t be doing many long hikes in the mountains (after all we live in MN, no real mountains for miles) Most use will be just out and about on short trips so weight should be OK. I’m more concerned about price then weight. Any other brands I should look at that compare to the Bogen 3021BPRO? Is the black one the best option? Have read that people say the silver one can reflect and cause problems with your pictures. I would think the silver one would be easier to see and less chance someone would trip over it. Any thoughts?

The ball heads I have to choose from are the Markins Q-Ball M10-L or the Kirk BH-3
Both are more then I want to spend but there are not many options. I really like the Markins and think it is a work of art and like the option of the left handed controls which just makes sense. The thing I don’t understand is that the Kirk has different controls and I’m not sure I would like that. The price of the Kirk is diffently more in my ballpark though. Any thoughts to which would be the better ball head.

I’m not totally sure what type of pictures I’m going to be using the tripod or ball head for but know I want the option of the panning and like the ball head type more then anything. I like the Markins because you can flip it vertically and have the controls on your left to use your left hand while your right hand is on the camera. Seems to make the most sense.

Any thoughts or ideas to help me make this decision. I have been researching this for months and my wife said maybe she would get me the tripod for my birthday in Feb.

Thanks in advance for any help.

Brad

[Ronald S. Jr.]

I didn't look up the Markins...never heard of them. However, what makes you think that for those light setups that you need a $300 ballhead? If money is tight, and you're an amateur as you say, you may want something that's not so expensive, but gets the job done just as well, if not better. You know, I was skeptical about the one I just got- the Bogen 3265 Grip Action Ballhead. I didn't think it would hold up my 20D w/grip and 70-200L IS. I thought it would for sure just fall to one side, because it would just be too much for it. Boy, was I surprised. That thing wouldn't budge for ANYTHING. I couldn't believe how sturdy it was. All the local stores around me wanted about $115-125, but I got it at B&H for just under $90. Can't recommend it enough. I love it.

I should have mine Monday. :-D

[Ronald S. Jr.]

I just reread that last bit, and I guess if she's getting it for you, then by all means. Just seems like there's too much fuss on that one (Kirk). I also saw a very nice Bogen one that looks exactly the same as the Kirk from what I remember. Don't recall the model. Was about $120.

[J Rabin]

Brad. Not comfortable giving too much advice, but since you posted, here goes my opinion:
I think you're putting your money, too much money, on the wrong gear here, unless you are serious landscape or macro photographer with heavy gear. From your description, this makes an excellent setup:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=353246&is=REG&addedTroughType=categoryNavigation
This will hold all your proposed gear weight and more.

These are same legs as 3021Pro, without the lateral arm for macro work. I am a pleased Markins owner. It is a beautifully engineered ballhead. But I use it to hold a huge 180mm macro lens, 1-D camera, macro flash. Huge weights of gear at odd angles against creep and drift. But, for trips to the country you just don't need it!

Think about it: The 3021+Markins head+req. A/S camera body plate is $550! The alternative set up above is $210.
With the $340 difference you can get a nice 430EX flash for kid and family events, which I suspect you will use a lot more than the other tripod. You can get a tripod bag to always keep it in the car. You can get a remote shutter release for tripod shots. The list just goes on.
Put the money in glass instead.

Finally, if you ever do outgrow that tripod head, just put a $50 Kirk A/s clamp on it, as I did to upgrade a Giottos head that could not hold the weight.

Well, it's just my opinion. But, getting pictures, of family, with flash, etc., is better than a Markins head...
Jack

[Mitcon]

I have to agree with Ron on that 222/3265 head, I have a couple of them and they are great. I knew you would like it Ron, it doesn't get any easier to use than something like that does it lol.

[G19]

Jack,

Just want to thank you for putting me back in touch with reality.

I got hooked on the nice ballheads and really over looked the BOgen one. Went back and did more research and it's rated as a good ball head that won't break the bank. I took your recommendation on the 3001 tripod but like the arm option on the Pro models. That took me to the 3001BPRO which would work great but I really like the 3021BPRO and for $25.00 more I think it's worth it. I think I will end up getting the Bogen 3021BPRO tripod with the Bogen 488 RC2 ball head. I think I can get these for about $259.00 at B&H and I also found them for about $224.50 at another well know web retailer.

Thanks for the great advice. U think will be a great combo and not break the bank. Leaving room like you said for a flash or that 70-200 zoom in the future.


Thanks again.

Brad