Which one: RRS BH 40 Pro, Kirk BH-1 or Markins Q3 Emile?

[psy4fun]

Hi,

I've learned a lot about ballheads here in the forum. But, believe me or not, isn't an easy task to choose one. So, I request you a help to choose between some ballheads that I have previously selected (based on what I've read here).

Bogen Ballheads

I need a precise and smooth ballhead to carry my 5D and a new lens that I'm buying: 70-200/2.8L. Here in Brazil, the only one I can find in stores are the Bogen/Manfrotto ballheads. But, for what I've heard about, despite cheap, they are not so good in precision and smoothness, right?

RRS BH 40 Pro and Kirk BH-1

RRS and Kirk are the favorite ballheads for what I've seen here. The only doubt I have is about the size: RRS BH 40 and Kirk BH-1 are the smallest units they produce. You believe they really can carry my equipment without losing any precision and smoothness?

Markins Q3 Emile

In meanwhile, someone told me good things about the Markins Q3 Emile. And this ballhead costs only $269,99! But, apparently lack tension control. You believe that I can survive without tension control? Or, for other point of view, the tension control is a fundamental piece to achieve precision?

So, which one?

I know you have a lot of experience in these ballheads and can help me. So, please, which one?

Very thanks and sorry for the long post.

[Teme]

Hi Alex,

I have the Markins Q3 and I'm happy with it. By the way, it does have adjustable tension / friction just like the bigger Markins heads.

The RRS was tempting, but I chose the Markins because it was cheaper and from what I have read, smoother.

The smallest ballhead from Kirk is the BH-3 if I remember correctly, not the BH-1.

Good luck,
Teme

[halfmoonray]

I have the RRS BH-55 and I like it a lot. It locks down hard and is easy to operate with a full range of motion. It's big and heavy but worth it.

[Ranz]

Kirk does have a BH-3. It is 19 oz VS the BH-1 at 30 oz.

http://www.kirkphoto.com/ballheadbh3.html

BH-1 is $355 VS the BH-3 $255.

Take a look for yourself.
Enjoy!
Jimmy

[psy4fun]

Very thanks Teme!

It's great to heard more good things about Markins Q3!

Hi,

I have the Markins Q3 and I'm happy with it. By the way, it does have adjustable tension / friction just like the bigger Markins heads.

The RRS was tempting, but I chose the Markins because it was cheaper and from what I have read, smoother.

The smallest ballhead from Kirk is the BH-3 if I remember correctly, not the BH-1.

Good luck,
Teme

[keenasmustard]

Alex, I have been agonizing over the exact same purchasing decision and can't make up my mind either. I'm leaning heavily towards the Emile though. Reviews state that the Markins have the best weight to weight bearing ratio (meaning they hold more weight, but are lighter). I would assume this is due to their choice in materials. I've got an Excel spreadsheet of the heads you've mentioned that compares the different features. PM me with your email if you'd like a copy of it.

[psy4fun]

Hey Jimmy, really thanks for the tip! I didn't notice but Kirk follows the same nomenclature pattern from Canon: as smaller the model number the more complete it is. This is awesome because BH-3 is a bit cheapest than Markins and come with an "universal body lens/plate".


Kirk does have a BH-3. It is 19 oz VS the BH-1 at 30 oz.

http://www.kirkphoto.com/ballheadbh3.html

BH-1 is $355 VS the BH-3 $255.

Take a look for yourself.
Enjoy!
Jimmy

[Teme]

I chose the Markins based on everything that has been written on the M10, the Q3's big brother and I have no regrets whatsoever since all that seems to apply to the Q3 as well. It is great.

I haven't tried the others, but as far I see, the only benefit of the RRS 40 over the Markins are the dual drop slots and the lower height. I see no benefit in the Kirk BH-3 over the Markins as it is heavier and larger but holds no more weight.

Br,
Teme

[vjack]

I went with Kirk's BH-1. I probably could have gotten by with the BH-3, but I wanted the flexibility of heavier gear without buying a second head. I have been extremely happy with it. In fact, I have no complaints at all.

[JonMoss]

I'm just about to get the BH-40 RRS. From all the reviews and opinions I've read, it is the superb quality that really stands out.

Jon :)

[Macavity]

I'm battling the same decision. After thinking it over a few thousand times, I'm leaning towards the Q3.


I think. ;)

[IanD]

I've been using a Kirk BH-1 for over a year now and have never had any problems with it. It locks up rock solid and doesn't slip, period. Silky smooth pan action and once your body/lens is balanced, minimal tension is needed to hold the rig at the angle you need. I use a Wimberly Sidekick to mount my 300 f/2.8, with or without the TC's, in front of my 20D or 1DMKII. Even with the full Wimberly telephoto flash bracket and 580EX there is no movement at all. I'd buy another one in a flash. (excuse the pun.)

[claudermilk]

I'm planning on buying the BH-40. However, that's the middle-sized head in their line. If you want a smaller one, look at the BH-25 (and check with them to see if they think it will work with your setup).

[psy4fun]

Thank you very much for all of the clues and recommendations (although it is being more and more difficult to decide which would be the best of the three).

But I believe that the most important point is really the weight because I will carry a ballhead plus tripod, camera, lenses and bag in long trails. And for what I've seen, keenasmustard is totally right about that: Markins Q3 is the winner here. Take a look:

Markins Q3 ..... 13.5 oz
RRS BH-40 ...... 15.5 oz
Markins Q10 .... 17.5 oz
Kirk BH-3 ...... 19 oz
Kirk BH-1 ...... 30 oz
RRS BH-55 ...... 30 oz

(On the other hand, and thinking more about stability and precision, if I will choose a ballhead to use at studio, certainly would choose a big and heavier)

By the way, a time ago happened a discussion here regarding the lubrication system of those ballheads, something about powder particles and dirt sticking in the ball and affecting the easy of adjustment (at least for a while, until cleaned). Have you experienced something similar?

Alex