which ballhead

[jbuk1975]

just ordered a Feisol CT-3441S tripod

I need a ballhead to go with it


what are peoples recommendations?

i want something light, reasonably strong (around 5kg) , would like a seperate pan swivel or whatever its called and most of all i want it to be reasonably priced


ive seen the manfrotto 486rc2 recommended a lot, but it doesnt pan
the 488rc2 pans but is getting on the heavy side, defeating the purpose of my travel tripod


so please any thoughts, i have 11 days to get it bought & delivered!

[godzakka]

This is the exact situation I find myself in. I am planning on getting the CT-3441 legs and really like the 488RC2 ballhead, but the weight is almost as much as the tripod legs.

I've looked at the Giottos ballheads, and while there don't seem to be a lot of people recommending these vs the 488RC2's, when combined with the rounded QR system, it seems as though one could loosen the QR screw just a bit and allow a damped panning motion without fully releasing the QR plate. Not sure how wise it is, but it's an option I've considered.

I'll be monitoring this thread hoping you (and I) get some other good reasonably priced options. Goodluck.

[printguy]

I have a Gitzo 2941 with a Kirk B-3 ballhead. The Kirk is a very nice piece of equipment and uses the Arca-Swiss QR system. The QR screw is "captured" which means you can't back it out to the point where it falls out. The Kirk folks are very good to deal with as well.

[troymm]

I second the Kirk BH-3. very solid and stable on my 055xprob.

[jbuk1975]

thanks for the recommendations so far

the kirk ballhead is a no no, its far too expensive

so far the best i have seen is the Giotto range, they have some nice looking gear, and the price isnt too bad either

[Celestron]

I am planning on getting the CT-3441 legs and really like the 488RC2 ballhead, but the weight is almost as much as the tripod legs.

Thats definitly a light weight platform for a lightweight camera . Doesn't seem too sturdy unless your camera is very light weight .

it seems as though one could loosen the QR screw just a bit and allow a damped panning motion without fully releasing the QR plate. Not sure how wise it is, but it's an option I've considered.

I wouldn't advise loosening the QR screw . This can cause wobbling for the camera and ruined pictures . Other thing to consider is if you loosened it too much the camera might come loose from the QR and ruin a perfectly good camera !

[godzakka]

Well, according to Feisol's documentation, those legs weigh 2 lbs and can hold over 13lbs. The legs the original poster bought weight only 2.2lbs and hold 22lbs!

My current Sunpak (which is literally falling apart screw by screw) can hold 11lbs, and I haven't noticed any wobbling, etc from it. So my theory is that either the CT-3441 or -3441S will be fine for my needs.

In regards to the QR plate, thats why I didn't think it to be a great decision. I'd love to find something like the 488RC2 that weighs about 1lb (or less) - and to bring this back to the point, I think that's what the OP is looking for, too. A nice, sturdy, lightweight, full-loaded ballhead with QR, in dependent pan and tension lock.

[jbuk1975]

Well, according to Feisol's documentation, those legs weigh 2 lbs and can hold over 13lbs. The legs the original poster bought weight only 2.2lbs and hold 22lbs!

My current Sunpak (which is literally falling apart screw by screw) can hold 11lbs, and I haven't noticed any wobbling, etc from it. So my theory is that either the CT-3441 or -3441S will be fine for my needs.

In regards to the QR plate, thats why I didn't think it to be a great decision. I'd love to find something like the 488RC2 that weighs about 1lb (or less) - and to bring this back to the point, I think that's what the OP is looking for, too. A nice, sturdy, lightweight, full-loaded ballhead with QR, in dependent pan and tension lock.


the Feisol 3441s should hold upto 10kg but it will never have anything on near that weight, the maximum weight of the heaviest combination of my gear is around 2kg, so i could get away with a lesser specced pod, but i like to be extra safe

you are correct in saying what you think i`m after, the 486rc2 would be perfect if it had the indepenadant pan lock

i think i will go with one of the giottos, they have some really good ballheads that are as cheap as the manfrottos, but have slightly better features, ie the pan lock

[SkipD]

you are correct in saying what you think i`m after, the 488rc2 would be perfect if it had the indepenadant pan lockThe Manfrotto 488RC2 does have an independent pan lock lever - totally separate from the ball clamp knob. Just look at any of the on-line catalogs and you'll see it.

[jbuk1975]

oops, that was meant to say the 486rc2

[kuma1212]

I'm also eyeing the 488rc2 and noticed it just dropped in price at amazon from 108 to 100.

[undergrad.]

My friend that works at a local camera store suggested the 486RC2.
cheers

[SkipD]

My friend that works at a local camera store suggested the 486RC2.
cheersThe 486RC2 is a bit on the weak side for heavier camera/lens rigs (such as my 20D + 70-200 f/2.8L IS). The 488RC2, on the other hand, does not creep the same as the 486RC2 does with this load on it. I own both, and the comparison is tested - not just guessed at.

[jbuk1975]

well after lots of research i have decided to go with the 488rc2 , at £54 it was the best value ballhead i could find

[godzakka]

How do you like the CT-3441 and 488RC2 combo? Is it everything you wanted it to be? You're kind of my guage here as I save a few more $$$ for the legs/head combo.

Thanks

[jbuk1975]

the head hasnt arrived yet, im expecting it tommorrow, but judging by reviews it should be more than capable , albeit slightly heavier than i really wanted, but i cant be fussy at the price i paid

the Feisol 3441S legs are excellent, im very impressed , looks like a quality set, especially at the price I paid + customs didnt even get a whiff of them :P

[rklepper]

I have a Feisol CT 3401N with the 488RC2 and really like the setup. I do not think you can go wrong with that setup.