Looking for a Nice Ballhead

[scot079]

Gentlemen,

I've had my eye on the Arca Z1 single pan head for a while now. There's a couple I'm looking for opinions on...

1-What's the "bang for your buck" camera/lens plates? (Wimberly, Acratech, Arca, etc)

2-Do you have a top shelf BH on your monopod too, or do you switch the head out, or do you have another head (like a 486RC2) on your monopod?

If you can think of anything that I can use to help make a wise purchase...please let me know! Thanks

[jhom]

I'd suggest you take a look at RRS and Markins.

[PM720]

I have the Kirk BH-1, pretty slick.

Scott

[scot079]

:)I'd suggest you take a look at RRS and Markins.

I'll check those out. Any info on the QR plates for me?

I have the Kirk BH-1, pretty slick.

Scott

OK, I'll check that too

[scot079]

Jeez, that RRS BH-55 looks like it might be THE BEST available. But it's much more expensive than the Arca Swiss.

The heaviest combo I have right now is the 70-200 2.8 IS and 1D3. Probably the most I'd EVER have would be the 500/4 (as a rental) jhom, do you think the Arca head is not up to the task?

[pturton]

Jeez, that RRS BH-55 looks like it might be THE BEST available. But it's much more expensive than the Arca Swiss.

The heaviest combo I have right now is the 70-200 2.8 IS and 1D3. Probably the most I'd EVER have would be the 500/4 (as a rental) jhom, do you think the Arca head is not up to the task?

Consider this thread on NatureScapes before deciding on an Arca Swiss BH:

http://www.naturescapes.net/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=119445

[scot079]

Consider this thread on NatureScapes before deciding on an Arca Swiss BH:

http://www.naturescapes.net/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=119445

Thanks, that was a good read, looks like the Arca Swiss Z1 is junk (compared to BH-55)

[gymell]

I have the Kirk BH-1 and BH-3, been happy with both. On my monopod I use a RSS quick release clamp, no head.

[scot079]

The Kirk BH-1 looks good...didn't see the BH-3 on their website. Is that an older model?

So it looks like I'll have to buy the head w/ QR, a plate for my cam body, and a plate for the 70-200.

Would someone enlighten me on why I would want an L-bracket. It seems that if the head allows your camera to get into the vertical position, you wouldn't need it. ?

[jhom]

Take a look at this tutorial on the RRS website about the L bracket: http://reallyrightstuff.com/video/L-Plate.html. It will explain it nicely.

[jhom]

Jeez, that RRS BH-55 looks like it might be THE BEST available. But it's much more expensive than the Arca Swiss.

The heaviest combo I have right now is the 70-200 2.8 IS and 1D3. Probably the most I'd EVER have would be the 500/4 (as a rental) jhom, do you think the Arca head is not up to the task?

I don't have experience with the Arca Swiss. But the RRS BH55 or Markins M20 seems to be the choice of the heavy duty users. If you intend to use the big glass such as the 400, 500, 600, most users will have a Wimberley setup.

[crn3371]

To further confuse the issue, I'll throw 1 more mfg. for you to look at - Acratech. I've got their ultimate ballhead. Lightweight, Arca Swiss compatible, and built like a tank.

[gymell]

The Kirk BH-1 looks good...didn't see the BH-3 on their website. Is that an older model?

So it looks like I'll have to buy the head w/ QR, a plate for my cam body, and a plate for the 70-200.

Would someone enlighten me on why I would want an L-bracket. It seems that if the head allows your camera to get into the vertical position, you wouldn't need it. ?

The BH-3 is just a smaller version. I have the BH-1 to support my 500mm which the BH-3 isn't rated for.

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

[René Damkot]

I wanted to decide between Markins and Arca a short while back...
Here is the thread (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=436074). Decided on a Markins, but I might trade it for an Arca....

Here (http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/Arca-Swiss-Monoball-Z1-Ballhead-Review.aspx) is a comparison between the RRS and the Markins in an Arca Z1 review.
Here (http://www.websiteoptimization.com/speed/tweak/ballhead/) some more ball heads.

[scot079]

Take a look at this tutorial on the RRS website about the L bracket: http://reallyrightstuff.com/video/L-Plate.html. It will explain it nicely.

That did it jhom...I want an L-bracket now. Especially since it goes nicely w/ that flash bracket (in the other tutorial video)

I don't have experience with the Arca Swiss. But the RRS BH55 or Markins M20 seems to be the choice of the heavy duty users. If you intend to use the big glass such as the 400, 500, 600, most users will have a Wimberley setup.

I might rent something like a 500 or 600, maybe I could also rent a gimbal head with it...hopefully.

To further confuse the issue, I'll throw 1 more mfg. for you to look at - Acratech. I've got their ultimate ballhead. Lightweight, Arca Swiss compatible, and built like a tank.

I'll put that on the list of possibles, thanks:)

The BH-3 is just a smaller version. I have the BH-1 to support my 500mm which the BH-3 isn't rated for.

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

Ah I see, I'm really looking for the biggest burliest thing out there so I don't have to replace it anytime soon (like 20 years) Thanks!

I wanted to decide between Markins and Arca a short while back...
Here is the thread (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=436074). Decided on a Markins, but I might trade it for an Arca....

Here (http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/Arca-Swiss-Monoball-Z1-Ballhead-Review.aspx) is a comparison between the RRS and the Markins in an Arca Z1 review.
Here (http://www.websiteoptimization.com/speed/tweak/ballhead/) some more ball heads.

Thanks for the links Rene, looks like the M-20 is a very popular choice...I think I've narrowed it down to the M-20 and BH-55 (for now)

[René Damkot]

If you consider the Markins, I'd buy it internationally.
I paid $370 including shipping, and customs and taxes were 65 euros. That adds up to about 300 euros. 50 less then when ordered from markins.de :)

[Magic_Puzzle]

Definitely check out the Markens! I use the M10 and absolutely wouldn't trade it for anything else. You have to see this head to believe it. It is solid (capable of holding an incredible amount of weight rock solid on my tripod. It is great for any lens/camera combination, no matter what the weight because it can hold more than any tripod out there. I spent a long time researching the Markens and felt that it was ther best head out there for me. I have never seen anything out there to change my mind. Fully Arca compatible as far as base plates go, but I use it on my Canon 40D, w/battery grip, and a RRS "L" bracket. I love it.

[Magic_Puzzle]

You won't regret the Markens if you puty it on your tripod. It is really nice to turn the main knob about an inch to go from "locked" to "adjustable" and the smoothness of the ball head is unbelievable. I use the RRS "L" bracket on my 40D (w/ the Canon grip), but would never trade my Markens for the RRS ballhead.

[scot079]

If you consider the Markins, I'd buy it internationally.
I paid $370 including shipping, and customs and taxes were 65 euros. That adds up to about 300 euros. 50 less then when ordered from markins.de :)

Thanks for the tip Rene.

Definitely check out the Markens! I use the M10 and absolutely wouldn't trade it for anything else. You have to see this head to believe it. It is solid (capable of holding an incredible amount of weight rock solid on my tripod. It is great for any lens/camera combination, no matter what the weight because it can hold more than any tripod out there. I spent a long time researching the Markens and felt that it was ther best head out there for me. I have never seen anything out there to change my mind. Fully Arca compatible as far as base plates go, but I use it on my Canon 40D, w/battery grip, and a RRS "L" bracket. I love it.

Cool MP, I'm definitely like to pick up an L bracket, especially since now I know what they're used for!

I'm leaning towards the M-20 over the BH-55 only because of price right now...unless someone can convince me that the BH-55 is the better head.

[ClydeD]

I have the Kirk BH-3 and like it. My heaviest lens is the Canon 70-200 2.8L IS, and the ball head, though small, works well with this lens.

[scot079]

Thanks Clyde, I have some time to save up for this head since I have a fairly decent one for now...will be researching Kirk a but more.

[malla1962]

Take a look at this tutorial on the RRS website about the L bracket: http://reallyrightstuff.com/video/L-Plate.html. It will explain it nicely.
Thats a cool link.:D

[Steve Beck]

I have had my RRS BH-55 for going on a year and a half and it has been flawless. It is still smooth as butter and doesnt creep or slip even used it many times with a Wimberely sidekick with a 500mm lens.

[Wilt]

funny, I have had a Linhof Profi II for over a decade, and it has served me well. Upon reading about the Markins M10, and its light weight and smooth performance, I started to lust for it in my heart (just like our lustful past president of the USA). That, and a carbon fiber replacement for my Bogen 3221!

I finally got around to calculating the weight savings in getting a new tripod and new ballhead, and was very surprised at the result...

Bogen 3021: 5.3lb
Gitzo 3230: 4.1lb
Manfrotto 055 Magfiber: 4.4lb

Linhof Profi-II 1.2lb
Markins M10: 1.1lb

So if I wanted , I could spend $660 plus shipping - $875 plus shipping, all to save myself 1.0-1.3 lbs. total weight and have a tripod which sets up and breaks down as rapidly as what I have, and have a ballhead as smooth and solid as what I already have. Oh, and the Arca-style plates which I have done without for over a decade. Lust has vanished, and I am a lot less poor for it!

[René Damkot]

Well, IMO the Gitzo 2 series like a 2541L would be a better comparison to the Manfrotto 055, yet it's only 3.3 lbs. ;)

[Wilt]

Well, IMO the Gitzo 2 series like a 2541L would be a better comparison to the Manfrotto 055, yet it's only 3.3 lbs. ;)

Oh, René you are out to confuse me and cause me to keep the US from economic recession, by stimulating me to spend my money :confused:

[jrsforums]

funny, I have had a Linhof Profi II for over a decade, and it has served me well. Upon reading about the Markins M10, and its light weight and smooth performance, I started to lust for it in my heart (just like our lustful past president of the USA). That, and a carbon fiber replacement for my Bogen 3221!

I finally got around to calculating the weight savings in getting a new tripod and new ballhead, and was very surprised at the result...

Bogen 3021: 5.3lb
Gitzo 3230: 4.1lb
Manfrotto 055 Magfiber: 4.4lb

Linhof Profi-II 1.2lb
Markins M10: 1.1lb

So if I wanted , I could spend $660 plus shipping - $875 plus shipping, all to save myself 1.0-1.3 lbs. total weight and have a tripod which sets up and breaks down as rapidly as what I have, and have a ballhead as smooth and solid as what I already have. Oh, and the Arca-style plates which I have done without for over a decade. Lust has vanished, and I am a lot less poor for it!

I would second Rene's commnet on the 2541L, great tripod....and only 3.3 lbs.

Also, based on B&H specs, the weight you quote for the L-P II is without the LP QR, which would be 1.6 lbs.

So....and apples to apples comparison would be more like 2.5 lbs....and I suspect the new package would be, overall, better.....that, of course, does not say it is worth the price to add'l everyone.

[Wilt]

I would second Rene's commnet on the 2541L, great tripod....and only 3.3 lbs.

Also, based on B&H specs, the weight you quote for the L-P II is without the LP QR, which would be 1.6 lbs.

So....and apples to apples comparison would be more like 2.5 lbs....and I suspect the new package would be, overall, better.....that, of course, does not say it is worth the price to add'l everyone.


I re-examined the tripod features I was seeking, similar to what I have with the Bogen 3221, and I find the Gitzo GT2530EX is closest to the same features, and tips the scales at 4.1 lb. and is 'only' $530

[René Damkot]

That's an "Explorer". I'd go with the "regular" 2530, or maybe the leveling series, unless you do a lot of macro stuff and need the flexibility of the explorer... Both are more then 0.5 lbs. lighter.

Have a read here (http://www.luminous-landscape.com/reviews/accessories/gitzo-2227.shtml) in the "complaints department".

[Wilt]

I have found that ability to splay the legs outward, to get lower but wide stance for stability, has been very handy to have in both outdoor and studio settings! Do the non-EX legs have that ability?...I note the EX is the only one which mentions that feature in its description.

[jrsforums]

I re-examined the tripod features I was seeking, similar to what I have with the Bogen 3221, and I find the Gitzo GT2530EX is closest to the same features, and tips the scales at 4.1 lb. and is 'only' $530

...and if you meant 3221, not 3021, B&H has the 3221WN weight at 6.2 lbs....plus is does not seem to have the features of the Explorer as Rene says.

[jhom]

I re-examined the tripod features I was seeking, similar to what I have with the Bogen 3221, and I find the Gitzo GT2530EX is closest to the same features, and tips the scales at 4.1 lb. and is 'only' $530

Unfortunately, when it comes to tripods it will cost some coin if one opts for light and stable.

In contrast to the advice given by Thom Hogan, I have gone down the path of multiple tripod setups. I've had the often recommended legs including the Manfrotto 3001, 3021, and 055MF3. These are good tripods, but they are heavy. For me, weight and stability are primary factors in chosing a tripod. A tripod is only good if I use it. I was finding that I would not carry it because of weight. My previous general use legset was a 055MF3 and 468MG. It weighed in about 5.8lbs. Fairly light for the cost. Even so, I tended not to carry it as frequently as I should have. I'm sure my photography suffered.

Now I have a 2530 with Q3 and it weighs in at 3.8lbs. It is 2lbs lighter than my previous legset. It is a pleasure to take with me. Weight is no longer a primary consideration. It also made my pocketbook lighter.

[Wilt]

...and if you meant 3221, not 3021, B&H has the 3221WN weight at 6.2 lbs....plus is does not seem to have the features of the Explorer as Rene says.



A real problem is conflicting specs about the tripod, since the 3221 is not in production any longer. But information on the 55WNB states

Bogen - Manfrotto 055XWNB Wilderness Tripod Legs w/Leg Protectors & Rubber/spike feet (Height 2.8 - 71.3", Maximum Load 15.4)
This tripod is designed for wildlife and nature shooting, using cameras up to medium format or heavy telescopic lenses.

This Tripod features a two stage (3 section) aluminum tripod, lightweight, sturdy and portable, very easy to operate, four position legs spread, long center column for extra adjustment, two foam rubber leg grips, new quick action lever locks, retractable rubber feet with steel spikes.
Features
Leg angle presets allow the camera to reach all intermediate heights from min-max extension.Black anodized aluminum finishCenter column with an innovative three-faced designlow angle adapter built in the center column for ground level shots2 leg warmersrapid-action lever leg locks with just 45° runrubber feet with retractable steel spikesQuick action leg locks with new improved design.Built-in bubble spirit level makes camera alignment quick and easy.

Specifications
Max Height w/extended column71.3 inches
Max Height w/closed column55.3 inches
Minimum Height2.8 inches
Closed Length25.4 inches
Leg Sections3
Max Load Capacity15.4 lbs
Weight5.5 lbs.



vs. similar features on the Gitzo GT2530EX, but you pay addition to have the spike feet accessory, closed it is 1.5" longer yet goes no higher (w/o center column use) and its billing for dSLR up to 300mm makes it an uncertainty for my medium format uses, which is why I had looked at the 3530, but that weighs additional.

I know light weight costs money. My point was that for the investment of $660-900 for new legs and ballhead, I only saved 1.5 lbs...a pretty pricey expense for the gain received. If I bought just the legs (no new Markins M10 ballhead), the cost goes down by $350 and I get 0.1 lb. smaller decrease in weight so that is much better gain than buying both new.

[René Damkot]

Do the non-EX legs have that ability?..

"standard" mountaineer tripods have two angles at which the legs can be spread. (something like 30 and 60 degrees IIRC)
"Systematic" tripods (series 3 and up) have 3 leg angles (30, 60 and 80?). That's why they can go lower to the ground.

The mountaineer series can spread the legs 90 degree, but spreading all 3 at that angle makes the tripod rather useless, since the center column (or low level replacement for the column, whatever that's called) would touch the ground before the legs do ;)

[jhom]

By all accounts the Linhof is a great ballhead. I think a 3 series Gitzo will really make it shine given your gear.

[Wilt]

"standard" mountaineer tripods have two angles at which the legs can be spread. (something like 30 and 60 degrees IIRC)
"Systematic" tripods (series 3 and up) have 3 leg angles (30, 60 and 80?). That's why they can go lower to the ground.

The mountaineer series can spread the legs 90 degree, but spreading all 3 at that angle makes the tripod rather useless, since the center column (or low level replacement for the column, whatever that's called) would touch the ground before the legs do ;)

90 degree leg spread, one could shoot sunsets over the toilet bowl! :lol: