Which tripod heads are good for macro?

[FlexiPack]

I have a Giottos MT9340 tripod with Giottos MH7002-652 Series 1 Ball Head. I've pretty much given up using it for macro work at the moment as I just cannot get it to stay in position when I lock the head.

When I position the ball head in the right position, I tighten and lock it but every time it moves minutely and in macro work those millimeters are making all the difference. The ball head is more than capable of handling my 450D + 100mm macro + Tubes and so is the tripod. I had this same problem with my old Manfrotto and 3-way pan + tilt head.

So my question is, is it a case of persisting or is there some sort of tripod head that allows precise minute adjustments?

Cheers

[macro junkie]

insects dont wait around for u to set up tripods hence why most of us here dont use them.

[FlexiPack]

It's for dew drop and none living subjects mainly. I'll keep having a scout around

[brecklundin]

I can't say which because I am new to all this...but I am seriously looking at one of the 3300, 1300 or 1300 heads with 658 or 659 sliding camera mount...I never knew that Gittos had such a modular system. Sure might solve the "macro rail" need I have all in one compact much lighter weight solution.

http://www.giottos.com/MH-3.htm

Found them for under $200 on eBay right now and have a very itchy BIN'ing finger right now... ;)

BTW, do you think the slop or "play" problem you are having is simply a weight issue? Or maybe your head's lever lock system is worn out? I have always wondered if the weight ratings are for the actual weight attached or the effective weight when say the equipment is on the side or tilted up/down. Anything beyond almost perpendicular to the ball/head puts more force on the lock mechanism...or so it would seem to me.

[Greg_C]

I've recently (two weeks ago) swapped from a Manfrotto 488 RC2 to the Really Right Stuff RH-55 to solve just the problem you are having. The BH-55 doesn't suffer from that dreaded creep. Mind you, it's still very early days and I've only used it 3 times. I'm still getting used to the drag setting, but this a cool feature.

The RRS ball head is about twice the size of that in the 488 and I think this is part of the reason. There was always a little play in the RC2 mounting also.

[P1X4R]

i'm seriously considering moving up from my Manfrotto 488RC2 ballhead to the RRH RH-55. will i still be able to use the RC2 quick release plates with any of their clamps?

[Greg_C]

i'm seriously considering moving up from my Manfrotto 488RC2 ballhead to the RRS RH-55. will i still be able to use the RC2 quick release plates with any of their clamps?
Nope, you basicly have to make a full switch from RC2 to Arca Swiss.


Almost.....

You could put the RC2 clamp on top of the RRS RH-55 ball head, but my RC2 always had a little play in them that the RRS Arca Swiss doesn't have.

[P1X4R]

thanks. i guess i'll have to make the full investment. :)

[P1X4R]

btw, are you still using the Manfrotto tripod legs?

[Greg_C]

btw, are you still using the Manfrotto tripod legs?
yes, 190ProB legs.