Tripod Head Recommendation

[flyfisher]

I'm looking for a ball head for the Gitzo G2220 tripod. I've narrowed it down to three
the Merkins M10, the RRS BH55 or the KIirk BH1.

I will be using it for landscape, macro, and products.

Any input would appreciated.

[HJMinard]

I haven't used any of those, but if I could afford one I'd buy the Kirk. I'm using the Manfrotto grip ballhead on my G2220

[IanD]

You have narrowed it down to three of the best heads out there. I'm using and Kirk BH-1 and it is as solid as a rock. Zero movement when locked down. I have found that Kirk's customer service is second to none. Very important if a problem ever arises.

[ScottE]

I would add the Acratech Ultimate to your list. It doesn't have a separate tension control, you have to do that by partially tightening the main knob, but it works very smoothly. For macro I prefer it because when shooting at odd angles you don't have to get the slot on the body to line up with the post on the head.

I beleive all the ballheads you listed are very good and it doesn't really matter which you choose. The plates for you lenses and cameras are interchangeable on all of them.

I would look for a release clamp that has a feature to prevent the plate from sliding out if the locking knob or lever is accidentally moved. There is nothing worse than moving your tripod and watching your camera bouncing on the ground because you inadvertantly caught something on the knob that locks the clamp.

Scott

[Belmondo]

Let me second the Acratech recommendation. It's a beautifully made piece of equipment. It's relatively small, light, but solid.

[MarkoPolo]

I have the same tripoid with the Kirk BH-3. Unless you are going to have really big lenses, it is very stable

[flyfisher]

The biggest lens would be the 100-400 but not for a while. It looks like I'll go for the Kirk.
Thanks everyone for your replies.
Steve

[CyberDyneSystems]

Acratech is lightest of the now four mentioned,. the other three I see as being about on even footing with the exception of the RRS having such a dramatic departure in it's "styling"

Essentially,. you'll find an equal number of people loving whichever one they happen to own of the big three,. with a few more owning the acratech because it's lighter and more affordable.

Either way,. I don't think you can go wrong with your choices.

The Only downside I would see in any of them is the Markins may be harder to get some form of support for it,. Kirrk and RRS are highly regarded American manufactureres that will bend over backwards for there customers.