Bubble
9th of March 2009 (Mon), 16:36
I was in the process of getting another ballhead that will allow me:
Be able to use my existing RRS L-Plate
Be able to use for landscape
Be able to use for big lens such as 400VR/600mm (alternative with my WH-200)
Sturdy but not too heavy
Fit niceley to all of my 3 and 5 series Gitzo tripod (base to base)
Budget around $500 or lessI narrowed down to 4 choices:
1. RRS BH-55
2. Gitzo GH3780QR
3. Markins Q-Ball M20
4. Photo Clam PC-74NS
After doing research and i pick #4 because:
Gitzo GH3780QR: I can't use RRS L-plate. I have to order RRS QR plate for another $135 or so. The total cost would be around RRS BH-55. Base to base fitting with Gitzo is not perfectly match. A bit smaller
RRS BH-55: Excellent quality (can't denied it ). It is perfect for landscape. However, due to the design of this ballhead, it is a bit short (QR plate to the base of the ballhead). this might be an issue when i use this ballhead with 600mm during panning bird above the head.
Markins Q-Ball M20: Another Excellent quality ballhead but the housing dia of this ballhead is a bit small for Gitzo 5541. I haven't seen anyone use this with big lens before.I then found an artical about photo clam
http://www.cameratown.com/news/news.cfm?id=5836
The problem with photo clam is that they are in Korea. Official website product here:
http://www.photoclam.com/main.php?pg_ctrl=productK&mode=view&idx=84
I finally found the first US distrubitor for Photo Clam. After talking to the dealer for 4 days (exchange email back and forth) I finally decided to give it a try. Kerry Thalmann at reallybigcameras really patient with all my questions.
http://reallybigcameras.com/PhotoClam/Photo%20Clam%20Table.htm
When the ballhead arrived, i was SHOCKED because the ballhead IS HUGE. :)
Ball Diameter: 2.91"
Housing Dia: 3.46"
Panning Base: 3.78"
Load Capacity: 220 lbs
Build quality is solid. It operates smoothly with small camera/lens combo and big lens/camera combo. Here are few picture of the ballhead.
http://aphanphoto.com/ballhead/1.jpg
http://aphanphoto.com/ballhead/2.jpg
http://aphanphoto.com/ballhead/3.jpg
http://aphanphoto.com/ballhead/4.jpg
http://aphanphoto.com/ballhead/5.jpg
http://aphanphoto.com/ballhead/6.jpg
I'm very happy with this ballhead since i can use it for all purpose and the price is well under $500.
Be able to use my existing RRS L-Plate
Be able to use for landscape
Be able to use for big lens such as 400VR/600mm (alternative with my WH-200)
Sturdy but not too heavy
Fit niceley to all of my 3 and 5 series Gitzo tripod (base to base)
Budget around $500 or lessI narrowed down to 4 choices:
1. RRS BH-55
2. Gitzo GH3780QR
3. Markins Q-Ball M20
4. Photo Clam PC-74NS
After doing research and i pick #4 because:
Gitzo GH3780QR: I can't use RRS L-plate. I have to order RRS QR plate for another $135 or so. The total cost would be around RRS BH-55. Base to base fitting with Gitzo is not perfectly match. A bit smaller
RRS BH-55: Excellent quality (can't denied it ). It is perfect for landscape. However, due to the design of this ballhead, it is a bit short (QR plate to the base of the ballhead). this might be an issue when i use this ballhead with 600mm during panning bird above the head.
Markins Q-Ball M20: Another Excellent quality ballhead but the housing dia of this ballhead is a bit small for Gitzo 5541. I haven't seen anyone use this with big lens before.I then found an artical about photo clam
http://www.cameratown.com/news/news.cfm?id=5836
The problem with photo clam is that they are in Korea. Official website product here:
http://www.photoclam.com/main.php?pg_ctrl=productK&mode=view&idx=84
I finally found the first US distrubitor for Photo Clam. After talking to the dealer for 4 days (exchange email back and forth) I finally decided to give it a try. Kerry Thalmann at reallybigcameras really patient with all my questions.
http://reallybigcameras.com/PhotoClam/Photo%20Clam%20Table.htm
When the ballhead arrived, i was SHOCKED because the ballhead IS HUGE. :)
Ball Diameter: 2.91"
Housing Dia: 3.46"
Panning Base: 3.78"
Load Capacity: 220 lbs
Build quality is solid. It operates smoothly with small camera/lens combo and big lens/camera combo. Here are few picture of the ballhead.
http://aphanphoto.com/ballhead/1.jpg
http://aphanphoto.com/ballhead/2.jpg
http://aphanphoto.com/ballhead/3.jpg
http://aphanphoto.com/ballhead/4.jpg
http://aphanphoto.com/ballhead/5.jpg
http://aphanphoto.com/ballhead/6.jpg
I'm very happy with this ballhead since i can use it for all purpose and the price is well under $500.