3 way of ball head for manfrotto 055x

[aleksey]

Hiya

guys i need advice on which head to choose.... pan & tilt or ball, can you help..... mostly shooting portraits, landscapes and macro

thanks a lot

[iAMB]

I borrowed a ball head and tripod from a friend since I am looking to purchase one myself. I found the ball head a little harder to use at first since its only one clamp and you are the one controlling the movement of the camera. But within the hour I found it so nice. I was shooting some river shots and found that I was able to quickly move and position the camrea much faster than with my dads pan &tilt. I was able to set the clamp with some tension but able to move the camera up and down while taking pictures of some birds that flew by, much like a monopod but much sturdier. I found it much more easier to position that haveing to move around 2 or three levers and adjust for everyone. I think if your doing macro, it will be a benefit since all you need to do is adjust one lever and quickly get that shot before that bug gets spooked. Go ball head. I found it very nice and just now need the funds for one.

[tvphotog]

Ballheads are the most flexible and compact. They run between $100-500. The Manfrotto 488 is popular and inexpensive and excellent.

[Roy Webber]

Ballheads are the most flexible and compact. They run between $100-500. The Manfrotto 488 is popular and inexpensive and excellent.
I have recently purchased the 055 PROB and 488 RC2...great value combination!

[jsmonet]

488rc2 488rc2 488rc2 488rc2 488rc2 488rc2 488rc2 488rc2 488rc2

c'mon, say it with me :)

[Lowner]

For my 055ProB (not the X version but the older model), I've chosen the Markins M10 ballhead and gone the RRS route with Arca Swiss clamps and plates. Not cheap, but I believe it was worth it.

I prefer a ballhead provided it is of good quality, but the 3 way heads are popular with some users. It boils down to personal preference in the end, as with so many things.

[aleksey]

thanks very much guys, much appreciated.... i think tomorrow will do the buying!

[tcc]

Purchased a 055xprob with a 804RC2 but found it a bit cumbersome when moving the camera to different angles. Was going to get the RRS BH-40 ballhead and quick release lever clamp but decided on the Acratech GV2 + quick release clamp + L-plate. Very happy now :D The L-plate makes going from landscape to portrait very easy and keeps your composition where you left it.

[Josh_30]

another vote for 488RC2... unless you can swing an ArcaSwiss **drool**

[aleksey]

just ordered 055xprob with 488RC2 :) cant wait to get it.

[Sasquatch41]

I have both, use the 3 way for landscape and portrait, ball head for every thing else. rc2 on ALL tripod and monopod

[aleksey]

got my tripod last week and i absolutely love it. thanks very much for all suggestions and help.