Are ball heads a PITA or is it just me?

My benro bh2 head did the same thing, drove me crazy. I picked up an Acra Swiss P0 and problem solved. Although, I did convert the P0 to the standard AS plates. money well spent

James33 wrote in post #15704063
Yep it's the 498rc2 and 055xprob tripod. Do I really need to spend $400 on a decent ball head? I can do $200-$250 and need to support a 70-200mm at most. Any specific recommendations?

No you don't but you would need to spend that amount for a top-of-the-line model like the Arca-Swiss Z1, Markins Q20 or RRS BH-55. The Photo Clam range are good value for money.

Take a look at the larger size PC-44NS or the smaller size PC-36NS or Pro Gold II (Pro Gold is their premium line). These are well-made and finished ballheads that a number of people on this forum use and recommend. They feature an indexed friction control that when used properly allows you to move the camera and let it go without tightening down. After checking framing you can lock down with a very small rotation of the main knob. This is how an Arca-Swiss Z1 works and the Photo Clams are copies of that head.

You'll need to match your ballhead size with both your gear and your two tripods. Manfrotto have their own quick release system that some here do use. By far the most popular quick release system is the Arca-Swiss type that these Photo Clam ballheads and many others use. This means you will also need to get an Arca-Swiss type plate for your camera when you get a new ballhead.

James33 wrote in post #15702418
It's just my hand holding the camera seems to be helping support the angle and when I let go it moves. ... Any tips?

I suspect that, in the sentence quoted above, you may have named a significant part of your problem. Ever since I learned to hold primarily the ballhead at the base of the camera or lens when adjusting the positioning, and not the camera or lens alone, I no longer have sagging/settling problems with my Manfrotto 498RC2 head, and I am able to adjust it very precisely.

In my case, it was not the head that was shifting position; it was the camera/lens. While a new ballhead & QR plate system might make this less likely, due to a tighter fit between elements (especially if the plate is custom made for the camera), you may be fine with your current system -- and save some cash -- if you just change how you work with it.

You will love a ball head one you buy the rrs bh-55.

GroWeb wrote in post #15706661
I suspect that, in the sentence quoted above, you may have named a significant part of your problem. Ever since I learned to hold primarily the ballhead at the base of the camera or lens when adjusting the positioning, and not the camera or lens alone, I no longer have sagging/settling problems with my Manfrotto 498RC2 head, and I am able to adjust it very precisely.

In my case, it was not the head that was shifting position; it was the camera/lens. While a new ballhead & QR plate system might make this less likely, due to a tighter fit between elements (especially if the plate is custom made for the camera), you may be fine with your current system -- and save some cash -- if you just change how you work with it.

Guess I'll try this first before dropping the $$$$$ on a new head. Lots to choose from that's for sure. Thanks for all the help!

Tc202 wrote in post #15707061
You will love a ball head one you buy the rrs bh-55.

Did you see the OP's budget and his longest lens?

James33 wrote in post #15707322
Guess I'll try this first before dropping the $$$$$ on a new head.

Maybe better technique will work but given the number of members who have experienced exactly the same thing I wouldn't count on it.

OP, up your budget, its worth it, and consider the Markin Q10.

Where can you get the Markin Q10? Can't find it at the usual suspects.
How would it compare to the 055 Q5?
http://www.manfrotto.u​s/055-mag-ball-head-q5

Gomer wrote in post #15707639
Where can you get the Markin Q10? Can't find it at the usual suspects.
How would it compare to the 055 Q5?
http://www.manfrotto.u​s/055-mag-ball-head-q5

Here it is without a clamp: LINK

Gomer wrote in post #15707639
How would it compare to the 055 Q5? http://www.manfrotto.u​s/055-mag-ball-head-q5

It's very likely to be a better performer. The Markins heads have excellent build quality and finish and are generally regarded as a leading brand. The Q10 has a 44mm ball diameter, but unfortunately the Manfrotto spec page doesn't show the ball diameter of the 055 Q5. It's not clear that the two ballheads can be compared to each other.

I know those who own them disagree with me, but that does not take away from my experience. I've owned nothing but high quality ballheads, the BH55 which I sold in favor of the lighter Markins M20.

Both would creep, even if only a minute amount after lockdown. Whether those who own(ed) these models had the same experience, as I said, does not take away from the fact it happened to me.

All that said, a tiny bit of creep never meant a hill of beans to me. So what?

As others have mentioned, it is definitely worth picking up a quality ball head. RRS, Arca Swiss, Markins, Acratech, and Kirk are all very good. I use Arca Swiss and Markins with RRS plates.

Look at Vanguard heads - they are relatively inexpensive, and have friction control which helps with minute adjustments. Very nice heads for the money.

Tired the Manfrotto ball heads and had the same problem of creep no matter how tightly I had them done up.

I now have a Giottos MH 1310 head with a MH 652 mount and love it, no head creep even when the camera is held just using the friction lock.

There's a post on the HorusBennu heads if you want to save some money.

https://photography-on-the.net …/showthread.php​?t=1017625