Are ball heads a PITA or is it just me?

Give a look at an Acratech Ballhead. They are very lightweight and really do the job.

GroWeb wrote in post #15706661
....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.

I've got the same head; I'll have to try that. Thanks.

How about people stop using the word "creep" when you mean "sag".

If there is creep when you lock down the head, then the camera will continue to droop more and more and more and more since the ball is slowly sliding. So aim point will continue to slowly change as the creep continues.

When there is sag, the ball isn't sliding. It is firmly locked. Just that either the mechanism changes the positioning of the ball a bit when the mechanism is tightened and the forces are increased. Or the head or some part of the tripod bends a bit when force is applied. If there is sag, the camera will still end up firmly held. But the lens will have ended up aimed lower than intended. But will stay aimed at same spot.

Here's a nice option for $180.

http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …79_002_BHD2_Bal​lhead.html

Or for $267.

http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …9_022_BHL2_Ball​_Head.html

I'm surprised no one has posted this link. It's good advice.

http://bythom.com/supp​ort.htm

GroWeb wrote in post #15706661
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

James33 wrote in post #15707322
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!

LV Moose wrote in post #15711818
I've got the same head; I'll have to try that. Thanks.

Please report back to let it be known if this works for either or both of you.

Like others I had the same problem with creep/droop/sag with my Manfrotto. Ditched it for an RRS BH-40 and won't look back.

My 496RC2 must be faulty as i dont have any of these issues with my 5DMKIII and 70-200 f/4 IS.

Maybe i just dont use it enough to loosen it to the point where it sags but in the year that ive had it ive not had any issues with it moving (or moving it)

dave_bass5 wrote in post #15713611
My 496RC2 must be faulty as i dont have any of these issues with my 5DMKIII and 70-200 f/4 IS.

Maybe i just dont use it enough to loosen it to the point where it sags but in the year that ive had it ive not had any issues with it moving (or moving it)

Note that the 70-200 f/4 is a very light lens.

If you have a lens without own collar, you get much of the weight in front of the ball head.

If you have a bigger lens with lens collar, you normally have balance - as long as you aim at the horizon. If you aim up or down, then the balance will change since all the weight is well above the ball, and tilting the camera will then move the weight forward/backward.

Yes, i do have a collar for the 70-200 but never use it as, like you say, its pretty light anyway.
It just surprised me that the OP also mention problems with a 50mm lens.

Actually this thread has reminded me that i dont like the RC2 system at all, so i am actually going to change my Ball head now lol.
No idea what to go for but ill figure it out.

dave_bass5 wrote in post #15713758
Yes, i do have a collar for the 70-200 but never use it as, like you say, its pretty light anyway.
It just surprised me that the OP also mention problems with a 50mm lens.

Actually this thread has reminded me that i dont like the RC2 system at all, so i am actually going to change my Ball head now lol.
No idea what to go for but ill figure it out.

I recommend Markins if you have the budget for it.

Thanks. Unfortunately they are out f my budget. Im going to keep it low, around £100 - £130.
I had thought about a 3LT Airhead1 but ive seen cheaper versions on Amazon in the UK for around £89.

dave_bass5 wrote in post #15713758
Yes, i do have a collar for the 70-200 but never use it as, like you say, its pretty light anyway.
It just surprised me that the OP also mention problems with a 50mm lens.

I haven't tried your newer head. I have the 488RC2.

But I think much of the issue is that when you twist the screw to tighten the friction, this will make the clamp around the ball slightly deform, which results in the ball slightly drooping down. So you aim the lens and then tighten the head and then notice that the lens now points a bit below the original target.

Well you could be right, its just something that i haven't noticed. i do tend to frame wide most of the time so that might hide it, but I have shot the moon a few times and its been more or less where i wanted it to be, even when using 200% live view.

dave_bass5 wrote in post #15713611
My 496RC2 must be faulty as i dont have any of these issues with my 5DMKIII and 70-200 f/4 IS.

Maybe i just dont use it enough to loosen it to the point where it sags but in the year that ive had it ive not had any issues with it moving (or moving it)

Its most apparent when lining up shots of the moon and stars with long lens, in the 500mm bracket. Wide angle lenses will never notice it. Try lining up something on the top or bottom edge of the frame, tighten up the ballhead and then let go.