Gitzo G1276M Off-Center Ball Head

I am contemplating getting this head along with the Gitzo Explorer G2220 Tripod. My main reason for this combo is marco work and it seems it should work fine with other types of tripod mounted photagraphy as well. If there is another route to take, let me know as I am not committed to anything yet.

It has a quick release built into it. As I don't have yet, but plan to get, some type of quick release for my gear this seems to be a good idea. What type of quick release is it compatable with? Is it the Arca style release?

None of the Gitzo heads are compatible with the Arca Swiss format, they are all proprietary to Gitzo, and even them most of the gitzo heads do not have interchangable QR plates. Also for macro work I would consider a Ball style head as opposed to the pan head you have listed. You are getting the 2220 to get down low and you will always be working a odd angles. The Panheads work best upright otherwise it is really hard to independently rotate the 3 axes needed for proper alignment of a macro, escecially when upside down or tilted below horizontal. Since you seem to know the advantages of the Arca Swiss plate/clamp system how about a RRS BH40 or Kirk BH-3? I have an Acratech on my 2220 which I also use for macro work, but the lack of tension means the camera can suddenly flop if loosened at an odd (not balanced) angle. For my normal shots I use a CF tripod with a heavier BH 55 head.
Also I have found a RRS L bracket to be really useful for macro, as I often need the extra attachment point for the camera.
Mike K

Mike, thanks for the input. I did wonder if, given the flexiblity of the 2220 I needed to add that of the off center ball head. I had also wondered about the balance of it when used upright anyway. It is good to know that the Gitzo clamp system is proprietary. I do think I want to set up with the Arca swiss setup. I will check out your head suggestions.

I have 2220 legs and 3047 ballhead.

I would go nuts trying to compose a macro shot with that head. For macro you need a 3 way head, with a macro rail on top and a geared short column at the bottom. Then you can actually control every movement independently.

If you extend 2220's column for more than 3-4 inches then the tripod vibrates... and it defeats the purpose of using it at all.

I have a macro rail and an old Manfrotta 3 way head #056 I could use but it is a bit of a pain getting set up just right. I kinda like the idea of a ball head for speed sake but I can see the value of independently moving in each direction.

What causes the vibration you refer to? I looked at a 2220 in the store and it seemed quite stable but I have never used one in the field.

I just purchased the 2220 tripod and I don't think you could find a better tripod for macro which isn't just my opinion but the opinion of many. I researched quite a bit before buying. I agree with the 3 way panhead with macro rail attached but not about the vibration. I don't think you need something quick for macro as my opion is it is not something you can rush. Bogen makes a nice resonable 3 way head, the Bogen 3030rc2 which along with the Gitzo explorer would make a great macro setup. Bogen also makes a macro rail for just over $100

Any movement you apply to it causes a vibration with the column extended past a few inches... and yes, it's recommended "by many" for the macro work... which is why I bought it after a lot of research.

Maybe I have a heavy macro setup - sigma 70-200, drebel with grip and extension tubes.

Would this vibration be lessened by using a carbon fiber model? I know the vibration of my fingers would increase doling out the extra cash.

Well... the period of the vibration will probably decrease.

I now wish I'd gone for a 13xx gitzo with a short geared column... because I mostly use the 2220 in a straight arrangement and the free arm mechanism just adds to the weight and cost.

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the main reason for Carbon fiber is to reduce vibration, the lighter weight is very much a minor, secondary reason. so yes, it will certainly help. In fact I did a test with my Manfrotto where I eliminated the CF center column and use the stubby plastic fitting to attach the ballhead to. Using a long lens with or without MLU I saw more vibration without the center colum than with it. Go figure, but my hypothesis is that the CF center column couples the CF leg mass to the ballhead better than without the column.

When I do macro with the Gitzo explorer, I often use the camera L bracket from the side, or with the camera hanging upside down and somehow don't see using a Pan head in a non vertical orientation. For that matter I don't know of any pan heads that use Arca Swiss, but one could put a AS clamp on top of another clamp/QR plate. Certainly AS style clamps come built on focusing rails, but they would have to be attached via screw or AS plate to the pan head. I also use an angle finder c at any angle available as I am usually very close to the ground.
Mike K

I have a Gitzo G1275M on my G2220 legs. Gitzo's QR is, in my view, pointless - it's expensive and proprietary. I put a Manfrotto 323 RC2 adapter on my G1275M.

The G1275M certainly gives you plenty of flexibility with the Explorer legs - I've had mine in angles that standard ball heads will not manage. It is most certainly a ball head - just that the ball is in an odd place.

What you will find is that there are times when the head is frustrating; it doesn't easily clamp up tight, and it tends to 'sag' a little when you let go of the camera. However, for a "one head does it all" on Gitzo Explorer legs, I don't think it's bad. As with many things that are general purpose, they're fair at everything, but excel at nothing.

David