Ballhead advice

Will be getting a new tirpod (which is unknown currently), looking at heads I have my eye on the Sirui line. I plan to be using a 60d with Tamron 150-600 in Yellowstone in January.

The k-10x is rated at 44lbs but for a bit more I can step up to the 20x which is rated at 55lbs then again for only $30 more I can go up to the 40x rated at 77lbs. I am wondering at what point it all becomes overkill.

Open to other suggestions in the price range $100-$175.

There is no such thing as overkill in tripods and heads. Only limit is what you will carry. I'd get the biggest you are willing pay for and carry with you. In the Sirui line, for the 150-600 I would not go smaller than the K30x, and I would prefer the K40x.

The ratings are not really meaningful as there is no industry standard for such a rating. Really Right Stuff describes a test they use, but I don't know of any other company which discloses how they arrive at their numbers.

I'de go for the K40x. I'm sure the ratings are over inflated. From my experience smaller heads wont be as smooth as larger heads, and much more susceptible to droop at angles. I got a second hand kirk BH1 for 160, looks to be in your price range, and handles a 70-200mk2 without breaking a sweat.

I'm pretty much in your same boat, preordered the 150-600 and started upgrading my tripod equipment to handle it. I've played with the 70-200mk2 to see how it handles...... total confidence with the BH1, and the K40x should be similar (same class of tripod head).

K40x was on my watchlist, but found a deal on an american product that was too good to pass up. here's a review of the item: http://www.dpreview.co​m …s-top-ball-heads-tested/7

I believe most outdoor photographers have moved away from the ball head and are now using a gimbal head.

Looks like the k40x is the answer in the Sirui line, is there anything else I should be looking at?

Larry Johnson wrote in post #16922851
I believe most outdoor photographers have moved away from the ball head and are now using a gimbal head.

Not sure I want to backpack with one of those.

Littlejon Dsgn wrote in post #16922859
Looks like the k40x is the answer in the Sirui line, is there anything else I should be looking at?

You can look at second hand stuff

acratech gv2/gp
markins m1?
kirk bh1
RRS bh55
Arca swiss z1

I cant offer much advice.. but a small opinion.

Ever since ive been into photography Ive bought Manfrotto ball heads - Ive bought entry to middle range. They have been okay, but only okay.

Just rencently I boight a Sunwayfoto FB-44 and its brilliant. Its like night and day when compared to my Manfrotto heads. Its built like a tank, its precise, and light. I love it.

Littlejon Dsgn wrote in post #16922819
Will be getting a new tirpod (which is unknown currently), looking at heads I have my eye on the Sirui line. I plan to be using a 60d with Tamron 150-600 in Yellowstone in January.

The k-10x is rated at 44lbs but for a bit more I can step up to the 20x which is rated at 55lbs then again for only $30 more I can go up to the 40x rated at 77lbs. I am wondering at what point it all becomes overkill.

Open to other suggestions in the price range $100-$175.

I have the Sirui K 40X and it is a fine piece of kit. Forget the weight ratings they quote as they are meaningless. Whilst my Sirui K40X will support my Canon 800 F5.6 L IS + a 1 series body it is not the tool for the job. Your Tamron is much lighter but it is still a very long lens and any ball type head will be restrictive. If you are shooting fairly static subjects and have plenty of time then a good ball head will do the job reasonably well. However a Gimbal head is a much better option as it allows very much quicker subject acquisition. One downside of a gimbal head is that, as you extend your lens, the balance point will change which can be inconvenient but I still find a gimbal to be a better option for long lenses.
There are a number of decent fairly cheap Gimbal heads out there. Whilst I use a Wimberley 2 for my 800mm I find the Lensmaster RH1 fine for my 300 F2.8 + extenders. Lensmaster ship to the US and Rob is very helpful if you need advice:

http://www.lensmaster.​co.uk/rh1.htm