Budget ball head

Hello,

I am based in India. I have almost procured Benro legs [A2580] here locally from another local forum.

The heaviest combination I have currently is a Canon 60D + 70-200 2.8. The maximum I shall go in the future shall be Canon 6D. In the rarest case, usage may include a Canon 100-400L.

The legs support [on paper, at least] 15 kgs. Even if I consider that as 10-12 kgs in worst condition, they shall hold me in good stead for 5-7 years. Now I need a ball head that would support this combination [at least 10-12 kgs] and would last me another 7+ years. I am not that frequent with gear shopping or switching. Plus I use the tripod only for landscapes and product. Very rarely for portraiture.

I can get a Manfrotto 498 RC2 / Vanguard SBH 100 locally. It would be a bit more expensive than the US. But a friend is coming from the US in a couple of weeks and I tempted by the options. I am very much keen on the used market in the US.

I saw a couple of them on KEH. Giottos MH 3000 and Giottos MH 1000

I am a bit confused now. I would like to have one with the QR plate as against screwing the camera in.
What would you guys recommend around a budget of 80$. Anything on the list or am I being a total idiot comparing apples and oranges?

Manfrotto 496 RC2
Manfrotto 498 RC2
Vanguard SBH 100
Sirui G20X
Giottos MH 1000
Giottos MH 3000

I would avoid anything that does not use Arca-Swiss compatible plates.

I would spend more and look at the Sirui K-30X or K-40X.

But, a cheap but very strong alternative:
http://www.scvphotoide​as.com …s-3-ball-head-review.html

sawsedge wrote in post #17097706
I would avoid anything that does not use Arca-Swiss compatible plates.

I would spend more and look at the Sirui K-30X or K-40X.

But, a cheap but very strong alternative:
http://www.scvphotoide​as.com …s-3-ball-head-review.html

+1 for the Sirui ballheads.

+1 in the Sirui ballhead. The K-40X works great for my gripped 7D + 100-400L or 28-300L. As you can see I trust it!

IMAGE LINK: http://www.cscott4.com …014-Landscape/i-jVzFmNR/A

Sirui -- top notch and great value.

Another vote for the Sirui K series heads. I use the K 40x which is a bit bigger than you need as it will hold the big Superteles if required. The K 30x is probably the best option for your current and future gear.

Thanks guys. Appreciate your responses.
I am favouring the Sirui brand now. I am unable to understand the difference between K30X and G20X apart from the load capacity. Is there anything else which is being overlooked by me?

Any opinions on these?
Giottos MH 3000
Giottos MH 1000

Thanks again.

All of the specs for the Sirui ball heads can be seen on this PDF document.

http://www.argraph.com​/images/SiruBallHead_P​DF.pdf

I just ordered the K-30X after looking and looking some more at my options. It was a tough decision but they seem to get good reviews overall and the price is certainly right, for me anyway. Good luck with your search.

I used to own a Giottos ballhead (can't remember the model number). Based on my experience, I would recommend looking elsewhere. The ballhead would droop when attempting to set and lock it down.

zurura wrote in post #17103398
Thanks guys. Appreciate your responses.
I am favouring the Sirui brand now. I am unable to understand the difference between K30X and G20X apart from the load capacity. Is there anything else which is being overlooked by me?

Any opinions on these?
Giottos MH 3000
Giottos MH 1000

Thanks again.

Have to disagree with the previous member, my Giottos MH-3300 is rock solid, as good or better than my Sirui K-20X. It is very heavy however.

Maxdave

Here's another vote for Sirui. Mine is the K30x. It is a solid head with a good sized ball and a very good price. Everything works well and smoothly. It's very well made. It seems that the only difference in their K series heads is the size - I've even heard good things about the K10x although it's pretty small. The price difference between the k20x and the K30x is very small so I would recommend the 30. The K40x is a big solid beast and still priced quite nicely. With Sirui it is best to avoid the G series heads. They are their older designs and not as good as the K series.

As to Manfrotto - NO. Their legs are good as are their geared heads and pan/tilt heads but their ball heads are just not good and the quick releases are proprietary, not Arca-Swiss. Almost every other good manufacturer uses A-S so you can pick the best plates and attachments from lots of different companies.

As to price, my Sirui K30x was $141 from B&H. The K20x was $130. A little over your budget but worth it if you can.

Thanks a ton guys.
I am now pretty convinced about the Sirui ballheads now.

Appreciate your detailed responses and the effort. Thanks.

Take a look at Smith-Victor, an arka swiss compatible plate.

I just purchased the Sirui K-40X and I've extremely happy with it. It may be overkill on the load capacity since I'll only be using a 6D gripped + 70-200 IS on it but I rather error on the side of caution rather than watching it break off.

Sirui K30x.

K40 will handle much more than your gear, but it would not hurt to be "overpowered" either.