Good Ballheads ~$100?

I need a new tripod but didn't want to spend over $200. I also wanted something tall so I can shoot eye-level to people standing up, and of course wanted something stable, but weight wasn't a big deal because this isn't going to be a traveling tripod. I chose the Slik 700Dx and so far it seems to live up to my expectations.

However, I tried to go budget on the ballhead and that didn't work out. So the $35 Amazon no-name Chinese head is back in the box and will go back to Amazon on Saturday. I've decided to increase my budget to $100, maybe even $120. What the heck, I'll drink a few less bottles of wine this month. I need it to have an Arca-Swiss compatible quick release clamp and be able to support a 70D for now and a 7D II in the future. The lenses I might use now are the Canon 85/1.8, 17-55/2.8 IS or Tamron 70-300 VC, though I hope to add a some kind of long zoom (100-400 mk 2, Sigma 120-600 Sport?) in the future, and a 70-200/2.8 on the distant horizon.

In this price range Sirui seems to be the forum favorite. The G-20X and K-10X fall within my budget and advertise the same capacity, with the G-20X being $10 cheaper, but that's not my main concern. The G-20X also has a slightly larger (by 3mm) ball and a separate tension knob, while the K-10X tension setting is built-in to the tilt control knob and requires a screwdriver (or maybe just a coin) to adjust. It seems to me that the G-20X is the way to go, but I'm looking for other opinions.

Also, if there's a brand/model I'm overlooking please let me know.

I don't use my tripod much so I took a chance on this Smith-Victor BH8 Ball head from B&H Photo and feel it is very good for the money you spend.

http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …lhead_with_Arca​_Type.html

At least two other members here use one:

"MalVeauX" https://photography-on-the.net …showthread.php?​p=17023148

"amfoto1" https://photography-on-the.net …showthread.php?​p=16912118

Here is a quick video review: https://www.youtube.co​m/watch?v=E23dzo1lJBE

I changed the clamp on mine, added some rubber cement under the rubber grips on the knobs, and like "amfoto1" replaced the thick grease in the base to improve the panning action.

I purchased Benro travel tripod a few years and it came with their B0 ballhead. I am extremely satisfied with both and in fact use Benro legs & head for 90% of my work.

http://www.amazon.com …on-Ballhead/dp/B004E9SWLM

http://www.ebay.com …ain_0&hash=item​2ed3d0dc70

$89 on ebay with free shipping from Hong Kong.

I have a Sirui, and they are very nice. Get the largest ball you can afford.

FarmerTed1971 wrote in post #17471687
I have a Sirui, and they are very nice. Get the largest ball you can afford.

That is why I got the Smith-Victor BH8. The ball diameter is about 2.16 inches or 54mm. It dwarfs anything in it's price range.

Here is how it compares to other ball heads:

Smith-Victor BH8 54mm $59 http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …lhead_with_Arca​_Type.html

Benro B0 30mm
Benro B1 36mm
Benro B2 44mm
Benro B3 54mm $217 http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …uble_Action_Bal​lhead.html

Sirui K40x 54mm $166 http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …RK40_K_40x_Ball​_Head.html

Having owned two less expensive ballheads (Dolica and a generic knock-off of the Smith-Victor) I am very hesitant about ordering $50 ballheads. In both cases the tilt clamp flexes and causes the camera position to change slightly when tightening the knob.

I'm certainly willing to give it a try. Can you confirm the ball doesn't shift when being tightened on the Smith Victor?

The S-V BH8 is much better than the Manfrotto 498RC2 I had before. It tightens up nicely and there is no droop at all.

bumpintheroad wrote in post #17471385
In this price range Sirui seems to be the forum favorite. The G-20X and K-10X fall within my budget and advertise the same capacity, with the G-20X being $10 cheaper, but that's not my main concern. The G-20X also has a slightly larger (by 3mm) ball and a separate tension knob, while the K-10X tension setting is built-in to the tilt control knob and requires a screwdriver (or maybe just a coin) to adjust. It seems to me that the G-20X is the way to go, but I'm looking for other opinions.

I have the K-40X and love it. No screwdriver required. You turn the big knob to the desired tension for normal movement. The inside (tension control) moves freely to the right and stops. After that any time you loosen the big knob it will stop at the point you set with the inside. Pretty slick.

From what I've read the K series is better than the G series. The K-20X is $129, only $12 more than the K-10X. So if you go with Sirui the K-20X is my recommendation.

+1.
Like you I use the Sirui K40X and it's a fine piece of kit! The K series are a significant improvement over the G models and well worth the extra in my opinion. A K20X or K30x will probably fill your needs very well.
As C Scott IV notes you don't need a screwdriver, your thumb will work perfectly well - just remember to bring it with you

Mine is the K30, and for the price it's a steal. I recently bought a RRS and there is a difference in the quality but the K30 is still REALLY nice.

I do appreciate all the feedback and if I'd received it sooner I certainly would have given the SV a try.

Unfortunately, I needed the ballhead here by Saturday for some practice sessions and had to place the order before B&H's 4PM cut-off. I went with the G20. I'll report back on how it works out.

The Sirui G-20X arrived today. I'm fortunate to live within 1-day UPS ground from B&H.

First impression: WOW! I'm absolutely amazed at how smooth this thing operates. The cheaper ball heads I've used seem like they're filled with sand in comparison.

I mounted on my tripod and so far it seems solid with no droop. And no problems like I had with the cheap ballheads with the camera shifting position as a tightened the main knob.

I'll get to shoot with it tomorrow, but so far I'm very happy!

Glad to hear it!
Hope you are as happy with your K20X as I am with my K40X.

It's really such a night-and-day difference between the old, cheap ballheads I've used, I'm thinking of getting the SV for my traveling tripod.

I think the Smith-Victor BH-8 would be too large and heavy for a travel tripod. I have no idea how good their smaller ball heads are.