Good Ballheads ~$100?

Hmm. Maybe then I'll take a trip up to B&H then. Pity they are closed on Saturdays.

I remember I paid about $100 for Benro B2 ballhead. It's pretty big. Perfect size for my Feisol tripod. Holds 5d2 gripped with 80-200/2.8L easilty. $100 well spend.

bumpintheroad wrote in post #17473923
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!

Good to hear this. I just ordered a 40x and will be here tomorrow. I've only had cheap balls previously. Will give feedback and hopefully it's similiar to yours.

Talley wrote in post #17482579
Good to hear this. I just ordered a 40x and will be here tomorrow. I've only had cheap balls previously. Will give feedback and hopefully it's similiar to yours.

I don't advocate using BIG lenses on ball heads due to the possibility of tipping/finger pinching! However if your K40X is anything like mine, once you have set the friction, your 120-300 F2.8 will not challenge it.
It is quite a Beastie, you will be happy.

johnf3f wrote in post #17482736
I don't advocate using BIG lenses on ball heads due to the possibility of tipping/finger pinching! However if your K40X is anything like mine, once you have set the friction, your 120-300 F2.8 will not challenge it.
It is quite a Beastie, you will be happy.

I'd only use the 120-300 for recording my kids plays/choir/recitals video and thats 95% stationary so I just need a lock down secure setup. Should work good I hope. Thanks I saw your other post too.

Talley wrote in post #17482579
Good to hear this. I just ordered a 40x and will be here tomorrow. I've only had cheap balls previously. Will give feedback and hopefully it's similiar to yours.

Talley, you will be shocked how much better a quality ballhead feels, even in the $100 neighborhood.

I only started using ballheads within the past year or so. I liked the positioning options but hated the fact that it seemed impossible to get them setup right when the crop was critical. A few weeks ago I shot a bunch of headshots for work and I was about to give up on ballheads altogether because I really had to fight to keep my subjects properly framed.

No troubles whatsoever with the Sirui. First of all, I've got the tension setup just right so I can reposition the camera when I need and it stays put without even clamping down the ball. And it stays put when I do tighten the main knob. Really a pleasure to use instead of a chore.

bumpintheroad wrote in post #17482921
Talley, you will be shocked how much better a quality ballhead feels, even in the $100 neighborhood.

I only started using ballheads within the past year or so. I liked the positioning options but hated the fact that it seemed impossible to get them setup right when the crop was critical. A few weeks ago I shot a bunch of headshots for work and I was about to give up on ballheads altogether because I really had to fight to keep my subjects properly framed.

No troubles whatsoever with the Sirui. First of all, I've got the tension setup just right so I can reposition the camera when I need and it stays put without even clamping down the ball. And it stays put when I do tighten the main knob. Really a pleasure to use instead of a chore.

I just looked up my old ballhead and it's a Rocketfish brand (got at best buy) and it's a 34mm ball and it's rated for 20lbs LOL... I think I'm in for some heaven tomorrow when I get the 40x