Ball Head choices....?

sml wrote in post #5501802
I was JUST going to ask this!! Good timing...
If one goes with a tripod without the column, I've been told you get better stability. Can you still have the "ease" of vertical control for composing shots (isn't that what the column provides?). And then, do you "need" a taller tripod? (I'm 5'7")
The reason I was gonna ask about this is that someone suggested that I go with the larger Gitzo tripod (the 3540 LS) and the RRS BH-55....a "no post" setup. Much larger than the 2530 with the BH-40 or Markins M10.
(The more I "investigate" this, the more confused I get! I'm further behind in this process now than I was a week ago!!)

There are some the suggest that ANY column will provide an add'l source of viabration....either when down from the "tail" being a "sail" in the wind or when extended becoming a wobbly "monopod" on top of the tripod.

Others contend that, tightened down, the add'l viabration is minimal when all the way down or if only extended an inch or so for fine adjustment. I believe all agree that fully extended it can add unacceptable stability and source for viabration.

I would not consider myself a qualified expert on this subject. I was just answering whether use of the Markins base was mandatory. Right now, I am new to the Gitzo 2541 and M10. It is so much better and more stable, easier to use, etc. than my prior set up, that I cannot think how it could be improved....we will see. I also am not shooting "long" (400, 500, 600, +++) on it.....usually my 70-200...maybe with a 1.4x. My 100-400 is mostly used for sports, where if I use any support it is a monopod (GM2540).

I did see a post, either here of the FM forums, where a guy had a GT25xx and swapped between using the column or the Markins tripod base depending on what he was shooting. So, if the 2530 is fine for you you could start with it and add the Makins base later if you needed it (and if the overall height were enough). Or get a taller GT25xx, or get a 35xx and, if later desired, add an optional column. Lots of choices/decisions...

I found that I rarely if ever used the center column for the stuff I shoot. I setup the legs to the height I want and use the ballhead for the minor final adjustments. So, I have a legset that does not have a center column. The tripod base provides a better platform to couple the ballhead to the tripod. The Markins vibration study suggests that the tripod base reduces vibration. In my personal experience I feel that it provides added stability and some vibration reduction especially with the long focal lengths.

sml wrote in post #5501802
I was JUST going to ask this!! Good timing...
If one goes with a tripod without the column, I've been told you get better stability. Can you still have the "ease" of vertical control for composing shots (isn't that what the column provides?). And then, do you "need" a taller tripod? (I'm 5'7")
The reason I was gonna ask about this is that someone suggested that I go with the larger Gitzo tripod (the 3540 LS) and the RRS BH-55....a "no post" setup. Much larger than the 2530 with the BH-40 or Markins M10.
(The more I "investigate" this, the more confused I get! I'm further behind in this process now than I was a week ago!!)

Whether you need additional height depends on what you are shooting. If you are essentially shooting at eye level, the 2530 would be perfect for your height. If you are shooting upwards such as birds in flight, tall buildings, airplanes, then a taller tripod would help reduce your stooping when shooting because the viewfinder will be pointing more to the ground.

The 3 series Gitzo with the BH55 is a more stable legset than the 2 series with a BH40. Whether you need the 3 series depends on what gear you will be using now and in the future. If you are going to be using longer focal lengths then I would go with the 3 series. With the 3 series you have the choice of a Mountaineer series (with center column) or systematic (no center column but you can add on as on option).

With regard to the center column, the longer the extension the greater the tendency for vibration. There is a Nikonian who tested the effect of column extension on IQ and he didn't see a significant change until he got to full extenion. This was on a Gitzo series tripod. Others have shown decreasing IQ with column extension. I'm sure it all depends on the situation, your gear, and you shooting techniques. If you need a center column for your shooting then get a tripod that gives you the best control of the center column.

jhom wrote in post #5502322
The 3 series Gitzo with the BH55 is a more stable legset than the 2 series with a BH40. Whether you need the 3 series depends on what gear you will be using now and in the future. If you are going to be using longer focal lengths then I would go with the 3 series. With the 3 series you have the choice of a Mountaineer series (with center column) or systematic (no center column but you can add on as on option).

That seems to be the essence of the decision. And at this point, my gear is probably best suited for the 2530 and the BH-40 (if I go with RRS). My longest lens at this point is a ten year old 75-300mm IS that I rarely use. However, I may be getting a 100-400mm in the near future to replace that--still, not a "heavy lens." Don't you agree?
And, I think I'd like the versatility of the center column.
And, finally, after reading several links and posts yesterday afternoon, I am now leaning toward the RRS products....most likely the BH-40 (as opposed to the Markins which I HAD been leaning toward!).
I realize that I am putting too much into this decision....the choices I am considering seem to ALL be an upgrade over what I've been using for the past 30 years (or more!)!!
Thanks for your insights....they are quite valuable.

sml wrote in post #5502650
That seems to be the essence of the decision. And at this point, my gear is probably best suited for the 2530 and the BH-40 (if I go with RRS). My longest lens at this point is a ten year old 75-300mm IS that I rarely use. However, I may be getting a 100-400mm in the near future to replace that--still, not a "heavy lens." Don't you agree?
And, I think I'd like the versatility of the center column.
And, finally, after reading several links and posts yesterday afternoon, I am now leaning toward the RRS products....most likely the BH-40 (as opposed to the Markins which I HAD been leaning toward!).
I realize that I am putting too much into this decision....the choices I am considering seem to ALL be an upgrade over what I've been using for the past 30 years (or more!)!!
Thanks for your insights....they are quite valuable.

Just a suggestion.....if your credit card will support it....order both the RRS and the Markins....try them out...see which you like best....both companies provide for 30 day return (last I looked).

I over/incorrectly ordered some parts from RRS....they credited my card within a day or so of receivin the return

sml, looks like you and I are at the same height and are looking for something similar.

My needs is for something that is compact and light without thinking twice on whether I should carry it around with me or not. I do mostly travelling and usually I'm out and about for the day.

I'm this close to deciding on the following:

Gitzo GT2540 Mountaineer
Markins M10 or Q3

My only hesitation is whether I should get the Q3 which will make the whole setup much lighter and compact, the other thing is I've read that the Markins panning lock isn't as great and thus not ideal for macro shooting. Although I haven't done much macro yet, I can see myself doing it in the near future. From my research, the RRS ball heads are much better for marco stuff (panning lock is solid), but the ball head controls gets in the way when you tilt the camera 90 degrees? Then again, I suppose that would not be an issue if I am using an L-plate right?

Having the 20D, I can see myself upgrading the body soon (once Canon announces the replacement for the 5D), or keeping the body.. so my next problem is that RRS doesn't have the L-plate for the 20D and I can't seem to find anyone who is selling it

Now if I can only find someone who is selling the whole setup (used), then I'll be in business....

Yes, Roadrunner....
Looks like you and I are definitely going through a similar process!
The input from this thread is extremely useful so far! I have also found some other places online with constructive information (Google the different heads, for example!).
I am currently leaning toward the RRS...but I've gone back and forth for the past few days. I wrote to RRS with some particular questions and I'll wait to see what the responses are.
In the meantime, you bring up a valid point...I, like you, am not a "constant" tripod user. I want something that will give me the solid "footing" that I want but in a manageable package. If I were to buy something today, I'd get the 2530 with the BH-40. Still undecided about the mounting plate, etc. because I am still unsure how to attach the camera and flash bracket to the tripod....and how to attach the camera to the flash bracket if it had the L bracket attached!
I'll let you know if I hear or find anything else. Please do the same.
By the way....there is certainly no urgency from my perspective. I just want to get the right thing and be done with it!!

sml,

I'll be sure to let you know if I hear or see anything from my side. I'm located in Canada but will be in Buffalo and soon Hawaii, o if I can get it before I go then that would be fantastic! At this point, time is my enemy.

Curious... why are you going with the 2530 and not the 2540?

Roadrunnr wrote in post #5503515
Curious... why are you going with the 2530 and not the 2540?

The person I spoke with at RRS last week suggested that the "30" would be more stable and to go with the "40" only if the shorter collapsed length would be important. I've heard that elsewhere.I think it's only a matter of a couple of inches or so.
On the other hand, the equipment guru at NAPP suggests going with the 3540LS and the BH-55. I think that's overkill for my gear, at this point, though she has been right on the mark with past recommendations!
Also, this was an interesting link (picked up from the RSS site, by the way!):

http://bythom.com/supp​ort.htm

yeah, I've read that site already... here are a two more for you to read (if you haven't done so already):

http://www.wonderandli​ght.com/essays/tripod_​heads/
http://www.photosafari​india.com/arti...ballh​eads.html

I cannot speak about the Kirk BH-1, but I've owned a Kirk BH-3 for over 8 years, and it has been stellar. Never a bit of trouble. I recently sent it in to have the clamp updated to the latest version, but that was purely my own vanity. Kirk has been around, they provide good service, and should be around for many more years.

i will ask this question: I know that Markins and RRS are both great in ballheads but i can't decide which i have to stick with, so i think the best plan i will do is, i will buy Q3 for my 1-series Gitzo [1540T], but which RRS ballhead should i get for my 5-series [5540]? i can use Q3 for both tripods if i need, but also i can use that RRS for both as well, Q3 is lightest so i keep it for my light travel tripod, but for my 5-series i want to buy the best [and don't forget i will buy Wimberley II for longer lenses later].

OK....here's my dilemma now!
I have decided to go with the Gitzo 2530. And I also want to go with the Really Right Stuff BH-40 head. Seems appropriate for my equipment and my purposes.
The problem comes with the L Bracket, which the folks at RRS recommend. The majority of my shooting is without a tripod. I also shoot a bit with my flash with a Custom Bracket CB Junior bracket. To a lesser degree, I will shoot with the tripod setup.
Will I be able to take off and put on the L bracket "as needed" or does it have to stay on the camera at all times? That is, just put it on when I intend to shoot with the tripod.
And then, of course, I have the "problem" of not shooting with the tripod and the flash bracket simultaneously, but I don't think that's a problem.
So, I'm wondering if those of you with an L bracket think it's practical to take it off and put in on as needed. Or, rather, take it off when I want to shoot flash!!
For that matter, would the same hold true for the regular camera bracket for the ball head--does that stay "on" the camera, too? And does it create a problem for the flash bracket?
Thanks....I'm "almost there" except for this issue!

sml wrote in post #5510373
OK....here's my dilemma now!
I have decided to go with the Gitzo 2530. And I also want to go with the Really Right Stuff BH-40 head. Seems appropriate for my equipment and my purposes.
The problem comes with the L Bracket, which the folks at RRS recommend. The majority of my shooting is without a tripod. I also shoot a bit with my flash with a Custom Bracket CB Junior bracket. To a lesser degree, I will shoot with the tripod setup.
Will I be able to take off and put on the L bracket "as needed" or does it have to stay on the camera at all times? That is, just put it on when I intend to shoot with the tripod.
And then, of course, I have the "problem" of not shooting with the tripod and the flash bracket simultaneously, but I don't think that's a problem.
So, I'm wondering if those of you with an L bracket think it's practical to take it off and put in on as needed. Or, rather, take it off when I want to shoot flash!!
For that matter, would the same hold true for the regular camera bracket for the ball head--does that stay "on" the camera, too? And does it create a problem for the flash bracket?
Thanks....I'm "almost there" except for this issue!

I think i will buy L-bracket as well because i love landscapes very much and i change the orientation many times when shooting landscapes or outdoor.

I don't know what is the problem with L-bracket and flash, but if there something wrong then i prefer not to keep that L-bracket on all the time, i left my off camera shoe cord on the body and later when i tried to take it off i couldn't because it was tighten so strong, so i think i will not keep my L-bracket on worry that it will stuck when i need to take it off very quick for a shoot, it is my opinion only.

sml wrote in post #5510373
OK....here's my dilemma now!
I have decided to go with the Gitzo 2530. And I also want to go with the Really Right Stuff BH-40 head. Seems appropriate for my equipment and my purposes.
The problem comes with the L Bracket, which the folks at RRS recommend. The majority of my shooting is without a tripod. I also shoot a bit with my flash with a Custom Bracket CB Junior bracket. To a lesser degree, I will shoot with the tripod setup.
Will I be able to take off and put on the L bracket "as needed" or does it have to stay on the camera at all times? That is, just put it on when I intend to shoot with the tripod.
And then, of course, I have the "problem" of not shooting with the tripod and the flash bracket simultaneously, but I don't think that's a problem.
So, I'm wondering if those of you with an L bracket think it's practical to take it off and put in on as needed. Or, rather, take it off when I want to shoot flash!!
For that matter, would the same hold true for the regular camera bracket for the ball head--does that stay "on" the camera, too? And does it create a problem for the flash bracket?
Thanks....I'm "almost there" except for this issue!

The design of the A-S plates is to be attached to the camera with an Allen wrench (vs. the RC2 plates which have a type of thumb screw).

So, if you want to carry around an Allen wrench, you can take it on and off. i think once you start using it you will find, like most, that it will feel "natural".

As for the Custom Bracket, I am sure it can be adapted to a A-S clamp and plate for attaching to camera and tripod, much as I did with this Newton Camera Rotator Bracket....

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