Ballheads Discussion

Tareq wrote in post #5829787
OK, thank you very much

I know about those links, i visited that site millions times, and still didn't fix 100% of what i buy, ballhead is BH-55 no doubt, but not sure which clamps, sme prefer LRII and others ASII and i think both are just fine, so i have to choose one of them, you didn't tell me which one to choose and instead telling me about the ballhead itself, thanks again but i am waiting to see what most people prefer of both clamps for that ballhead.
And about panos, yes you are right, i must leveling my tripod first, i bought that hotshoe bubble leveling, isn't it good enough to use it with my tripod or camera? or i should get something else for leveling? I have some friends did panos just with simple or good tripod such as manfrotto and Slik with any of these leveling, but i don't want to leave anything for luck and i have to be serious or more pro in my gear and skills.

so come on people, which clamp do you prefer?

No news about Q3T [or TR] yet? only that asian langauge site? help me to order it please, tell me the process, as i can't read something rather than arabic and english.

Tareq,

Actually, I did offer my preference in a previous message, and in this last one one. To clarify: In general terms, I like the heads that are supplied as part of the head kit.
The BH55-LR comes with the ASII - not the LRII clamp. Confusing (thanks for the correction, jrsforums! ). or you can buy the BH55 without a clamp - the LR indicates the clamp option (ASII), just like the PRO has the screw clamp, and the PCL has the pano attachment...

For the Markins, I would recommend the Markins clamp, just to make it simple. If you are set on an RRS clamp for the Markins, I would tend to favor the LRII (not the ASII - again corrected, thanks jrsforums) clamp, as it offers more mounting options. Or use the clamp RRS recommends for that head.

The two RRS lever clamps you mention are IDENTICAL, except for the mounting options. Not much of a life-changing choice, IMNTBHO.

The bubble level is fine - providing the ball-head base is absolutely level, too. The leveling bases and the Markins Pano attachment just make things a bit faster and easier. If everything is not level, it too, can be overcome with the stitching software - though it does make the work more tedious. I've seen perfectly good panos done hand held. YMMV.

To JMIK26 -

The lever clamp has its supporters, and the folks who do not like it. We all can appreciate the speed of the lever over the screw. Some like the lever because at a quick glance, they can tell if the clamp is tight, half open or fully open. The screw cannot be checked visually - it requires a twist - I find myself checking it often.

As for your pro friend that dumped his rig with a lever - the quick release can work against you - a snag on clothing can open it up, and dump your expensive rig - also fast

fxk wrote in post #5833523
For the Markins, I would recommend the Markins clamp, just to make it simple. If you are set on an RRS clamp for the Markins, I would tend to favor the ASII clamp, as it offers more mounting options. Or use the clamp RRS recommends for that head.

Fxk...

Did you mean the LR II, not AS II. The AS II will not accept the 3/8" stud that is normally used for the Markins. The LR II can use the stud or a bolt (1/4" or M6).

jrsforums wrote in post #5833909
Fxk...

Did you mean the LR II, not AS II. The AS II will not accept the 3/8" stud that is normally used for the Markins. The LR II can use the stud or a bolt (1/4" or M6).

Of course. you are absolutely correct. I will edit my previous post to include your corrections. Mea Culpa!
Why RRS would put an ASII clamp with a BH55-LR is beyond me... Anyway, thanks, jrsforums!

WOW, i don't know why i saw BH-55 before from RRS site with LR II not AS II, i checked again and i can see BH-55 with AS II, ok, then i will go with that, now i am very happy, i will order it within 2 days or in Monday if so.

Now with another ballhead, Q3, i am happy that some of you called Markins and they said that we can order Q3T, then i will give them a call, now the question is, with this ballhead [Q3 or Q3T] which RRS clamps to get, LR II or AS II? if i will use the same gear on my BH-55+AS II and all with RRS L plates.

Tareq wrote in post #5836784
WOW, i don't know why i saw BH-55 before from RRS site with LR II not AS II, i checked again and i can see BH-55 with AS II, ok, then i will go with that, now i am very happy, i will order it within 2 days or in Monday if so.

Now with another ballhead, Q3, i am happy that some of you called Markins and they said that we can order Q3T, then i will give them a call, now the question is, with this ballhead [Q3 or Q3T] which RRS clamps to get, LR II or AS II? if i will use the same gear on my BH-55+AS II and all with RRS L plates.

I think the Q3's only come with a clamp. If you want to put an RRS clamp on it, have the ship it WITHOUT Locktite.

Since Markins uses the 3/8" stud, the best RRS Lever clamp is the LR II, though you could use the AS II (with 1/4" bolt) if you replace the stud with a reducer (get it from RRS, they are longer).

jrsforums wrote in post #5838061
I think the Q3's only come with a clamp. If you want to put an RRS clamp on it, have the ship it WITHOUT Locktite.

Since Markins uses the 3/8" stud, the best RRS Lever clamp is the LR II, though you could use the AS II (with 1/4" bolt) if you replace the stud with a reducer (get it from RRS, they are longer and stainless).

OK, thank you very much
I will call them and tell them to ship that Q3 [or Q3T] without clamp or locktite, and as you recommend, i will use LR II, no need to go to AS II and then i have to use something else like reducer, just use LR II thats all, but i hope i can place that clamp on Markins myself and become fixed and stable.

Tareq wrote in post #5839236
OK, thank you very much
I will call them and tell them to ship that Q3 [or Q3T] without clamp or locktite, and as you recommend, i will use LR II, no need to go to AS II and then i have to use something else like reducer, just use LR II thats all, but i hope i can place that clamp on Markins myself and become fixed and stable.

There are some threads here (or FM forum - General Gear) which discuss using "blue" Loctite, Which is what I used.

jrsforums wrote in post #5840032
There are some threads here (or FM forum - General Gear) which discuss using "blue" Loctite, Which is what I used.

Tareq - if you choose to use Loctite (probably a good idea) as jsforums said, use only the blue. That will allow disassembly in the future - the others (like the RED, will not - the red is almost as strong as welding the pieces together.

Sounds like you're finally set - best wishes!

jrsforums wrote in post #5840032
There are some threads here (or FM forum - General Gear) which discuss using "blue" Loctite, Which is what I used.

OK, thank you very much
What is Loctite?

fxk wrote in post #5840534
Tareq - if you choose to use Loctite (probably a good idea) as jsforums said, use only the blue. That will allow disassembly in the future - the others (like the RED, will not - the red is almost as strong as welding the pieces together.

Sounds like you're finally set - best wishes!

OK, i will, thanks

Tareq wrote in post #5844295
What is Loctite?

Google is your friend: Loctite

René Damkot wrote in post #5844328
Google is your friend: Loctite

Thank you very much
I used google but i didn't open this link, thanks again

fxk wrote in post #5840534
Tareq - if you choose to use Loctite (probably a good idea) as jsforums said, use only the blue. That will allow disassembly in the future - the others (like the RED, will not - the red is almost as strong as welding the pieces together.

Sounds like you're finally set - best wishes!

+2 On the Blue Loctite

jmik26 wrote in post #5845057
+2 On the Blue Loctite

Thank you very much for the link, so now i know where to find and order it, but what i can use it for?

Tareq wrote in post #5847392
Thank you very much for the link, so now i know where to find and order it, but what i can use it for?

Loctite is a liquid that is applied to threads on a nut or bolt that hardens and prevents the nut and bolt from coming apart - like a lockwasher, ot a nylon castellated lock nut. The liquid comes in different strengths - blue is the "basic" compound for when dissassembly may later be required. Red is for semi-permanent mounting of non-threaded items, like bearings.

You would use a couple of drops on the mounting screw that attaches the clamp to the ball head to ensure it stays in place and tight.

It can also be used on a variety of things around the house and garage.